Hong Kong Smoking Rate Falls to Record Low 8.5% But Misses WHO Target

Hong Kong has achieved a record low smoking rate of 8.5%, a significant decrease from 23.3% in the early 1980s. The Department of Health announced the figures on Wednesday, noting that the rate has declined from 9.1% in 2023. This achievement is the result of sustained public and community efforts, positioning Hong Kong as an international example in tobacco control.

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Hong Kong’s smoking rate has continued to decline from 23.3 per cent in the early 1980s to 8.5 per cent in 2025, hitting a record low.

Despite this success, the rate falls short of the World Health Organization's recommended target of 7.8%. Manny Lam, head of the Department of Health’s Tobacco & Alcohol Control Office, attributed the shortfall to Hong Kong's already low baseline smoking rate, making further reductions challenging. He highlighted that the current rate still represents a 23.4% decrease from the 11.1% rate recorded in 2010.

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The decline of Hong Kong’s smoking rate to a record low is the result of years of concerted efforts by the public and various sectors of the community, making Hong Kong an international role model for successful tobacco control.

To further combat smoking, the Department of Health is continuing its "Quit in June" campaign. This initiative includes distributing free nicotine patches and ear acupuncture patches at various health centers. Additionally, a new AI service called "Chat to Quit," developed with the University of Hong Kong's School of Nursing, offers personalized counseling via WhatsApp. The department also recently banned the public possession of vapes and heated cigarettes.

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it was difficult to lower it by 30 per cent