June 01, 2023
Extra push needed for Smokefree 2025 target
Action on Smoking and Health director Ben Youdan says Aotearoa is on track to be smoke-free by 2025 – and Māori are doing their part.
Yesterday was World Smokefree Day, when the focus goes on whānau members who have quit or are in the process of quitting.
Mr Youdan says the fact only 1 to 3 percent of rangatahi Māori smoke cigarettes would have been a dream 10 years ago and shows amazing progress.
Wāhine Māori have also done their part, from 33 percent smoking two years ago to 18 percent.
He says the focus needs to be on vulnerable communities
“We want to see the Government and the health service really invest in communities around keeping up the momentum we’re got and building momentum for those populations we’re not seeing big changes for,” Mr Youdan says.