Kyrgyzstan moves to hike tobacco taxes to curb smoking crisis
Health ministry pushes for higher excise duties on cigarettes amid soaring tobacco-linked deaths and economic losses
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — Kyrgyzstan is preparing to hike tobacco taxes in a bid to tackle one of the region’s deadliest public health crises.
With thousands dying annually from smoking-related diseases and tobacco products remaining widely affordable, authorities are pushing for urgent fiscal reform to save lives and ease the economic burden.
The proposal was announced last week at a meeting in Bishkek, where the Ministry of Health hosted discussions with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Knowledge Hub.
The Times of Central Asia reported that the gathering focused on using taxation as a tool to reduce smoking rates, especially among youth.
Tobacco use is a leading cause of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer, which account for over 80% of premature deaths in Kyrgyzstan.
WHO estimates more than 6,000 citizens over the age of 30 die annually due to tobacco-related illness — the vast majority of them men. Cardiovascular disease alone causes more than half of these deaths, costing the Kyrgyz economy over 17 billion som ($194 million) per year.
Nearly 22% of adults in Kyrgyzstan smoke, including one in two men. Among individuals aged 35 to 69, smoking is responsible for significant mortality, cutting life expectancy by an average of 21 years.
Despite these figures, excise taxes on tobacco remain below 50% of the retail price — far lower than the WHO’s recommended 75%.
Public health experts say higher taxes are among the most effective deterrents to smoking, particularly for young people. A 10% price increase can reduce youth smoking by 8% in low- and middle-income countries, according to WHO research.
During the meeting, international experts introduced the TETSiM simulation model, a tool designed to help Kyrgyz officials analyze how tax increases can both reduce tobacco consumption and generate public revenue.
“Raising excise taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective and scientifically validated strategies for protecting public health,” said Health Minister Erkin Checheybayev. “Tobacco remains far too affordable in Kyrgyzstan, contributing directly to the rise of non-communicable diseases. We are committed to systemic reform and look forward to the continued support of international partners.”
Health officials and experts agreed that comprehensive tobacco tax reform could significantly reduce the burden on Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare system and establish the country as a regional leader in tobacco control.
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