"Why do you smoke?": Ministry of Health launches campaign against tobacco and vapes aimed especially at adolescents

Deputy Secretary of Public Health Alejandra Pizarro, together with the Mayor of Providencia, Jaime Bellolio, and the PAHO/WHO representative in Chile, Giovanni Escalante, held the launch of the 2026 Anti-Tobacco Campaign today, which was presented before more than 180 students from the Colegio Providencia. Under the slogan "¿Pa' qué fumas?" ("Why do you smoke?"), the initiative is aimed especially at adolescents who perceive low risk associated with cigarette and vape use. Likewise, in the campaign video, organs appear as animated characters alongside various fruits representing the toxic flavorings and additives hidden in vapes, and, singing a lively song, they question the reasons for smoking. Why do you smoke, if cigarettes increase the risk of suffering a heart attack and in Chile cause 52 deaths every day? There are many songs that get stuck in your head, but no addiction should stay with you. The only addiction we want in your life is this song. 🎶 #PaQuéFumas… pic.twitter.com/TjOsDVOENj — Ministry of Health (@ministeriosalud) November 13, 2026 On this matter, the Deputy Secretary of Public Health explained to the students at the educational institution that "it is very concerning to know that, according to the latest National Survey on Tobacco Use among Young People, 15% of schoolchildren had tried nicotine vapes in the last month, a figure higher than that of those who smoke cigarettes." "This is not only a risk to their health and to their performance, for example, in sports, but it also causes cognitive damage in young people. That is why the campaign features a brain in poor condition," she explained. According to the health authority, the metals hidden behind the fruity smell and taste of vapes "have an impact on adolescents' intellectual quotient, and that should not leave them indifferent—nor their parents, nor the schools, nor the authorities." "That is why the question of this campaign is very simple. Why do you smoke? If we know all the harm it does us, why vape? We want each of you to ask yourselves the question, ask yourselves the question and reflect, and not only should you yourselves reflect, but you should also help your families, your friends, your surroundings, the people who smoke or vape or who suddenly feel like trying these new things, to reflect and question themselves," said the Deputy Secretary. According to her explanation, scientific evidence shows that nicotine generates dependence, so what may start as the curiosity of trying a vape or cigarette can turn into an addiction. "This is especially dangerous if we consider that the adolescent brain continues developing until age 25. Early exposure to nicotine affects attention, learning, memory, and impulse control," she emphasized. Likewise, the Mayor of Providencia stressed the importance of children and adolescents being informed so that they make good decisions about their health. "As a Municipality, we want to raise awareness, debunk myths, and give them tools so they know how to say no. Because being free also means not depending on a substance to relate to others, express yourself, or feel part of a group," he stated. Meanwhile, the PAHO/WHO representative in Chile, Giovanni Escalante, detailed that according to World Health Organization figures for 2026, 40 million adolescents aged 13 to 15 use tobacco worldwide and 15 million use electronic cigarettes, which adds new health risks such as acute lung disease, severe poisoning, asthma, and lung cancer. The burden of disease and death associated with smoking in Chile is significant, as it is estimated that 19,371 people die each year, equivalent to 52 deaths daily. In addition, it is associated with more than 60,000 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), more than 30,000 heart diseases, 12,000 strokes, and more than 8,000 cancer diagnoses.