[The Netherlands smokefree: doctors make a statement. Politicians should act now]

In 2014, 23% of the adult Dutch population smoked, and 17% smoked daily. Although smoking prevalence has declined since 2010, when it was still 28%, there is huge scope for further reductions, which are highly necessary in view of the fact that smoking is still by far the most important cause of disease and premature death in the Netherlands. Over the last few years, successive Dutch governments have been reluctant to take radical action against smoking, but among healthcare professionals the conviction is rising that more should be done. This is exemplified by the Netherlands Smokefree Alliance, which unites more than 50 healthcare and related organisations in a movement to create a first, completely smokefree generation starting with all newborns in 2017. Now that even the Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG) has issued a statement on tobacco control, it is time for politicians to take action.