Madrid, 26th – 28th April 2023
The Youth Health Organization had the opportunity to actively participate in the 9th European Conference on Tobacco or Health under the wing of ENSP as repporteurs.
ECToH 2023 served as a global platform for collaboration, bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds to discuss the detrimental effects of tobacco use. The conference emphasized the critical link between tobacco and long-term diseases, going beyond the well-known risks of cancer and respiratory illnesses.
One key takeaway from the conference was the need for a comprehensive approach to combat tobacco-related diseases. It became evident that addressing tobacco use requires the involvement of not only public health measures but also policymakers, educators, communities, and individuals themselves.
The session YHO reported on highlighted the significant impact of smoking on mental health, cardiovascular diseases, reproductive health, and overall life expectancy. It stressed the urgent need for evidence-based interventions and comprehensive tobacco control strategies. One prevailing theme throughout the conference was the importance of youth empowerment. Engaging and empowering young people emerged as crucial for successful tobacco prevention efforts. By involving the youth actively, we can create sustainable change and build a healthier future.
The ECToH 2023 conference was a powerful call to action, reminding us of the importance of continued research, advocacy, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions. It inspired attendees, including myself, to redouble our efforts in safeguarding youth health and promoting tobacco control.
