The WHO considers the Russian Federation an example to follow in the fight against alcohol and smoking

"Tobacco remains an acute problem. Its consumption is the leading risk factor in the WHO European Region. However, both in Russia and in other countries of Eastern Europe, there are positive shifts in this area. When we talk about an integrated approach in the fight against tobacco smoking and alcohol, we cite the Russian Federation as an example to follow", - Izvestia quotes the words of a WHO representative.

Vikramasinghe believes that the Russian authorities managed to significantly reduce the problem of alcohol consumption by curbing handicraft production and by banning night trading.

In early September, it was reported that 344 million liters of vodka were sold in Russia between January and June of this year. This is 4% less than the same period in 2020. By the first half of 2019, the decline was 3%.

As for smoking, in July Russian smokers were warned about the next bans. In particular, the authorities proposed to discuss the issue of the production of standard-sized and anonymous packages of tobacco products, 75% of the area of which should be occupied by pictures or photographs about the dangers of smoking.