Southeast Asia has made history by becoming the first region in the world to completely eliminate tobacco use, marking a major milestone in global public health. Previously, the region had the highest rates of tobacco use, with three-quarters of men as smokers. This significant reduction in smoking rates has led to a decline of over 25% in smoking prevalence. The success of this public health initiative has positioned Southeast Asia as a model for other regions seeking to reduce smoking rates.
In contrast, Europe has taken the position of the most tobacco-dependent region in the world, with smoking rates remaining high among its population. While some European countries have made progress in reducing smoking rates, many still face challenges in curbing tobacco use. However, Southeast Asia’s achievements offer a hopeful example for other parts of the world looking to improve public health outcomes through comprehensive tobacco control measures.