Latest news with #TobaccoControlCentre
Qatar Tribune
4 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WHO renews HMC Tobacco Control Centre's designation as a collaborating centre until 2029
Tribune News Network Doha The World Health Organization renewed the designation of the Tobacco Control Centre as a collaborating centre for treating tobacco dependance for the second consecutive time and for a new four year-round ending in 2029. This step reflects the leading position for Qatar in its efforts in tobacco control across the region. This international recognition, which is one of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean region, is a confirmation of the leading position of the centre across the region, which was initially designated as a collaborating centre by the WHO in 2017. In her official letter of designation, Dr. Hanan Belkhy, the regional director of WHO in the Eastern Mediterranean region, praised the efforts of the Tobacco Control Centre at HMC and its services, which comply with best international standards and stated that the centre presents a model in tobacco cessation. Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Al Mulla, director of the Tobacco Control Centre at HMC, expressed his pride in the renewed redesignation, stating: 'This recognition is a testament to the tireless efforts of our dedicated team, who have spared no effort in providing comprehensive support to individuals seeking to quit smoking, within Qatar and the Eastern Mediterranean region, in an effort to curb the global tobacco epidemic.' Dr. Al Mulla affirmed that the centre will continue to implement the terms of its agreement with the WHO to deliver tangible benefits to the community. This includes a series of awareness and training programs aligned with international health agendas, such as raising awareness of the risks of tobacco use in all its forms, and training healthcare professionals to help reduce tobacco use rates and promote healthier lifestyles in Qatar and the Eastern Mediterranean region. The Centre extended its gratitude to Dr. Fatima Al Awa, regional advisor for the WHO's Tobacco Free Initiative, and her team at the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office for their close collaboration in executing a high-quality joint action plan. Finally, the Centre encouraged those who wish to quit smoking to take advantage of its specialized tobacco cessation services, which include one-on-one consultations as well as behavioural and medical treatment options. To book an appointment at the Smoking Cessation Clinic, please call or send a message via WhatsApp to: 50800959.
Qatar Tribune
22-06-2025
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
WHO honours HMC's Tobacco Control Centre with 2025 World No Tobacco Day Award
Tribune News Network Doha The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Tobacco Control Centre with the 2025 World No Tobacco Day Award. The award recognises the Centre's significant efforts in reducing tobacco use and helping the public in Qatar and the Eastern Mediterranean region to quit all forms of tobacco use. HMC's Tobacco Control Centre, which has been a WHO Collaborating Centre since 2017, was selected as one of the award recipients in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This marks the second time the Centre has received the award, having first been honoured in 2021. The award was presented by Dr. Rayana Bou Haka, WHO representative in Qatar, in the presence of Dr. Ahmed Al Mohammed, HMC's deputy chief medical officer for medical services and chairman of the Department of Medicine. Dr Ahmad Mohamed Al Mulla, director of HMC's Tobacco Control Centre, expressed his pride in the Centre receiving the award for the second time. He praised the dedication of the Centre's team and the achievements in tobacco control in Qatar and the Eastern Mediterranean region. He said: 'HMC's Tobacco Control Centre has played a pioneering role in helping members of the public quit all forms of tobacco. This recognition by WHO reflects the positive outcomes of the hard work carried out by the Centre's team and its impact on many tobacco users in our community.' Dr. Rayana Bou Haka also commended the Centre's local and regional activities and said the award was well-deserved. She thanked the Centre's staff for their continued efforts in tobacco control in Qatar and the region and emphasised the importance of continued collaboration between the Centre and WHO, given the significant value of its tobacco control programs. The Tobacco Control Centre organizes educational and awareness initiatives targeting school and university students, as well as employees in ministries and public institutions. The Centre also delivers training programs for healthcare professionals and community organizations in Qatar and across the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, it provides smoking cessation services and conducts research in the field of tobacco cessation. Dr Ahmad Al Mulla extended his gratitude to HMC leadership and the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, represented by Dr Fatimah El Awa, WHO's Regional Advisor for the Tobacco Free Initiative, as well as the WHO Tobacco Free Initiative Office in Geneva, for their continuous support of the Centre's programs. He noted that this support contributes to the positive impact of the Centre's tobacco control activities at all levels in Qatar and the wider region. WHO annually recognizes individuals and institutions from each of its six regions on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day for their outstanding contributions to tobacco control. The recognition includes honorary awards, special certificates of appreciation from the WHO Director-General, and awards specifically related to World No Tobacco Day.
