MOSCOW, April 22. /TASS/. The number of smokers in Russia has decreased by more than a half since 2009, dropping from 39.5% to 18.6% of the population, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko announced.

"The smoking rate among adults aged above 15 has declined 2.1-fold: from 39.5% in 2009 to 18.6% in 2024," he stated during the panel titled "Population Preservation: Relevant Approaches to Demographic Policy" at the 2nd All-Russian Municipal Forum, Small Homeland - the Strength of Russia. Murashko attributed the achievement to the implementation of anti-tobacco measures.

The 2nd All-Russian Municipal Forum, Small Homeland - the Strength of Russia is being held on an instruction from Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss pressing issues related to the development and support of municipal entities.

The forum has been organized by the All-Russian Association for the Development of Local Self-Government with the support of the Russian presidential administration. The event is running at the Russia National Center on April 21-23. The event has brought together representatives of local self-government, federal and regional authorities, business, public organizations and experts.

TASS is the forum’s general information partner.