The 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health will be held next month in Abu Dhabi. The five-day meeting will feature the latest in smoking control efforts. The World Health Organization estimates tobacco kills nearly six million people every year, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.

 

The conference theme is Tobacco and Non-communicable Diseases or NCDs. They include cancer, stroke cardiovascular and lung disease and diabetes. While tobacco kills six million a year, the WHO reports NCDs take the lives of 16 million people annually before they reach age 70.

 

It’s the first-time the conference – which is held every three years – will focus on NCDs.

 

The World Conference on Tobacco or Health is being held in the United Arab Emirates to raise awareness in the region. So, the conference will consider the use of shisha or waterpipes.

 

There’s also concern about e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes. They are marketed as a safer alternative, but health officials are concerned about potential addiction and have not called them safe.

 

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has been in effect since 2005. Supporters said the treaty is in response to the “globalization of the tobacco epidemic.” It addresses – what they called – “the devastating worldwide health, social, economic and environmental consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.”

 

The 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health will be held in Abu Dhabi from March 17-21.