On December 19, 2024, a significant milestone in the fight against tobacco addiction was achieved with the launch of the Nicotine Addiction and Tobacco Use Treatment Initiative (NATTI). Led by the Addiction Training for Health Professionals (ATHP) program of NextGenU.org in partnership with the International Cooperation Center for Tobacco Control (CCICT) of the Ministry of Health of Uruguay, this initiative aims to revolutionize how healthcare professionals address one of the most pressing global health challenges: tobacco addiction.
The Global Tobacco Epidemic
Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, claiming over eight million lives annually. Beyond this staggering death toll, the economic, environmental, and social consequences of tobacco consumption are profound. Compounding these issues is the rising prevalence of e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems, particularly among young people. These trends demand innovative and urgent action to combat both traditional and emerging forms of tobacco use.
What Is NATTI?
NATTI is a pioneering initiative designed to strengthen the capacity and commitment of healthcare professionals in addressing tobacco addiction. Its primary objectives include:
- Providing Evidence-Based Training: Equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to support tobacco cessation efforts effectively.
- Building a Global Network: Fostering a collaborative community of healthcare professionals and organizations to share resources, best practices, and innovative strategies.
- Advocating for Systemic Change: Promoting the integration of tobacco cessation into primary healthcare systems and influencing public health policies at regional and global levels.
A Rapidly Expanding Network
Since its inception, NATTI has made significant strides in expanding its influence and reach. The initiative, which originated from a virtual meeting on September 19, 2024, has quickly developed into a robust network of professional health associations and educational institutions dedicated to tobacco cessation.
Key Developments and Milestones
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Collaboration
On October 11, 2024, representatives of CCICT and NextGenU.org held a virtual meeting with PAHO’s Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) team in Washington, D.C., including Rosa Sandoval, Adriana Bacelar, and Diana Cerón. PAHO expressed strong interest in the initiative and offered support, with ongoing discussions to explore future collaborative efforts.
FELSOCEM Engagement
On October 22, 2024, in Asunción, Paraguay, during the General Assembly of the Latin American Federation of Medical Student Scientific Societies (FELSOCEM), Dr. Eduardo Bianco presented NATTI to the federation’s leaders. With the endorsement of FELSOCEM’s President and the Education Council, the organization confirmed its participation as a key member of NATTI in Latin America.
World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Control Unit
On November 1, 2024, CCICT and NextGenU.org met virtually with WHO’s Tobacco Control Unit leaders, Dr. Vinayak Prasad and Dr. Dongbo Fu. WHO expressed strong interest in NATTI and invited it to join the WHO Tobacco Cessation Consortium, offering the opportunity to participate in their upcoming meeting in Geneva.
Mercosur Health Ministers Meeting
On November 15, 2024, during the Mercosur Health Ministers Meeting in Montevideo, Uruguay, NATTI was presented to ministers and vice-ministers from Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia, as well as representatives from Chile. High-level officials, including the Minister of Health of Uruguay and representatives from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), were in attendance.
Engagement with Colombia’s Ministry of Health
On November 22, 2024, Dr. Bianco met with the Tobacco Cessation team of Colombia’s Ministry of Health, further strengthening regional collaboration. The Ministry showed strong interest in the initiative and agreed to continue working with NATTI.
WHO Tobacco Cessation Consortium in Geneva
On November 26-27, 2024, the WHO Tobacco Cessation Consortium held its second working group meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. Dr. Bianco, with financial support from NextGenU.org, attended the event and played a key role in discussions on strengthening health systems for tobacco cessation.
Launch of NATTI
On December 19, 2024, NATTI was officially launched at the Ministry of Health of Uruguay. The event featured key international figures, including:
- Dr. Adriana Blanco (Head of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat)
- Dr. Vinayak Prasad (Head of WHO Tobacco Control Unit in Geneva)
- Adriana Bacelar (PAHO Washington D.C.)
- Leslie Rae-Ferat (Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Tobacco Control)
- Dr. Vasant Basdeo (Director⁹, Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Institute)
- Leonce Sessou (Executive Secretary, African Tobacco Control Alliance)
The event was broadcast online, drawing participants from 28 countries, including representatives from 14 Ministries of Health across the Americas.
Next Steps for NATTI
- Strengthening National Networks: Personalized outreach letters will be sent to health professional associations (doctors, nurses, dentists) and scientific societies (cardiologists, pulmonologists, family physicians) to expand participation. Contributions of national contacts and organizations are requested.
- Organizing a Regional Coordination Meeting: Aiming to secure funding for a Latin America and Caribbean meeting to discuss NATTI’s 2025-2026 action plan and network operations.
- Launching NATTI’s Educational Series: A webinar series titled Healthcare Professionals and Tobacco Cessation will begin, covering specialized topics like cardiology, pulmonology, hospital-based cessation, and cessation during pregnancy.
- Participation in the World Conference on Tobacco Control 2025 (Dublin): NATTI is preparing proposals for workshops and parallel sessions at this major international event in June 2025, pending funding and coordination with other organizations.
A Call to Action
NATTI’s success depends on collective action. Healthcare organizations, governments, and individuals are invited to join its mission. Together, we can transform the way tobacco addiction is addressed, creating healthier communities and saving countless lives.
To learn more about NATTI and how to get involved, visit https://athp.nextgenu.org.
About NextGenU.org: NextGenU.org is a global pioneer in free, accessible education in health sciences. By democratizing education, it aims to improve health outcomes and build healthier, more equitable societies.