WHO delegation visits HMC's Tobacco Control Center

A delegation from the World Health Organisation (WHO) visited Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Tobacco Control Center recently to acknowledge its efforts and achievements in combating tobacco use in Qatar and the Eastern Mediterranean region.This visit was part of the agenda of the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, one of the six regional offices of the organization worldwide, serving the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes 21 WHO member countries.The visit focused on acquainting the delegation with the activities of HMC's Tobacco Control Center, recognized as a WHO Collaborating Center which is led by Dr. Ahmad Mohammed Al Mulla, as well as gaining insights into its initiatives and their impact on public health in Qatar. The visiting delegation also learned about the 'Together for Smoke-Free Majlis' initiative recently launched by the Center as part of HMC's commitment to combating smoking.Dr. Al Mulla, Director of HMC's Tobacco Control Center, said: "During the meeting, we presented an overview of the Center's activities, services, plans and future programs at both local and regional levels. The discussion also focused on potential collaboration with the World Health Organization to support these programs and plans, given the importance of the services offered by the Center to all countries of the eastern mediterranean region."Dr. Al Mulla also expressed his appreciation for the efforts and ongoing support from the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office's 'Tobacco-Free Initiative,' led by Dr. Fatimah El-Awa. The visiting WHO team expressed their contentment with the tobacco control services offered in Qatar to all members of the public, recognizing their positive impact on public health and disease prevention.He said smoking cessation services in Qatar are provided free of charge and include preventive and therapeutic services, available to all residents of the country. These services are offered in public healthcare institutions, including the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City and the specialized clinics at Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital, Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital, and Al Khor Hospital, as well as 16 health centers providing smoking cessation support.