25.5% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 616,000 current smokers in Moldova
50% of men are current smokers but only 5.8% of women
Smoking in Moldova
There has been an upwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Moldova. In 2000 the prevalence was estimated to be 23%; this increased to 24% by 2015, with a projection to increase to 24.5% by 2025. This increase in prevalence has been driven mainly by men's smoking, which increased from 44% to 45% between 2000 and 2015, and is projected to increase further to 46% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. Women's smoking during the same period increased very slightly from 5.2% in 2000 to 5.5% in 2015, and is projected to reduce to 5.4% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.
5,376
Deaths
5,376 people in Moldova die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
0.7%
e-cigarette vaping
By 2021, E-cigarettes had been used by around 0.7% of individuals in Moldova.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Moldova
E-cigarettes and vaping are legally allowed in Moldova. However, there are some restrictions to abide by. Vaping products are not allowed to be purchased through online channels. Manufacturers are required to place health warnings on their packaging, and the minimum legal age for their purchase is 18 years. Restrictions also exist on flavours, as well as on their use in public places.
There were an estimated 23,423 current vapers in Moldova in 2021, representing an adult current vaping prevalence of 0.7%. This prevalence was 0.2% among females and 1.2% among males in 2021.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Moldova
Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are regulated as novel tobacco products, and are allowed for sales and use in Moldova. However, their sales through online channels and vending machines are banned. The laws also bans HTPs advertising and require manufacturers to place health warnings on packaging of these products, and use only flavours allowed. There are also restrictions on their use in public places. By 2021, HTP had been used by around 2.6% of individuals in Moldova.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Moldova
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is legally allowed in Moldova. NRT products are not included on the country’s essential drugs list, therefore the government does not provide financial support for NRT.
Snus
in Moldova
Used in Scandinavia for more than 200 years, snus is providing smokers in Sweden and Norway with an alternative to combustible cigarettes. Find out what it is, and why it is considered a safer nicotine product in our briefing paper.
Pouches
in Moldova
Nicotine pouches are a relatively new product which can provide users of high-risk tobacco with an alternative that poses fewer risks to their health. Read more about nicotine pouches in our briefing paper