YHP SERBIA
Location
National.
Timing
Phase I 2018; Phases II & III 2019 - 2021
The local context
Tobacco use by 13-15 year olds in Serbia is showing some alarming trends and in the general population almost 9,500 people in Serbia are diagnosed with respiratory tract cancer each year.
Laws to reduce access to tobacco among minors, and increase non-smoking areas, are not widely enforced. Research shows that children are still heavily exposed to both first-hand and second-hand smoking.
Our objectives
To reach the target group of 200,000 children aged 10-12 through the programme and reduce the incidence of smoking in this group by at least 10% by working with policy makers, educators and health professionals to change youth perceptions of tobacco.
Our focus
Online and community programs targeting youth (age 10-12), aimed primarily at prevention of tobacco consumption, supported by intensive advocacy.
Our programme
The programme started in 2018, and has these elements:
• Running a community programme through elementary schools throughout the country, involving more than 500 children in extracurricular activities
• Sharing “cool” and healthy lifestyle alternatives to smoking with up to 200,000 young people through a broad online campaign (Facebook, YouTube).
• Involving all stakeholders, especially educators and health professionals, and facilitating an advocacy campaign to strengthen tobacco control laws
Our partners
Propulsion Fund – works in-depth with corporate leaders in the Western Balkans to help invest in brilliant minds.
