is an open access, peer-reviewed online journal that encompasses all aspects of tobacco use, prevention and cessation that can promote a tobacco free society. The aim of the journal is to foster, promote and disseminate research involving tobacco use, prevention, policy implementation at a regional, national or international level, disease development-progression related to tobacco use, tobacco use impact from the cellular to the international level and finally the treatment of tobacco attributable disease through smoking cessation.

Macedonia is one of the leading countries in Europe with the highest use of tobacco, or 2540 cigarettes per person over 15 years of age, which is twice the world average. The aims of this study were to analyze and assess the organization and efficiency of the smoking cessation support centres, established as part of the Public Health Centres within the country.A descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire designed for the purposes of this study and sent to each counselling centre. A review of the reports of smoking cessation services from the official publication of the Institute of Public Health was performed. The SWOT analysis method was used for synthesis and analysis of the data.The smoking cessation centers in Macedonia are organized and operate according to the protocol of the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of North Macedonia as a main coordinator. Since 2014, 828 smokers have used the services of the centre, which are consisted of assessment of dependence and readiness to quit smoking, very brief advice, counselling individual or group support therapy and pharmacotherapy provided by educated medical specialists in social medicine and public health. Additionally, the centres organize health promotion campaigns and health education programs for the general public, schools and health professionals.There is a need to strengthen the work performance and effectiveness of the smoking cessation centers. Smoking cessation interventions should be recognized as essential health interventions covered by health insurance, and promotion of these services and referral from primary care will increase the utilization rate, which will lead in tobacco use decline in the country.

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The political disintegration of former Yugoslavia inaugurated in 1991 resulted in the decentralization of health systems in the federation's successor nation-states. Efforts by the Open Society Institute improved public health planning and management needs consequent to health sector changes. Beginning in Croatia in 2001, the Institute developed ongoing collaborations between Andrija Stampar School of Public Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2003 and 2004, it expanded its project to include the republics of Macedonia and of Serbia and Montenegro.

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