The Tobacco Free Initiative was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in July 1998 to focus international attention, resources and action to curb the global tobacco epidemic.

The initiative works in the following areas.

Increasing the national capacity of countries from the Eastern Mediterranean Region in tobacco control.

Assisting countries to implement the obligations under WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control through developing coherent legislation and policies through a multisectoral approach.

Providing technical support to undertake research in various aspects of tobacco control, including prevalence of tobacco use, tobacco product regulation and trade, health and economic impact, second-hand smoke, smoking and children and implementation of the global tobacco surveillance system.

Conducting communication and media advocacy to enhance public awareness, including celebrating World No Tobacco Day on 31 May each year.

Products of the Initiative include: 

training and capacity-building packages

technical reports and publications

tobacco control surveillance data and products

print and broadcast material

media advocacy.