World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH) begins tomorrow in Abu Dhabi

The 16th edition of the WCTOH is about to kick off tomorrow in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and features a host of high profile speakers, such as Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired, from the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, South Africa Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Ireland Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr James Reilly TD, World Health Organization Director General Margaret Chan among others.

The conference theme is "Tobacco and Non-communicable Diseases", recognising that tobacco use in all its forms is the greatest risk factor contributing to the occurrence of NCDs. This is the first time the WCTOH has focused on this direct link between tobacco and NCDs.

Some of the scientific highlights of the event includes the announcement of results of a new study on causal links between tobacco use and non-communicable diseases, as well as new research on e-cigarettes, tobacco industry interference, tobacco policies and regulations, and economic impacts of tobacco use.

The NCD Alliance is involved in a number of workshops, plenaries and launch of cutting-edge research publications on risk-factors and NCDs during the week. The American Cancer Society will launch the fifth edition of the "Tobacco Atlas", produced with the World Lung Foundation; and the World Heart Federation the "CVD Roadmap on Tobacco Control". Read the full programme here.

The Conference format will include Panel Discussions, Symposia, Posters, Workshops and Post-Graduate courses on the many aspects of the tobacco epidemic and will highlight the efforts being made to control it through the WHO FCTC and MPOWER.

Tracks on "New Emerging Products and Challenges, the Post-2015 Development Agenda, the Supply and Demand side of the Tobacco Industry and the Globalisation of Tobacco Industry interference" will give all participants the opportunity to discuss the current situation and come up with proposals on how to accelerate tobacco control in all countries.

Visit the conference website for more information and follow the latest updates @WCTOH2015 and with #wctoh2015.