Jilin Province launches smoking cessation competition

Authorities in Jilin Province, China, have launched a smoking cessation competition where participants who successfully quit smoking for 90 days will receive an honorary certificate. The program, which began on September 1, is open to individuals aged 18 and older who have smoked for at least one year.

Participants receive medical and psychological support from doctors. To verify success, candidates must undergo initial counseling, follow-up appointments, and a final breath test to measure carbon monoxide levels. Early registration data indicates high community interest, with more than half of the participating clinics reaching capacity on the first day.

This initiative is part of broader national efforts to reduce smoking rates in China, where the China CDC reports that tobacco-related illnesses cause over one million deaths annually. National health plans for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) aim to expand smoking cessation services and smoke-free zones, following similar ambitious tobacco control measures in cities like Shanghai.