Key Points

In 2014, the standardized prevalence of smoking in Réunion among people aged 18–75 (24.1%) as well as among 17-year-olds (21.0%), were higher than those in other overseas departments and regions (DROM) and were close to the national level (26.9% among 18- to 75-year-olds and 25.1% among 17-year-olds). The number of smokers was estimated at 150,000, and two-thirds of daily smokers reported wanting to quit.

Over the 2013–2015 period, regarding mortality from lung cancer or lung cancer associated with ischemic heart disease and COPD, Réunion ranked first among the DROMs and exceeded the national average by 10 to 20%. In 2015, it was one of three regions where hospitalization and mortality rates for COPD exceeded the national rate by more than 20%.

In light of this, the ARS OI continues its commitment to the fight against tobacco through concerted and coordinated action by all stakeholders. It offers innovative prevention tools and programs tailored to the context, culture, and lifestyles of Réunion, aimed at preventing people from taking up smoking or supporting smokers in quitting.