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2 clusters · 4 sources · 2 days · First seen · Last updated

Public health challenges in North Macedonia

Overview

Public health concerns have emerged in North Macedonia regarding rising rates of addictive behaviors. Data indicates that nearly one in four citizens over the age of 16 are daily users of tobacco or related products, a rate of 22.5% that remains substantially higher than the EU average of 16.5% recorded in 2025.

Additionally, research shows that 25% of students aged 15 to 16 have gambled for money within a 12-month period, with a notable gender disparity between boys (34%) and girls (16%). Activists have reported that problematic gambling among students increased from 4.5% in 2019 to 7.6% in 2024, prompting calls for stricter controls on betting shops and advertisements.

Entities

North Macedonia · World Health Organization · European Union · Friedrich Ebert Foundation · Eurostat

Timeline

  1. about 1 month ago

    [HEALTH] 3 sources
    North Macedonia youth gambling rates rise among 15-16 year olds

    Research shows 25% of 15-16 year olds in North Macedonia have gambled for money in the last year, prompting calls for stricter regulations and mental health support.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    North Macedonia sees high daily smoking rates amid regional increase

    Eurostat reports that while EU tobacco use is declining, smoking rates are rising in North Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria, with North Macedonia seeing nearly 25% daily usage.

Sources

koha.mk · shenja.tv · telegrafi.com · tetovasot.com