The tobacco industry’s long history of concealing the harms of nicotine addiction and targeting vulnerable populations continues to shape discussions on accountability and liability in tobacco control. During the webinar on the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, discussions explored the importance of strengthening mechanisms that hold industry actors accountable for the public health and societal costs linked to tobacco and nicotine products. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO

Economic vulnerability and political instability can create openings for tobacco industry interference. Across the region, speakers warned that industry actors often capitalize on crises and economic hardship to strengthen their influence and protect commercial interests. At the launch of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, discussions reinforced the importance of protecting public health policies from vested interests, especially during periods of instability and governance challenges. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO @SDPIPakistan

The tobacco industry continues to reinvent its image while distancing itself from the harms caused by its products. From social media promotions to corporate social responsibility campaigns, these tactics are designed to normalize nicotine use and maintain influence—especially among the youth. During the webinar on the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, experts discussed how tobacco companies continue to adapt their strategies across digital spaces, public events, and policy environments. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO @SmokeFreeJo

"Greenwashing. Sportwashing. Youthwashing." These were some of the tactics highlighted during GGTC's World No Tobacco Day youth dialogue, where speakers described how tobacco companies use sponsorships, awards, community initiatives, and charitable activities to improve their image and gain access to decision-makers. What appears to be goodwill can also become a pathway to influence. This is why WHO FCTC Article 5.3 recommends protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interests. #TobaccoExposed #UnmaskTheAppeal

This #WorldOceansDay, let’s spotlight one of the most overlooked forms of plastic pollution: tobacco waste. Every year, an estimated 4.5 trillion plastic cigarette butts leak into the environment, polluting waterways and oceans with microplastics, toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Cigarette filters are not harmless. They are single-use plastics that threaten marine life, contaminate ecosystems and leave governments and communities to bear the clean-up costs. The tobacco industry must be held accountable for the pollution it creates. Read GGTC’s report: Tobacco’s Toxic Plastics: A Global Outlook 🔗ggtc.world/knowledge/environ… #WorldOceansDay #TobaccoPollution #PlasticPollution #PollutersPay

"They call it innovation. We call it addiction." That warning echoed throughout GGTC's recent #WorldNoTobaccoDay youth dialogue, where speakers highlighted how new nicotine products are being marketed as modern, appealing, and "smoke-free" alternatives despite their addictive nature. From nicotine pouches and vapes to sleek packaging, flavours, and lifestyle-driven branding, these products are designed to normalize nicotine use while sustaining long-term dependence. As young advocates reminded us, the products may look different, but the objective remains the same: recruiting and retaining users. #TobaccoExposed #UnmaskTheAppeal

Learn more about how the tobacco industry uses emerging nicotine products and industry interference to sustain addiction through the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index: globaltobaccoindex.org/gti/2…

Tobacco industry interference extends beyond the health sector. Across the region, industry actors continue to engage with trade, finance, and standard-setting bodies in ways that can shape policymaking and weaken public health protections. During the webinar on the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, experts highlighted the importance of cross-sector awareness and stronger institutional safeguards against industry influence. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO @WHOEMRO

Monitoring tobacco use and emerging nicotine products requires surveillance systems that are adaptive, responsive, and evidence-driven. As industry tactics continue to evolve, public health monitoring tools must evolve alongside them. During the webinar on the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, experts underscored the importance of surveillance and data systems in supporting stronger tobacco control policies. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO

Political instability, conflict, and economic hardship can create environments where tobacco industry interference thrives. Across the region, advancing tobacco control requires approaches that are responsive to local realities while remaining vigilant against industry influence. At the webinar on the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, discussions highlighted the importance of contextualized and region-sensitive tobacco control strategies. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO @BathTR @exposetobacco

The tobacco industry continues to adapt its strategies across the region through digital marketing, influence campaigns, and emerging nicotine products. Countering these tactics requires stronger collaboration among governments, media, advocates, and public health institutions. At the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, speakers emphasized the need for sustained regional cooperation and greater public awareness to address increasingly sophisticated forms of tobacco industry interference. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO

Civil society and public health advocates play a critical role in exposing tobacco industry tactics, but governments remain central to implementing and enforcing protections against industry interference under WHO FCTC Article 5.3. During the webinar on the implementation of WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring that policymakers have access to evidence documenting tobacco industry influence and interference. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO

Protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interference requires coordinated action across governments, civil society, and international institutions. Strong implementation and accountability mechanisms remain essential in advancing WHO FCTC Article 5.3 across the region. During the release of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, speakers underscored the need for sustained technical support, stronger enforcement, and continued transparency measures to counter tobacco industry influence. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #emrobicdancexforce @WHOEMRO

Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control obligates governments to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference. This includes rejecting partnerships, avoiding conflicts of interest, and strengthening safeguards against industry influence. At the launch of the 3rd Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025, speakers emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach in addressing tobacco industry tactics and reinforcing accountability mechanisms across sectors. Explore the Eastern Mediterranean Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025 and related regional resources: globaltobaccoindex.org/regio… Health Organization (Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office) #TobaccoIndustryInterference #Article53 #GGTC #TobaccoControl #EMRO