In an era where tobacco and nicotine continue to impose significant health and economic burdens, the joint initiative by Uruguay’s Ministry of Health Center for International Cooperation for Tobacco Control (CCICT) and NextGenU.org marks a decisive step towards improving public health outcomes. The Nicotine Addiction and Tobacco Use Treatment Initiative (NATTI), led by Dr. Eduardo Bianco, Director of the Addiction Training Program for Health Professionals (ATHP) at NextGenU.org, is dedicated to equipping healthcare professionals with effective tools and interventions for tobacco and nicotine cessation. The initial phase focuses on Latin America, with a strategic expansion planned for the CARICOM region and Africa in 2025.
The global tobacco epidemic remains the leading cause of preventable illness and death worldwide, contributing to millions of lives lost each year and a staggering burden on healthcare systems. In the Americas alone, over one million individuals die annually due to tobacco use, with approximately 133 million adults and five million adolescents still consuming tobacco products. Even more concerning is the rising trend of e-cigarette use among youth, which has reached levels surpassing adult use in many regions.
Despite the reduction in tobacco use due to comprehensive control policies, challenges remain. While the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) has paved the way for tobacco reduction measures globally, the gap in providing robust cessation services continues. Many health professionals, especially in low- and middle-income countries, have not received formal training in tobacco and nicotine treatment, partly due to the absence of such courses in medical curricula. Additionally, national health associations have been slow to take decisive action, and policymakers have underestimated the cost-benefit impact of cessation services in reducing long-term healthcare expenses and improving public health.
At the recent 61st Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a new strategy was adopted to bolster tobacco control efforts across the Americas, addressing not only traditional tobacco products but also emerging nicotine products like e-cigarettes, which have gained popularity among young people. The five-year Strategy and Plan of Action to Strengthen Tobacco Control in the Region of the Americas (2025–2030) is aligned with the WHO-FCTC and aims to protect youth, low-income populations, and women from tobacco-related harm. It promotes five strategic lines of action:
- Enforcement of effective regulations on marketing, advertising, and consumption of both conventional and emerging tobacco products.
- Implementation of pricing and tax measures to reduce demand for tobacco products.
- Expansion of high-quality cessation services and appropriate treatment options for tobacco dependence.
- Ratification of the WHO-FCTC and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.
- Strengthening the capacity of Member States to create public health policies that resist tobacco industry interference.
In line with this regional strategy, the NATTI initiative is designed as a cooperative network. It encourages each participating institution to contribute resources, whether material or technical, in ways that best fit their strengths. This unique approach allows NATTI to integrate with and support PAHO’s objectives, enhancing the accessibility and affordability of cessation services while addressing environmental and economic impacts linked to tobacco and nicotine addiction.
The collaboration between Uruguay and NextGenU.org reflects a shared commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As we look forward to the official launch of NATTI in December through a high-level webinar, the initiative has already begun establishing networks in Latin America and preparing for future expansion. Such efforts are crucial for building resilient healthcare systems that prioritize population health over the profits of industries dependent on harmful products.
Through projects like NATTI, health professionals in training and in practice can gain access to essential skills and evidence-based interventions to help those affected by tobacco and nicotine addiction. The initiative aims to meet individuals’ needs for support and guidance on their journey toward healthier, tobacco-free lives across the Americas and beyond.