National No Smoking Day is observed annually on January 31 to raise public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco products.
The initiative for this day originated in 1982, led by students of the Faculty of Medicine in Tuzla. At the same time, the Section for the Fight Against Smoking was established, with its mascot, “Nepuško,” becoming widely popular among students across the former Yugoslavia. For many years, Nepuško adorned the facade of the Faculty of Medicine in Tuzla as a symbol of the fight against smoking. Recognizing the significance of this movement, the Congress of Medical Students of Yugoslavia officially declared January 31 as National No Smoking Day.
That same year, the World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledged the efforts of the Faculty of Medicine in Tuzla and the Section for the Fight Against Smoking, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Rajko Igić, as the largest student-led preventive health campaign in Europe.
In recent years, studies conducted by the Institute of Public Health of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina have reaffirmed that smoking remains the leading single risk factor for public health in the country. The growing use of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and hookahs further exacerbates these risks, emphasizing the continued importance of anti-smoking initiatives.
Dr. Jasmina Bošnjić PhD, from the Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases at the University Clinical Center Tuzla highlighted the growing concern over the rising trend of electronic cigarettes.
“The tobacco industry continuously introduces new, attractive, and seemingly harmless electronic cigarettes, making them particularly appealing to young consumers. This is deeply concerning, as it serves as a direct recruitment strategy for new smokers. The harmful effects of electronic cigarettes are already a reality. An increasing number of studies confirm that vaping poses serious risks to the lungs and overall health. In fact, medical research has already identified specific diseases directly linked to the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping.”
Dr. Bošnjić also emphasized the concerning rise of hookah bars, which have become popular gathering spots for young people.
“The health risks associated with hookah use are often overlooked, yet they are significant. Sharing hookahs facilitates the direct transmission of bacteria, increasing the risk of tuberculosis and other infections. Additionally, these venues create an environment where substance abuse can also become an issue. Alarmingly, even during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, hookah bars operated at full capacity, disregarding public health risks. As both a doctor and a concerned citizen, I find it troubling how little attention is given to the serious consequences of hookah use,” Dr. Bošnjić warned.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smoking is responsible for approximately 8 million deaths worldwide each year. Beyond respiratory cancers, the consumption of tobacco and tobacco products is linked to numerous other serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, stomach disorders, and bladder cancer.
Smokers face a significantly higher risk of fatal health events. Research shows that they are 40 times more likely to die from a heart attack than non-smokers. Additionally, women who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day have a threefold increased risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Beyond its devastating impact on health, smoking imposes a heavy burden on healthcare systems, weakens national economies, and exacerbates poverty. The emergence of new harmful trends, such as electronic cigarettes, vaping, and hookah use, further intensifies these concerns and demands a more serious and proactive approach.
Addressing this issue requires continuous monitoring of tobacco product consumption across all population groups. At the same time, comprehensive educational and awareness campaigns targeting the public can play a crucial role in reducing smoking rates and preventing the adoption of new, equally dangerous habits.
