In a bid to accelerate global tobacco control efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) has convened its third high-level leadership programme, bringing together representatives from 10 countries. Hosted by WHO's No Tobacco unit within the Department of Health Promotion and in partnership with WHO Regional Offices for Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, the two-day event aims to empower country office leaders with the tools and knowledge to drive effective tobacco control policies.
The programme, which kicked off today in Lyon, was officially opened by Dr Rüdiger Krech, Director of WHO's Department of Health Promotion, and Dr Asmus Hammerich, Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Building leadership capacity for tobacco control
Ahead of the World Conference on Tobacco Control, the executive programme is designed for WHO country representatives to equip them with a deeper understanding of evidence-based policies, strategies and actions to combat tobacco use. The programme also highlighted how these efforts can be leveraged to tackle other noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors, such as alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets. As heads of WHO country offices, these representatives play a pivotal role in shaping public health agendas and engaging stakeholders to tackle the growing NCD crisis.
The event also emphasized the importance of action outside the health sector, recognizing that tackling tobacco use requires coordinated efforts across government and civil society. Discussions focused on the commercial determinants of health, offering innovative solutions and strategies to counteract the forces driving the global tobacco epidemic.
Global experts drive dialogue and action
Interactive sessions featured global experts from WHO technical units, partner organizations and academia, including the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Secretariat, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator and Vital Strategies. Participants explored best practices from across the African, Eastern Mediterranean and European Regions, and collaborated on actionable strategies to enhance tobacco control efforts in their respective countries.
Addressing the urgency of SDG Target 3.a
With the 2030 deadline for achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 3.a fast approaching, the programme underscored the urgency of advancing the WHO FCTC. The gathering provided a critical platform for strengthening the alignment of efforts across WHO's regional and country offices, as well as fostering partnerships to drive progress toward a tobacco-free future.
Representatives from Bahrain, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan, Madagascar, Montenegro, Senegal, Serbia and Zambia participated in the programme. By engaging in cross-regional dialogue and sharing best practices, these leaders are better equipped to champion tobacco control and safeguard public health in their countries.
This event marks a significant step toward WHO's commitment to reducing tobacco use and its devastating health consequences worldwide, as part of the broader fight against NCDs and the pursuit of global health equity.
