Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases The work of the Tobacco Free Initiative in the Eastern Mediterranean Region aims to reduce the burden of death and disease caused by tobacco use, and protect present and future generations from tobacco's devastating health effects.
The Initiative assists countries to implement WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and develop national legislation that is in line with the Convention, provides technical support to undertake research in various aspects of tobacco control, strengthens capacities of the national workforce in tobacco control, and conducts communication and media advocacy to enhance public awareness, including celebrating World No Tobacco Day on 31 May each year
