Bishkek, May 28, 2026. /Kabar/. Kyrgyz Republic has adopted a modern anti-tobacco law, No. 121, which largely complies with the requirements of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Liviu Vedrasco, WHO representative in Kyrgyzstan told Kabar.
However, according to him, a significant gap remains between the law's provisions and its implementation.
"Among the main problems is availability of nicotine products to minors." According to a global survey, 87% of schoolchildren in Kyrgyzstan can freely purchase nicotine products in stores and kiosks. WHO is concerned about the rapid spread of new nicotine products that are not yet regulated. These include synthetic nicotine, Nicpods, and nicotine-free liquids containing dangerous chemicals," he stated.
WHO representative cited aggressive digital marketing as another serious problem.
"The industry has entered TikTok, Instagram, and other social media. Children are seeing not cancer warnings, but beautiful images and bloggers who are essentially advertising poison," he noted.
Vedrasko paid special attention to the issue of nasvay (moist, smokeless tobacco product). He noted that despite a previously granted transition period, the production and distribution of nasvay, which is associated with a high risk of gastrointestinal and oral cancer, continues in some regions of Kyrgyzstan, including Batken region. In this regard, WHO recommended that Kyrgyzstan strengthen controls over the sale of nicotine products to minors, close legislative loopholes for synthetic nicotine, ban flavorings, expand nicotine addiction treatment programs, and strengthen enforcement of anti-tobacco laws.
According to Vedrasko, without genuine cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, tax and customs authorities, and the education system, even the most modern law remains in papers.