The 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health began yesterday 17 March 2015 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This is the world's largest gathering of tobacco control advocates, policy makers, researchers, public health and clinical experts.

Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, World Health Organisation Director General Dr Margaret Chan, and Michael  Bloomberg are among the speakers to address delegates at the WCToH.

The conference theme is "Tobacco and Non-communicable Diseases", recognising that tobacco use in all its forms is the greatest risk factor contributing to the occurrence of NCDs, including cancer, cardiovascular problems, lung disease, diabetes and dementia. This is the first time the WCTOH has focused on this direct link between tobacco and NCDs.

This is the first time the WCToH has focused on the direct link between tobacco and NCDs. The NCD Alliance is involved in a number of workshops, plenaries and launches of cutting-edge research publications during the week. The American Cancer Society will launch the fifth edition of the "Tobacco Atlas", produced with the World Lung Foundation; and the World Heart Federation the "CVD Roadmap on Tobacco Control".

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Photo courtesy: WCTOH2015