The Tobacco Free Initiative was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in July 1998 to focus international attention, resources and action to curb the global tobacco epidemic.
The Tobacco Free Initiative:
builds the capacity of countries from the Eastern Mediterranean Region in tobacco control;
assists countries to implement their obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control by developing coherent legislation and policies through a multisectoral approach;
provides technical support to undertake research in various aspects of tobacco control, including prevalence of tobacco use, tobacco product regulation and trade, health and economic impact, second-hand smoke, smoking and children, and implementation of the Global Tobacco Surveillance System;
conducts communication and media advocacy to enhance public awareness, including celebrating World No Tobacco Day on 31 May each year.
Tobacco is deadly in any form or disguiseTobacco Free Initiative products include:
training and capacity-building packages
technical reports and publications
tobacco control surveillance-related resources
print and audiovisual material
media advocacy.
