Baghdad: The Ministry of Education participated in a high-level regional meeting to discuss the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use among young people. This virtual meeting was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO)/WHO Representative Office in Iraq and included a specialized committee from the Ministry, headed by the Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Dhayea Al-Azzawi, along with various department and division officials and assistants. The focus was on the use of traditional and new tobacco and nicotine products by the youth in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the meeting participants reviewed global and regional indicators concerning the prevalence of tobacco and nicotine products among young age groups. They discussed the marketing strategies that target these groups and examined priority policies and procedures aimed at reducing the spread of this phenomenon and its long-term health effects.

The meeting concluded by emphasizing the importance of unifying efforts and exchanging expertise in implementing preventive and awareness-raising policies and programs. These initiatives are aimed at protecting youth from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use and mitigating their long-term health impacts.