Smoking cessation services see 31% increase in past year

The Health Bureau (SSM) reported a significant increase in the number of people seeking smoking cessation services in 2023, underlining the city’s efforts to tackle the health risks associated with tobacco use.

According to the bureau, 1,726 individuals received smoking cessation counseling and assessment at specialized clinics last year, a 31% jump from the previous year. While the success rate of these programs was deemed satisfactory, the authorities did not provide specific figures.

The World Health Organization’s designation of the first Tuesday in May as World Asthma Day serves as a timely reminder of the importance of quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke exposure, both of which are crucial factors in preventing asthma and acute asthma attack.

Macau’s healthcare landscape reflects the impact of these efforts, with data from 2022 showing that approximately 2,500 people, or 0.4% of the population, visited public hospitals, health centers, and Kiang Wu Hospital for asthma-related complications, a figure consistent with previous years.

Notably, the 60-74 age group accounted for the highest proportion of patients, at 26.9% of the total.

As the city continues to prioritize public health, the surge in participation at smoking cessation clinics underscores the community’s growing awareness and commitment to addressing the respiratory health challenges posed by tobacco use. Staff Reporter