Since 2016, 580,982 registrations for the major smoking cessation challenge have been recorded. Now an established fixture, this initiative offers smokers day-to-day support in quitting. This annual event kicks off in October for participants, who are invited to register via the dedicated platform. Starting today, Santé publique France is launching a national campaign that will be supported by numerous regional events. The goal is to encourage smokers to join the #MoisSansTabac initiative and to invite them to start preparing now to succeed in this challenge.

1 month without smoking: 5 times more likely to quit

Tobacco kills 75,000 people in France every year. The #MoisSansTabac initiative therefore relies on collective momentum by encouraging smokers to quit together for one month in November: a 30-day smoking cessation period increases the chances of quitting for good by five times. Indeed, abstinence over such a period significantly reduces dependence and withdrawal symptoms (nervousness, irritability). With the goal of encouraging as many smokers as possible to take part in this challenge and supporting them in their quit attempt, Santé publique France aims to mobilize the entire society starting in October. In 2018, the number of people registered for #MoisSansTabac jumped by 53%, with nearly 250,000 registrants—equivalent to the population of Bordeaux.

Preparing to Quit: An Essential Step for Success

The preparation phase before quitting allows smokers to educate themselves, choose their quit strategy, and get ready to face each stage of the smoking cessation process. Santé publique France is launching a multi-channel awareness campaign today:

• TV spots encouraging smokers to better prepare for quitting. These three videos help them visualize the different phases they will need to go through to successfully quit smoking;

• Smoking cessation kits containing a 30-day planner, a savings wheel, an informational brochure offering various relaxation exercises, and a brochure describing the different support methods;

• The Tabac info service website, the 39 89 helpline, and the #MoisSansTabac social media channels. Participants can find information there, as well as support from tobacco specialists and other #MoisSansTabac participants;

• The Tabac info service app, which offers a comprehensive coaching program to maximize the chances of quitting smoking for good: a real-time dashboard showing the health and financial benefits of quitting, mini-games to curb cigarette cravings, direct contact with a tobacco specialist, and more;

• Posters and the distribution of smoking cessation kits in 18,000 pharmacies across the region;

• Posters in 200 community health centers and 117 healthcare facilities.

The Health Insurance Fund is partnering with this initiative: more than 350 community-based initiatives to support smokers in quitting will be rolled out across the country.

Initiatives across the country to support participants

To encourage participants in their efforts, Santé publique France and the partners of #MoisSansTabac are organizing a wide range of events across France (mainland and overseas departments).

On the ground, Regional Health Agencies and regional ambassadors are setting up #MoisSansTabac Villages to meet with volunteers, creating opportunities for smokers and healthcare professionals to share experiences and discuss the issue. This initiative is taking place in 15 regions over 30 dates, offering visitors the opportunity to learn more, meet and talk with a healthcare professional, and sign up directly for #MoisSansTabac.

All of these initiatives aim to encourage smokers to put out their last cigarette and thereby further increase the number of people who have successfully quit smoking thanks to #MoisSansTabac.