This presentation will offer a global perspective on the tobacco epidemic and will examine the prevalence of tobacco use across the world’s major demographic regions and most populous countries. The health burdens of global tobacco use will be examined to better understand the full scope of the impact of tobacco use and its toll in terms of mortality, disease, and disability. Strategies being employed to address tobacco use under World Health Organization’s international public health treaty will be examined in detail, including prevention, treatment and regulation. Finally, areas where progress is being made and areas of greatest need will be highlighted.

Presenter: Keith Walker, LCSW, TTS-C – MaineHealth Center for Tobacco Independence Training and Education Program