KUWAIT: A press conference was held by the Kuwait Society for Smoking and Cancer Prevention (KSSCP), attended by Chairman Dr Khalid Ahmad Al-Saleh and Board Member Dr Hussa Al-Shaheen, to discuss the upcoming International Conference on Smoking Lesions and Conflict of Interest. The event, scheduled for Oct 27-28 under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, will focus on tobacco economics and its impact on public health.

Dr Saleh highlighted that tobacco economics play a significant role in promoting smoking, particularly among vulnerable groups like children, posing a threat to future generations. He mentioned that the World Health Organization (WHO) has conducted workshops emphasizing the need to address the economic aspects of tobacco to reduce demand and consumption.

Kuwait is among the first countries to adopt this international strategy against smoking. In 2022, 5.8 million tons of tobacco were produced globally, according to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Additionally, WHO statistics show that 1.25 billion people smoke worldwide, with over 7 million deaths caused by direct smoking and 1.3 million by passive smoking.

Dr Shaheen noted that the conference will feature renowned scientists from the Gulf, Arab and international communities who specialize in tobacco economics. The program will cover topics such as protecting public health from the tobacco industry and efforts by governments and non-profits to combat smoking. There will also be sessions highlighting successful anti-smoking initiatives in GCC countries, focusing on awareness, psychological and medical support.

Dr Saleh concluded by praising the collaboration between KSSCP and the national anti-smoking program of the ministry of health, as well as the support from the ministry of social affairs in organizing the conference.