Like France, which will begin its November without tobacco November 1er, the Netherlands and Britain with the campaign Stoptober (28 days without tobacco in October), Belgium could push the Belgians to stop smoking for a month if the budget allows.
A FIRST EDITION OF THE “TOBACCO FREE MONTH” IN 2018?
In 2018, so, hopefully, a month without tobacco would be launched, initiated by experts of the Foundation against cancer.
The idea has been on the minds of the Cancer Foundation for many years. « We are following closely the initiatives of France since 2016, Great Britain since 2012 and the Netherlands since 2014", indicated Suzanne Gabriels, tobacco expert at the Foundation against cancer and active within Tabacstop. " In Belgium, it does not exist yet. We would like to do a similar campaign next year."
If this has not yet been set up in Belgium, it is not for lack of motivation and enthusiasm of the Foundation and the population. « According to a study carried out, a large majority of Belgians would be for this type of campaign. The population is enthusiastic« continues the specialist.
The problem is financial. « Such a campaign, for a month, is expensive", deplores Suzanne Gabriels. " If we want to do that, we will have to partner with private organizations and associations on a large scale. We must be able to offer helpers, alternatives ...«
The initiative, which is still in the rough state, would be very different from the month Mineral Tour, an initiative of the Foundation against Cancer that invited the 
Belgians to question their drinking and not to drink alcoholic beverages for a month. « During the Mineral Tour, we addressed everyone, we did not address alcoholic people« adds Suzanne Gabriels. " Here it will be different because we will go directly to people who are addicted to cigarettes.«
For this month without tobacco to be effective, « it takes an awareness campaign, but not that ...«
That month, smokers would be mentored by many specialists, health professionals, associations and businesses to help them become independent of smoking. Suzanne Gabriels details: « Dependent people really need help and support to make their approach a success. During this month, we imagine that Tabacstop will be active, but it is also necessary that GPs can advise people wanting to stop smoking, that the tobacco specialists are available quickly ... It could also be proposed smoking cessation aids as patches free, nicotine substitutes ... This requires a great preparation.«
The fight against smoking is one of the focuses of Federal Minister of Public Health Maggie De Block. But, currently, according to our information, no federal budget is thought to support this smokeless month campaign. « Nothing is planned for the moment« , says the firm.
