7th National Conference On Tobacco or Health 2026
The 7th National Conference on Tobacco or Health (NCTOH) was held at AIIMS Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, bringing together policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, academicians, civil society organizations, and tobacco control advocates from across India. Organized by the Department of Community Medicine, AIIMS Raebareli, with support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Vital Strategies, it served as an important national platform to review progress and strengthen tobacco control efforts. The event was inaugurated by Shri Brijesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who highlighted the devastating health consequences of tobacco use and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to creating a tobacco-free generation.
Deliberations reflected on two decades of progress under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) and explored strategies to accelerate India’s journey towards a Tobacco-Free India through evidence-based interventions and multisectoral collaboration. Key discussions focused on emerging challenges and innovative approaches in tobacco control, including strengthening cessation services, advancing Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions, promoting tobacco taxation, addressing tobacco-related cancers, and leveraging digital technologies and artificial intelligence for cessation support and programme monitoring. Special attention was given to protecting adolescents from emerging nicotine and tobacco products such as vapes and nicotine pouches, while also addressing online marketing and surrogate advertising. Participants emphasized the need for whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, stronger regulation, protection from tobacco industry interference, and greater community ownership of tobacco control initiatives. The meeting concluded with a call for sustained political commitment, technological innovation, youth engagement, and stronger partnerships across sectors to achieve the vision of a Tobacco-Free India while reducing the health, social, economic, and environmental burden of tobacco use.