16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health Held in Abu Dhabi

Xinhua News Agency, Abu Dhabi, March 17 (Reporters An Jiang and Ma Xiping) — The 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health opened on the 17th in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The theme of this conference is “Tobacco and Non-Communicable Diseases,” focusing on the direct links between tobacco and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, as well as the health risks they pose to humanity.

During the five-day conference, participants will discuss the latest developments in tobacco control and smoking bans, along with global efforts to restrict and reduce tobacco use, through a series of academic presentations and panel discussions. It is reported that notable attendees will include World Health Organization Director-General Margaret Chan and South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi.

In addition, breakout sessions will cover topics such as smoking control and non-communicable diseases, tobacco taxation, the health risks associated with smoking shisha and pipes, electronic cigarettes, and smoking addiction.

Held once every three years, the World Conference on Tobacco or Health is regarded as the largest gathering of global tobacco control advocates, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and researchers.