The results show an estimated average return of 4 euros for every euro invested in effective prevention measures. These findings support efforts to combat tobacco use in France and internationally. Following an unprecedented decline in smoking prevalence in France between 2014 and 2019, the latest data published in May 2023 show a stabilization in 2022. These results therefore call for renewed action in tobacco control policies.

Particularly cost-effective tobacco control measures

The report includes an assessment of the main measures of the National Tobacco Control Program: the gradual increase in tobacco prices, the implementation of plain or standardized cigarette packaging, the reimbursement of nicotine replacement therapies, and the annual “Month Without Tobacco” initiative led by the Agency.

Simulations conducted by the OECD show that if these measures were maintained over the 2023–2050 period, they would prevent approximately 4 million cases of chronic disease, save 578 million euros per year in healthcare costs, and boost employment and labor productivity by the equivalent of 19,800 additional full-time equivalents (FTEs) per year, compared to a scenario in which they were not implemented.

Thus, their cost—estimated at approximately €148 million per year—would be offset by long-term savings in healthcare spending, with an average return of €4 for every euro invested.

These results are based on a microsimulation model developed by the OECD for strategic public health planning for noncommunicable diseases (SPHeP-NCD). Its application to the evaluation of tobacco control policies was funded by a voluntary contribution from Santé publique France, which also provided the OECD with smoking prevalence data from the Santé publique France Public Health Barometer, as well as data related to the evaluation of “Mois sans tabac” (Smoke-Free Month).

• Learn more: Evaluation of the National Tobacco Control Program in France

Continuing Prevention Efforts to Reduce Smoking Rates in France

Tobacco control is one of the key pillars of Santé Publique France’s prevention policy. Its work operates on three levels: monitoring tobacco-related diseases; tracking and analyzing smokers’ behaviors and producing key indicators for tobacco control strategies; and finally, implementing and evaluating prevention initiatives, such as the “Month Without Tobacco” social marketing campaign or major national campaigns throughout the year. In addition, the “Tabac info service” smoking cessation support program recorded nearly 56,000 calls in 2022 via the 39 89 helpline, including 48,600 calls for tobacco-related assessments and follow-ups. Since May 31, 2023, the 39 89 hotline has been accessible to deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals via the Acceo platform.

Furthermore, the fight against tobacco, the leading cause of preventable death in France, is a public health issue that transcends borders. The Agency has partnered with the WHO to create a bilingual French-English knowledge platform focused on Article 12 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Its goal is to facilitate knowledge sharing among FCTC signatory countries and to strengthen the implementation of effective tobacco control measures in these nations.

• For more information: Tobacco control: signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and Santé publique France