An unprecedented anti-smoking campaign by the Chilean Ministry of Health, aimed mainly at young people between 12 and 14 years old, uses data from an important investigation led by the IECS to support the initiative.
“Humos Letales #FumarMata” is an audiovisual miniseries that is presented in Japanese anime format and is being broadcast throughout December through YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twich, Spotify, Facebook video rewards and digital media, reported in its official website of the organization.
In 2020, the IECS developed and disseminated infographic material which indicates that, in Chile, tobacco makes 62.720 people sick annually with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); 31.358 people due to heart disease; 12.580 people due to cerebrovascular accident (CVA); and 8.523 people due to cancer.
These data were the result of a mathematical modeling study in which more than 40 researchers and health decision-makers from universities, research centers and public institutions from twelve countries in the region collaborated. The information, which is now widely used by the Ministry of Health to promote this campaign today, was also an important input to help that country adopt the neutral labeling of cigarette packages.
“It is very comforting that the research effort that we lead from the IECS does not end only in publications, but also promotes different public policies in different countries that help change reality,” said the Dr. Andrea Alcaraz, cardiologist and coordinator of Health Technology Assessment (ETESA) of the institution.