Armenia’s tougher tobacco control laws and upcoming universal health insurance reform are designed to work together to reduce disease and protect families from catastrophic medical costs.
Armenia’s First Deputy Health Minister, Lena Nanushyan, said the country’s new tobacco control measures and upcoming universal health insurance (UHI) reform are designed to work together—reducing disease and shielding families from catastrophic medical costs. Recognized with WHO’s 2025 World No Tobacco Day award, she explained that tobacco control became a top national priority after a UN/WHO investment case proved its major health and economic benefits. Despite more than half of Armenian men smoking and rising youth vaping rates, enforcement remains the toughest challenge, requiring sustained education and cessation support. COVID-19 and recent conflict highlighted the need to institutionalize reforms through stronger primary care, quality labs, and trained health workers. The planned UHI, funded by modest contributions, aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Nanushyan credited data-driven advocacy and diaspora expertise for policy progress and urged stronger global solidarity for public health and universal coverage.
