The Tobacco Control Unit (UCT) of the Catalan Institute of Oncology recently participated in a meeting organized by the Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO) and held in Ankara with the aim of strengthening tobacco control in Turkey, a country with a high prevalence of consumption. This meeting brought together key national and international actors, all committed to strengthening tobacco control policies and accelerating efforts to move towards a tobacco-free future in Turkey.
The Dr. Cristina Martinez , head of the UCT, gave a presentation focused on strategies to ensure effective compliance with smoke-free space regulations in healthcare centers, citing the Catalan Network of Smoke-Free Hospitals as an example of success. This internationally recognized initiative promotes a comprehensive model to reduce exposure to smoke in healthcare settings, with actions that combine training, awareness-raising, surveillance and institutional commitment. Martínez highlighted the key role of healthcare professionals as active leaders in the implementation and maintenance of tobacco control policies within hospitals.
The participation of the UCT in this international forum reinforces its role as a WHO Collaborating Center for Tobacco Control, and highlights the importance of sharing proven experiences that can serve as a guide for other healthcare systems at a global level.
