Khartoum: The head of the Arab Federation for Tobacco Control, Dr. Wael Tharwat, has issued a warning regarding the increasing prevalence of non-traditional tobacco products among children in Arab societies. Speaking during the Tobacco Control Workshop in the Context of Wars and Crises, organized by the Arab Union for Tobacco Control as part of its Fourth Conference, Dr. Tharwat emphasized the critical need for unified Arab efforts to sustain tobacco control initiatives.
According to Sudan News Agency, Dr. Tharwat highlighted the necessity of empowering young people through education and enhancing their capabilities. He underscored the importance of overcoming legal challenges to protect Arab youth and stressed the role of media in raising awareness. He also called for strategic planning to combat the threat posed by non-traditional tobacco products and advocated for the development of dedicated cadres and volunteers in tobacco control.
Dr. Samer Al-Halfi, President of the Tuberculosis Control Association in Iraq and a member of the Arab Federation for Tobacco Control, supported the conference's focus on encouraging health institutions to prioritize tobacco control. He noted the significant health and economic impacts of rising tobacco product usage, identifying tobacco as a major contributing factor to diseases responsible for the highest death rates in Arab societies.