Learn more about the conference (LINK)
European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention Newsletter
 
26 October 2023
A Throwback to the 8th ENSP
European Conference on Tobacco Control
The echoes of the 8th ENSP European Conference on Tobacco Control still resonate as we reflect on an event that encapsulated knowledge, collaboration, and a shared commitment to a tobacco-free future. The ENSP Board, Secretariat, and Conference Committees extend heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, delegates, and volunteers for their invaluable contributions to the success of this extraordinary gathering

Throughout four impactful days, we welcomed nearly 300 attendees from 41 countries, fostering a global dialogue on tobacco control that transcended borders. The rich program featured 40 sessions, including two pre-conference workshops, with a total of 160 presentations. Notably, the conference marked a historic first with the inclusion of 6 "Meet the Expert" sessions, offering deep insights into critical facets of tobacco control.

 

One of the first highlights was the intervention of the Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC, Dr Adriana Blanco Marquizo. Her insights reinforced the urgency of our collective mission amid ongoing challenges from the tobacco industry. The upcoming Tenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC (COP10) and the Third session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (MOP3) were emphasized as critical moments in advancing the global fight against the tobacco pandemic

A Journey of Tobacco Control Achievements Acknowledged in Florence, Italy
The 40 diverse sessions held during the #8ENSPECTC provided a multifaceted exploration of critical themes shaping the tobacco control landscape. Themes covered during the conference: policy, research, youth, environment, human rights, economics, the role of civil society, smoking cessation, cancer, European and international institutions, and many more.
From the lab to real-life
Extra-activities that forged new formal and informal connections across the network
A special acknowledgment goes to our vibrant youth group, ENSPNext, whose enthusiasm infused the conference with a new dynamism. Side activities and interviews organized by ENSPNext provided a platform for emerging voices, amplifying the youth’s role in shaping the tobacco control landscape.
 
Moreover, during the Closing Plenary, the ENSP Secretary General had the pleasure of awarding extraordinary individuals and organisations from Italy with the ENSP Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tobacco Control.

In the spirit of openness and collaboration, we encourage everyone to revisit the conference experience on our YouTube channel. The aftermovie captures the essence of the conference, providing a visual journey through key moments and interviews with our esteemed speakers. Search for the hashtag #8ENSPECTC on all social media platforms to relive the discussions, insights, and impactful moments shared during the conference.

As we say ciao to the 8th ENSP-ECTC, we eagerly anticipate the future. Stay connected, stay inspired, and join us in looking forward to the 9th European Conference on Tobacco Control, where we will continue to advance the cause of a tobacco-free generation and ultimately, a tobacco-free world.
Upcoming events
7 November: Making tobacco endgame a reality Webinar
The Joint Action on Tobacco Control 2 (JATC2) will organise, on 7 November, from 10:00 to 12:30 (Dublin time) the webinar entitled "Making tobacco endgame a reality". Hosted by the Health Services Executive, Environmental Health Services, Ireland, and in collaboration with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, the event aims to showcase international tobacco endgame strategies, discuss enablers and barriers, and foster collaborative networks.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of this crucial conversation with a diverse panel of speakers, including experts from the European Commission, New Zealand, and Canada.
 
Register before the 2nd of November to secure your spot!
Upcoming Webinars organised by the WHO-FCTC
Two webinars organised by the Convention Secretariat in the lead-up to COP10 will take place on 31 October, respectively on 2 November. Interpretation will be available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. 
  • 31 October 2023 / 13h00 – 14h30 (CET) - Launch of WHO FCTC Information Hub for Cross-border Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship - Register here
  • 2 November 2023 / 13h00 – 14h30 (CET) - Launch of WHO FCTC Article 17 toolkit  - Register here
8-11 November: National Conference of the Romanian Society of Pneumology, Bucharest
The Romanian Society of Pneumology (SRP) is organising again its most significant event of the year: the National Conferences of the Sections and Working Groups within SRP. The event will take place from November 8th to November 11th, 2023, exclusively in physical format in Bucharest. Moreover, this conference represents a key event for professionals and enthusiasts in the field, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration.
 
