How Romanians contracted "disgraceful diseases": who brought syphilis to Romania and how it led to the great epidemic of 1934

In Romania, a national campaign titled "ZERO COMPROMISES" has been launched with the aim of preventing minors from accessing tobacco and nicotine products. This initiative comes amid growing concerns about the inadequate enforcement of existing legislation designed to protect young people from these harmful substances. According to a survey conducted by INSCOP Research in April 2026, six out of ten Romanians believe that laws restricting access to such products for minors are either poorly enforced or not applied at all. In response to this issue, prominent voices from both the public and private sectors have joined forces to create a comprehensive awareness and education campaign aimed at fostering responsibility among all stakeholders involved in the sale and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products.

The campaign is aligned with broader objectives related to child protection and the ongoing review process of the European Union's legislative framework on tobacco and nicotine products. Key partners in this effort include the National Consumer Protection Authority (ANPC), the Association of Municipalities of Romania (AMR), Philip Morris Romania, the Hospitality and Restaurants Association of Romania (HORA), and Mega Image. These organizations have collaborated to establish a dedicated platform, accessible via the website www.zerocompromisuri.ro, where the public can learn more about the campaign and how they can contribute to its goals.

Representatives of the campaign emphasize that “without compromise” means “zero tolerance,” but they also stress the importance of going beyond this principle by involving all market operators, parents, and authorities in the collective effort to prevent minors from gaining access to tobacco and nicotine products intended solely for adults. Carmina Fusté, General Director of Philip Morris Romania, highlighted the strict rules in place within their retail network, which include severe consequences for non-compliance, such as employee termination. Throughout the year, undercover assessments will be conducted to ensure adherence to these regulations.

For retailers outside of Philip Morris' direct network, the campaign provides training tools and resources to help staff develop a sense of responsibility when interacting with customers. Online sales channels are also included in the strategy, featuring filters that block access for minors through identity verification processes or facial recognition scans. Delivery couriers are required to verify the age of recipients before handing over packages, and delivery boxes must display warnings regarding the pickup of products meant for individuals aged 18 and older.

According to the INSCOP survey, nearly half of respondents believe that the government should play the most significant role in overseeing the legal sale of tobacco and nicotine products. This sentiment was expressed by 54 percent of participants, followed by sellers (16.9 percent), stores (10 percent), and distributors (5.9 percent). The National Consumer Protection Authority (ANPC) has already taken action in this regard, conducting almost 400 inspections and imposing penalties totaling over 1.7 million euros so far this year. President of the ANPC, Csaba Lajos Bekesi, explained that last year alone, over 900 sanctions were issued, approaching four million euros in fines related to this issue.

Historically, Romania has faced challenges with sexually transmitted diseases, particularly syphilis, which has left a lasting mark on the country’s medical and social history. Syphilis, caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, was primarily spread through sexual contact and was exacerbated by poor hygiene practices and lack of sexual education. The proliferation of prostitution in the Romanian Principalities and later in Greater Romania contributed significantly to the outbreak of a major epidemic recorded in 1934. Due to the stigma associated with the disease, many cases went unreported, further facilitating its unchecked spread. Despite advancements in modern prevention methods and awareness campaigns, Romania continues to experience cases of syphilis, maintaining its position among European countries affected by this public health concern.

The historical context of syphilis highlights the long-standing issues surrounding sexually transmitted infections and the societal attitudes that have shaped responses to them. The disease was often referred to as the "French disease" or "Neapolitan disease," reflecting the tendency of populations to attribute its origin to neighboring or enemy nations. This pattern of blame extended globally, with different regions assigning responsibility to various groups based on cultural and political tensions. The coincidence of the first recorded outbreaks in Naples during the French invasion in 1494 and 1495, just two years after Christopher Columbus's return from his first voyage to the New World, led to theories linking the disease's emergence to the Americas.

As the "ZERO COMPROMISES" campaign unfolds, it represents a contemporary approach to addressing longstanding issues related to youth protection and responsible consumption. By combining educational efforts, regulatory oversight, and technological solutions, the initiative seeks to create a multifaceted defense against the risks posed by tobacco and nicotine products to minors. The collaboration between governmental bodies, industry leaders, and civil society underscores the shared commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations while adapting to evolving public health challenges. As the campaign progresses, continued engagement from all stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring its effectiveness and sustainability in the long term.