Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation's (HMC) Tobacco Control Center, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Treating Tobacco Dependence, held a training workshop to enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals in the treatment of tobacco dependence, as part of the Center's ongoing efforts to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Qatar.

According to Qatar News Agency, the workshop commenced on Monday and was intended to imbue attendees with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to handle tobacco addiction cases successfully. The training aimed to provide appropriate support and treatment based on a comprehensive, evidence-based training methodology, with the participation of representatives from several national entities.

In a press statement issued by HMC, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean at the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Hanan H. Balkhy, highlighted the importance of addressing elevated rates of tobacco use among both youth and adults in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Dr. Balkhy emphasized that tobacco dependence is a treatable condition and stressed the urgency of equipping the health workforce with evidence-based cessation tools.

Director of the Tobacco Control Center at Hamad Medical Corporation, Dr. Ahmad Mohammed Al Mulla, stated that the workshop aligned with the Center's strategic plan to build and strengthen the capacity of healthcare professionals. This initiative aims to enable them to effectively participate in tobacco control and deliver high-quality care in this field, not only within Qatar but also across countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, reinforcing the role of the Tobacco Control Center as a WHO Collaborating Center.