The Annual Conference of the GNTH International Network – Global Network for Tobacco Free Healthcare Services was held on October 13th.
Under the title “Challenges”, and this year in online format, we wanted to give visibility to the recently awarded with the recognition WHO World No Tobacco Day 2021, on the one hand the German network of smoke-free health centers (DNRfK) and on the other hand, the Tobacco Control Unit of the Catalan Institute of Oncology.
Prof. Esteve Fernández presented the work carried out by the Unit, reviewing the activities undertaken from the beginning of its configuration to the present day, highlighting the research aspect as well as the work carried out from the intervention programs, with the ICO’s smoking cessation consultation and the coordination of the Catalan Network of Smoke-Free Hospitals.
On the other hand, during this Conference, the 10 hospitals that have received Gold accreditation during the Gold Forum 2021 were given a voice, this year adding the 9 participants of the Gold Forum 2020, postponed due to the pandemic. This is the highest distinction awarded internationally to those health centers that have demonstrated significant advances in tobacco control policies and that represent an example for other organizations in the fight against tobacco. The Catalan hospital Fundació Sanitària de Mollet presented its project during the 2020 edition and received this recognition during this event, thus joining the 60 hospitals around the world accredited with international Gold accreditation.
The Catalan Network was represented by Laura Antón, a member of the UCT and also a member of the GNTH Board, who highlighted all the work done by member hospitals and encouraged them to continue working to achieve health centers committed with tobacco control by a daily basis
