Exec. Ed Online: Global Tobacco Control

April 20 – 21, 2021

Online Program Overview

Tobacco use is one of the world’s deadliest – and most preventable – public health crises. Each year, over 7 million deaths are attributable to direct tobacco usage. Furthermore, an estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide use tobacco – with 80% living in low- and middle-income countries.1

With the global tobacco epidemic being driven by a powerful, multinational industry that targets vulnerable populations, it puts adolescents, lower-income individuals, the LGBTQ community, and those with a history of substance abuse, mental health problems, incarceration, or military service at greatest risk. As tobacco ends up killing over 50% of its users, it results in a heavy health and economic burden for both tobacco users and the countries they live in.

This online course will provide an introduction to the theory and practice of tobacco control, with an emphasis on evidence-informed policy strategies. Led by Dr. Vaughan Rees, Director of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, this program provides participants with unparalleled access to the latest cutting-edge science on tobacco control.

Participants will develop a context for the challenges in tobacco control, including the history of the global tobacco pandemic and the industry’s ongoing efforts to oppose control efforts. From there, the participants will explore emerging trends, targeting disparities (gender, income, global region), understanding why vulnerable populations are at higher risk, and how to translate this evidence into tobacco control priorities and policies. Additionally, faculty will help participants navigate the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the world’s first multilateral treaty focusing specifically on a public health issue; a critical tool for anyone working in tobacco control.

This is a highly interactive online course that will include case studies, small break-out groups, dynamic discussions, and the opportunity to develop a policy memo. Participants will also work closely with others in the course from their own global region, allowing for deep personal discussions of issues and sharing of ideas, and the development of an enduring professional network outlasting the program.