The Republic of Moldova has begun piloting WHO’s nicotine- and tobacco-free school initiative, aiming to protect children and adolescents from nicotine addiction. Running until May 2026, the program is led by the Ministry of Education and Research in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the National Agency for Public Health.

Five schools are participating, including institutions in Chisinau, Balti, Samascani, and Sadova, implementing comprehensive policies that ban all tobacco and nicotine products on school grounds, transport, and during school events. The initiative also promotes continuous education, awareness campaigns, cessation support, and active involvement of the whole school community.

Students play a key role as ambassadors, sharing messages on the benefits of a tobacco-free life. “Sports taught us that breathing, endurance and health make a difference,” said students Simion Boltov and Arhip Bescorovainii.

The pilot aligns with Moldova’s national tobacco control framework and the upcoming National Strategy on Drugs and Addictions 2026–2032, addressing concerns that 12.7% of adolescents aged 13–15 use e-cigarettes. Globally, WHO’s initiative has been launched in countries including Croatia, Czechia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Ukraine.

Valentina Olaru, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, emphasized: “Through this pilot, we aim to ensure students grow up in an environment that protects them from nicotine addiction and encourages healthy choices.”