Myanmar People’s Health Foundation, WHO cooperate in establishment of 8 smoke-free zones in Yangon in 2023

Myanmar People’s Health Foundation and the World Health Organization (WHO) cooperated to establish eight smoke-free areas in the Yangon Region in 2023, according to Dr Than Sein, Chairman of the People’s Health Foundation.
The Myanmar People’s Health Foundation and the WHO are cooperating to reduce smoking and tobacco usage, mainly by designating smoke-free areas.
“In Yangon Region in 2023, we were able to establish a total of eight smoke-free areas. The main designated areas are shopping centres, schools, offices, restaurants, hotels, motels, guest houses, and pagodas. Smoke-free areas have been established in the townships of downtown Yangon, such as Ahlon, Lanmadaw, Latha, Pabedan, Kyauktada, Dagon, Yankin and, Thingangyun townships, restaurants, hotels, motels, and shopping centres. Furthermore, the remaining townships within Yangon have been able to continue to be designated as public areas due to the cooperation of administrative organizations, pagoda trustee board, and the public,” Dr Than Sein explained.
In addition, such smoke-free areas are being established not only in Yangon Region but also in Mandalay Region, Shan State, Mon State and Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.
At present, a total of 90 pagodas in the Bagan Ancient Cultural Zone of Mandalay Region, Pindaya Caves in Shan State (South), Inlay PhaungdawU Pagoda and Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Platform in Mon State have been designated smoke-free areas. — ASH/TKO