Tobacco smoking in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, smoking is allowed, but tobacco products including cigarettes are subject to specific legal control measures. Based on these regulations, a comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, including cigarettes, is strictly enforced. Health warnings on their packaging are required, and smoking is restricted in public places such as healthcare and educational facilities. There is also a minimum age restriction on sales of 18 years. However, retail sale is allowed, and products can legally be purchased online or through vending machines.

In terms of statistics, Afghanistan had approximately 2,1 million tobacco smokers aged 15 years and older, based on crude prevalence estimates, as of 2024. The adult current smoking prevalence rate was reported to be 8.7%, with a significant difference between genders: 15.8% among males and 1.6% among females. This represents a decrease from previous years, as in 2020, the prevalence among males was 17.7% and females 2.1%. In 2019, the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was estimated to be 7.6%, with considerable difference between genders: 12.6% among males and 2.2% among females.

The total number of deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 9,151 in 2021, including 6,555 male deaths and 2,596 female deaths. This indicates that the tobacco smoking-related deaths constituted 3.36% of all deaths in the country, with a higher impact on males at 4.27%, compared to females at 2.18%. These figures highlight the ongoing public health challenge posed by tobacco smoking in Afghanistan, demonstrating the need for continued and enhanced public health measures to mitigate smoking-related morbidities and mortalities in the country.