1 November 2021 | Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) launches the Arabic version of Florence, a 24/7 digital health worker to help more people quit tobacco, in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond. After a short conversation with you via video, audio or text, Florence can help you build your confidence to quit smoking, make a plan,...

Introduction In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Syria’s Ministry of Health is ramping up health awareness activities during this critical period. The Ministry is focusing on banning waterpipes, creating national awareness through mass media and providing smoking cessation services. Ban on waterpipes in public places With the onset of the pandemic...

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...

Putting tobacco control on hold while the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic is counterproductive. Sustaining tobacco control is crucial during this pandemic, to protect the gains made by the Eastern Mediterranean in reducing tobacco consumption [5]. This webpage lays out the current evidence on tobacco’s impact on the COVID-19 pandemic...

Introduction Morocco’s Ministry of Health is ramping up health awareness activities during the critical period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry is focusing on bringing together healthcare experts and stakeholders to combat COVID-19 and creating national awareness through mass and social media. Bringing together healthcare experts and...

Introduction Tunisia’s Ministry of Health is ramping up health awareness activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry is focusing on two main areas within tobacco control: enforcing a ban on waterpipe use in public places and a national awareness campaign. Ban on waterpipes in public places Following a recommendation by the...

Introduction The Jordanian National Epidemics Committee and Ministry of Health are leading the efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jordan’s Ministry of Health is focusing on three main areas within tobacco control: enforcing a ban on waterpipe use in public places, adapting smoking cessation services and establishing partnerships to...

Introduction The Government of Egypt has setup the Higher Committee for Novel Coronavirus Crisis Management in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee is tasked with following-up on the implementation of precautionary measures to face the COVID-19 pandemic and develop emergency plans to address any situation arising during the crisis. The...

Introduction Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health has intensified its health awareness activities, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry has setup a Crisis Committee Chaired by His Excellency the Minister of Public Health. The Ministry has launched a mobile application to update the public about the latest COVID-19 related information and...

Introduction His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Sultan of Oman appointed a Supreme Committee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Committee is tasked with tackling developments resulting from COVID-19 and ensuring preventive measures are in place to curb the pandemic. The Committee is headed by His Excellency the Minister of Interior and is...