Youth Smoking and Physical Inactivity Surge in Tunisia – WHO Highlights Alarming Trends
Tunis, 10 March 2026 – Dr. Olfa Saïdi, head of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Tunisia, announced on Tuesday that a 2024 study reveals 14 % of children aged 13‑15 are regular cigarette smokers in the country.
During a live telephone interview on Radio Nationale, Dr. Saïdi added that more than 35 % of adolescents in the same age group have tried tobacco in at least one form (cigarettes, shisha, or chewing tobacco).
Early Onset of Tobacco Use
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| 47 % | Of the young smokers started at 12 years old. |
| ~50 % | Nearly half of all teen smokers began before age 13. |
| 7 years | Isolated cases of first‑time smoking were recorded as early as this age. |
These figures underscore a rapid escalation of nicotine addiction among Tunisian youth, raising concerns for long‑term public‑health consequences.
Growing Sedentary Lifestyle
Dr. Saïdi also warned of a sharp rise in physical inactivity across Tunisia, citing data from the National Sports Observatory (2021):
- Physical activity rate fell from 35 % in 2009 to just 12 % in 2021.
- The decline reflects reduced participation in regular exercise, sports, and active commuting.
“The combination of early‑age smoking and declining physical activity creates a perfect storm for future chronic diseases,” Dr. Saïdi emphasized.
What This Means for Public Health
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, and mental health issues among the younger population.
- Higher future healthcare costs for the Tunisian government and families.
- Urgent need for targeted prevention programs, school‑based education, and community outreach to reverse these trends.
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