A total of 28,053 people in Portugal have signed up to the ‘Ex-smokers are Unstoppable’ campaign, a number surpassed only by the UK and Spain, which come in first and second respectively.
Launched in 2011 and available in 28 countries, the campaign targets young smokers aged between 24 and 35 and “is a celebration of the ex-smoker” as a proud and unstoppable role model for those who have yet to quit.
“When a smoker becomes an ex-smoker he or she achieves something remarkable. The personal benefits are numerous: better health, better looks, more money and a boost in self-confidence. The effect on society (lower healthcare costs, stronger economy, etc.) is also huge”, the campaign’s webpage explains.
One of the main tools provided by the campaign to help people in their mission to stop smoking is the iCoach, a free access digital health coaching platform available in 23 official EU languages.
“Unlike other digital health tools, the iCoach also focuses on those unwilling to quit and those with a high relapse risk. So far the results have been astonishing. More than 30 percent who start the programme quit smoking”, the content claims.
In a statement sent to The Portugal News it was explained that in 2009 the EU spent a staggering 544 billion euros on smokers’ health issues.
According to Vytenis Andriukaitis, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, “Approximately 700,000 people die every year in Europe from causes related to tobacco. More people die through cigarettes than from road accidents, crimes or drug use - all together. This is precisely why I am committed to reinforcing the action of the European Union to reduce tobacco-related diseases across Europe - with legislation, the campaign “Ex Smokers are unstoppable”, and cooperation with the Member States, civil society and other international partners. “
Still, the EC says, “Much work remains to be done.
“A third of Europeans still light up on a regular basis and many continue to die from smoking-related illnesses. This is not only a human tragedy but a major health and socio-economic concern as it places greater burden on public health systems and robs Europe of workers needed to drive competitiveness in these tough economic times.”