The American University of Beirut serves as the WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking. This Knowledge Hub addresses the growing concern over the increasing prevalence and potential health effects of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) globally. The main goal is to spread education and awareness about the dangers of WTS with scientific information, to dispel misconceptions about safety, and to urge the regulators to undertake effective control measures on WTS.
Background
On January 15, 2016, the American University of Beirut (AUB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), designating AUB as the WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking. Learn More
The Knowledge Hub aims to improve the supply, exchange and accessibility of information around waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) globally. It focuses on dissemination of research, as well as building a comprehensive base of knowledge related to the health effects of WTS. It aims to shape a global dialogue around waterpipe tobacco use prevention and control, and provide guidance to regulatory agencies.
Objectives
- Generate, exchange and share expertise information and knowledge about WTS.
- Provide preventive training and health promotion activities around WTS issues.
- Promote and facilitate communication among Parties to the WHO FCTC, observers to the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the WHO FCTC, IGOs, NGOs and other partners.
- Disseminate research findings in a user-friendly way to the public.
- Support the Convention Secretariat in implementing COP decisions and the Secretariat’s workplan.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first global public health treaty
It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health