Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region ramped up tobacco control-related health awareness activities in response to the global pandemic of COVID-19. Countries introduced decisions such as a ban on waterpipe use in public places to curb the spread of the virus. They created awareness amongst the public on the links between tobacco use and COVID-19 and aimed to encourage smokers to quit as an important precautionary measure. Through the following account from countries in the Region, we aim to highlight the key activities implemented. We look at the challenges countries faced, and how they have adapted their activities in this critical time. We touch upon future plans for various tobacco control activities—building on what has been successfully achieved—that will be undertaken when countries resume normal activities post COVID-19.

Country activities on tobacco control during COVID-19