# Smoking cessation in Malatya, Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/smoking-cessation-in-malatya-turkey
> Updated: 2026-09-06T08:01:31.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

A 52-year-old civil servant in Malatya, Turkey, successfully ended a 35-year smoking habit. The individual was motivated by social feedback from a grandchild, who remarked, “Grandpa, you smell very bad,” as well as physical symptoms such as asthma and shortness of breath.

After receiving medical treatment and psychosocial support from the Yeşilyurt District Health Directorate Smoking Cessation Clinic, the individual has remained smoke-free for approximately 10 months. Reported benefits include improved walking capacity and easier breathing.

His case has been highlighted as an individual success story during Public Health Week in Turkey. This period features nationwide initiatives by the Ministry of Health and various municipalities to combat addiction and promote preventive care. Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu reported that over 1.5 million citizens have received free medication support to quit smoking, supported by 1,678 smoking cessation clinics and 24/7 helplines such as ALO 171 and ALO 191.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Turkey launches nationwide public health and addiction prevention initiatives

Turkey marks Public Health Week with nationwide addiction combat efforts, including free smoking cessation medication for 1.5 million people and municipal health screenings in Ankara and Izmir.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/man-in-malatya-quits-35-year-smoking-habit-after-grandchilds-comment

### 2026-08-22: Siirt resident quits 25-year smoking addiction without medication

A 40-year-old man in Siirt successfully quit a 25-year smoking addiction through counseling at a Healthy Life Center without using medication.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/siirt-resident-quits-25-year-smoking-addiction-without-medication

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Cite as: Smoking cessation in Malatya, Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/smoking-cessation-in-malatya-turkey