On November 11, 2026, Tunisia's National Observatory for Sports, in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Health, and the World Health Organization's office in Tunis, organised an awareness day at the Institute of Sports Science in El Menzah. The event, held under the slogan "Sports Without Smoking," aimed to educate young people about the dangers of smoking and its negative impact on physical fitness and athletic performance.
Nizar Souissi, from the National Observatory for Sports, stated that the awareness day targeted young people, particularly students, as they are the most vulnerable to drug dealers. The initiative seeks to educate them about the risks associated with smoking. Souissi emphasised that the event was a crucial step towards promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people.
According to Dr. Sonia M'allel, head of the medical department at Abdel Rahman Mami Hospital, the general smoking rate in Tunisia stands at 40%. She also revealed that the average age at which Tunisian smokers have their first cigarette is seven years old. Dr. M'allel's statements highlight the urgency of addressing the smoking issue in the country, particularly among young people.
Dr. M'allel also mentioned that public hospitals in Tunisia offer assistance to those who want to quit smoking, and nicotine substitutes are provided free of charge to those with health insurance. This support system is crucial in helping smokers overcome their addiction and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The awareness day featured various activities aimed at educating young people about the risks associated with smoking. The event provided a platform for experts to share their knowledge and experiences, and for young people to ask questions and seek advice on how to quit smoking.
The collaboration between the National Observatory for Sports, the Ministries of Education and Health, and the World Health Organization's office in Tunis demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the smoking issue in Tunisia. The event is part of a broader effort to promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the prevalence of smoking in the country.
The "Sports Without Smoking" awareness day is a significant step towards promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people in Tunisia. By educating them about the risks associated with smoking, the event aims to inspire a change in behaviour and encourage young people to adopt healthier habits.
Key points
- The event was organised under the slogan "Sports Without Smoking" to educate young people about the dangers of smoking.
- The general smoking rate in Tunisia stands at 40%, with an average age of seven years old for first-time smokers.
- Public hospitals in Tunisia offer free assistance and nicotine substitutes to those who want to quit smoking.
Reporting sources
- Radio Sfax · Radio Sfax
