The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), through its Knowledge Hub on International Cooperation (ICCTC, Uruguay) , is collaborating with The Frank Foundation—via its initiatives Addiction Training for Health Professionals (ATHP) and NextGenU to advance the Nicotine Addiction and Tobacco use Treatment Initiative (NATTI).
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving access to training for health professionals and students worldwide, enabling them to address nicotine and tobacco dependence through evidence-based education and practice.
About the ICCTC
The International Cooperation Centre on Tobacco Control (ICCTC) operates under Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health and serves as one of the official WHO FCTC Knowledge Hubs. The Centre promotes international collaboration in tobacco control, offering technical assistance mainly in two specific dispositions of the treaty: tobacco cessation and treatment (article 14) and Smoke Free Environments (article 8), sharing evidence-based practices, and facilitating implementation of them at the global level.
Through this partnership, the ICCTC works with The Frank Foundation to expand the reach and impact of tobacco cessation education worldwide.
The Goals of NATTI
As described in the WHO FCTC announcement, the Nicotine Addiction and Tobacco Use Treatment Initiative (NATTI) aims to:
- Strengthen training for health professionals and students on tobacco cessation strategies.
- Integrate evidence-based interventions into medical and health education curricula.
- Promote collaboration among national and international networks.
- Support public policies that encourage quitting tobacco and nicotine.
- Counter industry efforts that obstruct evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment.
The initiative began in Latin America and is expected to expand to the Caribbean and Africa, ensuring broader access to training and collaboration across regions.
Building Capacity Through Collaboration
Through NATTI, The Frank Foundation, NextGenU, and ATHP contribute their expertise in developing and delivering open-access educational programs for health professionals. This partnership supports the WHO FCTC’s mission to enhance international cooperation and knowledge sharing in tobacco control.
By working together, these organizations are building the global capacity needed to reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases and promote healthier, smoke-free communities.
Read the WHO FCTC article about this collaboration:
Explore the NATTI initiative:
https://athp.nextgenu.org/natti/