Latest news with #SmartHealth
Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
TNFS Summit spotlights KSA's efforts to combat smoking
The TNFS Summit 2025 concluded on May 29 in Riyadh with the adoption of an ambitious vision for a future free from tobacco-related harm — one rooted in innovation, prevention, and regulatory integration. The summit served as a regional platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange around effective harm reduction policies and the encouragement of safer alternatives. The summit was organized under the TNFS initiative, a strategic partnership between Badael (a Public Investment Fund company), the Quality of Life Program (a Vision 2030 program), and Smart Health as the summit's scientific partner. The event brought together more than 100 experts and decision-makers from within the Kingdom and abroad, representing health organizations, regulatory authorities, and leading academic institutions. Summit sessions reviewed global models for tobacco control, including experiences from Sweden and the UK. Core themes aligned with Saudi Arabia's national strategy included: •Correcting public misconceptions about nicotine and its role as a lower-risk alternative to tobacco, as part of the solution, not the problem. •Evaluating the impact of taxation as an effective tool to reduce tobacco consumption. • Showcasing scientific innovations in reduced-risk alternative products. Official data from the General Authority for Statistics showed that the adult smoking rate in Saudi Arabia dropped from 17.5 percent to 12.4 percent within one year. This decline is attributed to the implementation of comprehensive regulatory policies, tax increases, and the availability of lower-risk alternatives. Participants emphasized that TNFS is a true transformation platform, one that moves beyond awareness toward real impact on policy and societal behavior — reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a regional model to follow. Organizers announced that the summit would serve as the first in a series of specialized events in this field. During the summit, Tolga Sezer, CEO of Badael, said: 'We believe harm reduction is the pathway to a smoke-free future. TNFS marks a powerful starting point for Saudi Arabia's national efforts to tackle tobacco use, driven by science, innovation, and supportive legislation.' Salman Al-Khattaf, adviser to the CEO of the Quality of Life Program, added: 'Health is not a choice but a foundation for a dignified life and a productive society. TNFS supports community health and promotes positive lifestyle choices in line with the Kingdom's goals and bold vision.' He emphasized that success in tobacco harm reduction depends on connecting scientific evidence with practical, applicable policies, a core aim of the TNFS partnership. Dr. Sara Al-Rashoud, research adviser at Smart Health, noted that the TNFS initiative reflects a shared commitment across sectors to reducing smoking and achieving a smoke-free Saudi Arabia, especially with nearly 4.8 million adult smokers currently in the Kingdom. Dr. Christopher Russell, a UK-based behavioral scientist specializing in tobacco and nicotine use, estimated that smoking causes approximately 14,200 premature deaths annually in Saudi Arabia. He also predicted that the global end of smoking could be achieved within the next 40 years. Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos shared successful international harm reduction models, highlighting Sweden's achievement in reducing smoking rates from 15 percent to 5 percent over 15 years. This shift contributed to a 41 percent drop in cancer incidence and a 39.6 percent decrease in tobacco-related deaths. He called these outcomes a strategic opportunity for the region. In the session titled 'Tobacco Harm Reduction in the Middle East,' Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qudhib, a Saudi family physician specializing in noncommunicable diseases and tobacco harm reduction, warned about persistently high smoking rates in countries such as Jordan and Lebanon. Public health expert Dr. Mohammad Yaman noted that 85 percent of smokers relapse within months, according to Mayo Clinic studies. He therefore considered the TNFS initiative an important step toward reducing smoking, calling for the model to be expanded and for greater regional collaboration. In closing, participants affirmed that the TNFS Summit 2025 marks a pivotal step in the Kingdom's journey toward a society free from tobacco-related harm. It represents the convergence of political will and scientific knowledge, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a leading model in adopting harm reduction policies and advancing quality of life.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
"TNFS": A Saudi-Led Initiative Sets Regional Benchmark in Tobacco Harm Reduction
On World No Tobacco Day RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the world marks World No Tobacco Day on May 31, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirms its deep-rooted commitment to public health through the TNFS initiative — an inaugural platform developed in partnership with national and strategic stakeholders to reduce tobacco-related harm by advancing evidence-based dialogue, responsible innovation, and smart regulation. The initiative was founded through a strategic collaboration between Badael (a Public Investment Fund company), the Quality-of-Life Program (a Vision 2030 initiative), and Smart Health, which serves as the initiative's scientific partner. Over the past year, tangible results have begun to emerge in the Kingdom: Data from the General Authority for Statistics shows smoking prevalence in Saudi Arabia declined from 17.5% to 12.4% in just 12 months — one of the world's fastest drops. Badael's efforts have helped approximately 500,000 adults transition away from smoking through access to lower-risk alternatives. Coordinated awareness