Advancing tobacco dependence treatment services in the eastern mediterranean region international collaboration for training and capacity-building

ABSTRACT

Tobacco use negatively affects health and is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases [NCDs]. Today, tobacco use ranks third among risk factors in North Africa and the Middle East in terms of disease burden. Despite the established need for these services, tobacco dependence treatment [TDT] services are still inadequate in the Eastern Mediterranean region [EMR]. Among the main challenges hindering their expansion is the current lack of training opportunities. The provision of training and capacity-building-a key enabler of TDT-offers an excellent catalyst to launch TDT services in the region. This review discusses the need for TDT training in the EMR and describes a model for providing regional evidence-based training in line with international standards. The King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, Jordan, is the regional host for Global Bridges, a worldwide TDT initiative. Using this model, they have trained 1,500 professionals and advocates from the EMR over the past three years