Qatar Chairs Meeting of High Ministerial Group for Tobacco and Nicotine Control

Doha, October 10 (QNA) - The State of Qatar today chaired the 2nd virtual meeting of the High Ministerial Group for Tobacco and Nicotine Products Control for the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). Qatar was represented at the meeting by HE Minister of Public Health and Chairperson of the High Ministerial Group for Tobacco and Nicotine Control Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari. During the meeting, they discussed a number of important topics, most notably the latest developments in the regional situation regarding the control of tobacco and nicotine products, the status of the region regarding the taxation of tobacco and nicotine products compared to other regions, the tax scorecard on tobacco products and possible areas of improvement. The ministerial group supports measures to achieve the goal of reducing tobacco use by 30% between 2010 and 2025, and works to stimulate strategic leadership and action in the fight against tobacco and nicotine products at the regional and national levels. The meeting was attended by representatives of the member states, HE Regional Director of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Mandhari, and a number of experts and specialists in the eastern Mediterranean region. (QNA)