Tobacco use kills more than 6 million people each year and is a major risk factor for both lung and other diseases. Consequently, at the 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health in Barcelona, Spain next month, tobacco control will be a key theme.
In response to increasing awareness of the need for global tobacco control, this year’s conference will offer a record number of research abstracts, five symposia and a ‘Meet the Expert’ question-and answer-event on the controversial issue of e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Symposia sessions, with expert speakers from around the world, will consider non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and tobacco control; the relationship between trade treaties, tobacco control and treaties on health and human rights; and the role of community-based solutions within national tobacco control strategies.
Abstracts will cover a broad range of tobacco control issues, including tobacco use related to tuberculosis and cancer; the impact of cigarette tax increases on tobacco consumption in India; courts for tobacco control law enforcement in Bangladesh; tobacco tax for health promotion funds in Indonesia and the impact of strong tobacco control programmes on the birth-weight of babies in Brazil.
Each year The Union World Conference on Lung Health attracts hundreds of researchers and close to 3,000 delegates from more than 125 countries around the world. For those interested in tobacco control, it provides an excellent opportunity to meet, share and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders and experts. These connections and discussions will lead to the new research and sharing of experience that are vital for major improvements in global public health.
The 45th Union World Conference on Lung Health will be held from 28 October to 1 November 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. For complete details and registration, please go to the conference website.