A great number of ENSP Romanian members will contribute to this event. In addition, ENSP together with ENSPNext will have the chance to host a tobacco control session at this conference, aiming to engage in discussions that will contribute to the advancement of respiratory health and medical expertise. 
 
8-11 November: The 16th European Public Health Conference, Dublin
The 16th European Public Health Conference will be organised this year from 8 to 11 November, in Dublin, Ireland, with the theme Our Food, Our Health, Our Earth: A Sustainable Future for Humanity.
By looking specifically at gender and health, at health care delivery generally, the use of digital tools, and the necessary staffing and skills to provide good care, this conference wishes to tackle more in-depth the climate emergency, and very specifically, the human food supply. 
 
Register now to secure your spot!
14 November: Launch of Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023
Participate in the launch of the 4th edition of the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023. The Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC), which is part of STOP and earlier served as the Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3, is organizing a global webinar launch on 14 November, 2023 at 12:00 PM GMT.
The report will be released on www.globaltobaccoindex.org on the same day. For additional questions, please, contact GGTC at ggtc@ggtc.world 
 
Other news and publications
The 73rd session of the
WHO Regional Committee for Europe
The 73rd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, organised in Astana, Kazakhstan between 24-26 October 2023 is again an opportunity for delegates to reflect on the current state of health and well-being across the Region and to celebrate public health milestones over the past 75 years. Delegates, including health ministers and high-level representatives, are invited to reflect on health progress, discuss challenges, and endorse public health plans.
The meeting, hosted by the Government of Kazakhstan, covers topics like refugee health, workforce frameworks, and antimicrobial resistance. ENSP is proudly represented at RC73 by our Secretary General. Aligned with the objectives of RC73, our commitment to public health extends to addressing the critical issue of tobacco use by advocating for initiatives that contribute to healthier communities. 
Therefore, we support better-tailored action plans for health emergency preparedness, response, and resilience in the WHO European Region and actions that aim to reduce respiratory burdens, with the ultimate goal of reducing tobacco consumption.
 
The Breathe Vision for 2030 aligns with current global health priorities, aiming to increase awareness of respiratory health, improve care and research, and address COVID-19's long-term impacts. As the WHO 73 Regional Committee unfolds, this collective vision resonates with efforts to elevate respiratory health on the global health agenda, fostering awareness and action for improved lung health.
The Breathe Vision stands as a joint initiative led by European patient groups and healthcare professionals within the European Lung Health Group. Comprising 179 member associations across 34 European countries, including 9 from non-EU states, this informal network of non-profit organizations collaborates to empower patients with lung diseases and enhance respiratory health. Their mission involves advocating for superior prevention, care, and patient engagement. 
 
Belgium strengthens again the tobacco control measures
Belgium is implementing a robust set of measures to combat the severe health impact of tobacco. With nearly 40 daily deaths and 300,000 affected annually, the government is enforcing a ban on displaying tobacco products in stores from January 1, 2025.
 
Additional measures include mandatory age verification for buyers under 25 and an expanded scope of tobacco-free zones, affecting festivals and large supermarkets. Horeca establishments can still sell tobacco, but smoking zones are restricted to adults. Smoking in taxis is now prohibited, and taxes on tobacco have been increased. Inspection services gain enhanced powers, and a ban on disposable e-cigarettes is proposed for 2025.

Nicotine pouches have been banned since October 2023, and the reimbursement of nicotine replacement therapies is under review. Standardization measures include health warnings and packaging for all tobacco products. Minister Vandenbroucke sees these steps as vital for a tobacco-free generation, aligning with health authorities' urgent calls to address nicotine addiction effectively.

 

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The latest publications in the TPC Journal
 
Sofie Kirstine Bergman Rasmussen, Lærke P. Lidegaard, Charlotta Pisinger, Nina F. Johnsen, Maria Kristiansen

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