Tunisia's tobacco control policies are insufficiently implemented; experts call for the introduction of less harmful alternatives to help quit smoking

Key points:

• Tunisia's tobacco control policy faces challenges in implementation, with smoking rates remaining high among young men. 
• Experts recommend introducing less harmful alternatives such as smokeless products to help smokers quit. 
• They advocate for a tailored regulatory framework based on Tunisia's specific situation to better address smoking issues.

In a report by APA News on September 29, 2025, it was revealed that despite Tunisia's comprehensive anti-smoking policies on paper, the actual impact has not been as successful. Nearly half of the country's male population regularly smokes, with smoking being particularly prevalent among young people.

Tunisia has been a party to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control since 2010 and has implemented a series of strict measures, including banning smoking in public places and restricting advertising. However, due to a lack of strong enforcement of policies, tobacco is still readily available. Additionally, related awareness campaigns focus more on stigmatization rather than assisting smokers in quitting.

The national smoking cessation program provides limited nicotine replacement products, mainly relying on quitting smoking altogether. Experts believe that this approach is rigid and unable to meet the diverse needs of smokers. Additionally, Tunisia lags behind in the implementation of harm reduction strategies widely used in other public health areas, such as HIV prevention or addiction treatment.

Sweden's success with "snus" and the UK's success with e-cigarettes demonstrate that introducing less harmful alternative products can lower smoking rates. International public health expert Dr. Mark Tyndall advocates for Tunisia to take similar measures, stating: "Providing smoke-free alternatives for smokers is a matter of health equity and social justice." He also criticizes the scientific and regulatory barriers that limit access to these solutions.

Experts believe that Tunisia cannot simply replicate foreign models, and the key lies in creating a customized regulatory framework that includes product control, training for healthcare professionals, and scientific communication. Such a strategy should not only be based on prevention but should also provide substantive harm reduction alternatives, thereby supporting Tunisian smokers.