Introduction
Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education is ramping up health awareness activities during the critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is well-established that COVID-19 selects its victims from among individuals with pre-existing conditions, particularly those caused by tobacco use.
Furthermore, evidence indicates that smoking waterpipes plays the role of a vehicle for COVID-19 transmission. Augmenting public awareness is key as well as tobacco control actions on a regular basis about this link to reduce the burden of COVID-19. It is also essential to avert the tobacco industry efforts to disseminate misinformation to broaden its market. Accordingly, the Ministry is focusing, within tobacco control, on two areas: enforcing a ban on waterpipe use in public places and a nationwide tobacco free initiative.