campaigns and regulatory realignment have laid the groundwork for more sustainable, prevention-focused approaches. On May 29, the TNFS initiative hosted the "TNFS 2025 Summit" in Riyadh, bringing together more than 100 experts from 15 countries. The summit focused on regional challenges and scientific solutions for reducing tobacco-related harm, concluding with several key recommendations, including: Developing legislative frameworks to support alternative products Strengthening research collaboration across the region Referencing successful models from Sweden and the United Kingdom to inform locally tailored solutions. Looking ahead, TNFS will begin translating the summit's recommendations into actionable programs, in close collaboration with health and regulatory authorities. According to Tolga Sezer, CEO of Badael, upcoming plans include public awareness campaigns, research initiatives, and efforts to strengthen legislative frameworks that support low-risk tobacco alternatives. The summit featured numerous international endorsements affirming that the Kingdom is on the right path, including: • Dr. Christopher Russell (United Kingdom): "The Kingdom is leading a global transformation in understanding and addressing tobacco harm." Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos (Greece): "What has been achieved in just one year through TNFS represents a model ready for export." Dr. Mohammad Yaman, a public health expert, called for TNFS to become a regional reference point. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Qudhib emphasized the importance of replicating the Saudi model in countries with high smoking rates, such as Jordan and Lebanon. TNFS is positioned by its strategic partners as a comprehensive reform platform — designed to engage communities, decision-makers, and the health sector in building a sustainable public health environment aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. "Health is not a choice but a foundation for a dignified life and a productive society." said Salman Al-Khataf, Advisor to the CEO of the Quality-of-Life Program, affirming that that success in tobacco harm reduction depends on connecting scientific evidence with practical, applicable policies, a core aim of the TNFS partnership. Dr. Sara Al-Rashoud, Research Advisor at Smart Health, emphasized that the TNFS initiative reflects a shared commitment across sectors to reducing smoking and achieving a smoke-free Saudi Arabia. As World No Tobacco Day amplifies the global call for accountability, TNFS stands as a practical framework: one built on data, shaped by partnerships, and grounded in local realities. The initiative will translate summit outcomes into collaborative action, from legislative refinement to educational outreach and continued investment in public health. Photo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE TNFS Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
Arab News
6 days ago
- General
- Arab News
TNFS 2025: Saudi Arabia to host region's first summit on smoking reduction
In a significant move that signals a shift in how the region tackles public health challenges, Riyadh is set to host the TNFS Summit 2025 — the first high-level regional summit focused on reducing smoking prevalence and addressing tobacco-related harm. This event will bring together organizations, health leaders, and policymakers from the region and around the globe. The summit will take place on May 29 at the Four Seasons Hotel — Kingdom Centre, coinciding with 'World No Tobacco Day.' It is supported by strategic partners, including the Quality-of-Life Program (Part of one of the realization programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030), Badael Company, and Smart Health as the scientific partner. The TNFS Summit will serve as a multilateral platform to encourage regional and international collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges in the Arab world. The summit is expected to culminate in the adoption of a regional charter for tobacco harm reduction and the signing of strategic cooperation agreements among participating entities, aimed at strengthening public health systems and enhancing regional regulatory frameworks. TNFS Summit 2025 invites policymakers, public health experts, and civil society to unite around a shared vision: a healthier Middle East with lower tobacco dependence. This summit marks a clear commitment to science-based, prevention-first policies built on regional and international partnerships. More than 100 local and international experts from leading institutions — including specialists from the UK, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia — will participate in the summit. They will discuss the latest research, exchange insights, and explore scalable, evidence-based policy solutions. The agenda will focus on key strategic themes, including: Badael Company, the summit's strategic partner, stated that TNFS 2025 addresses an urgent regional need for data-driven dialogue and multilateral coordination to reflect the scale of tobacco-related harm in our societies. The summit is envisioned as a launchpad for the region's healthier and more sustainable future.
Zawya
6 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia to host the first regional summit on harm reduction under the TNFS 2025 initiative
Riyadh: In a significant move that signals a shift in how the region tackles public health challenges, Riyadh is set to host the TNFS Summit 2025—the first high-level regional summit focused on reducing smoking prevalence and addressing tobacco-related harm. This event will bring together organizations, health leaders, and policymakers from the region and around the globe. The summit will occur on May 29, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel – Kingdom Center, coinciding with "World No Tobacco Day." It is supported by strategic partners, including the Quality-of-Life Program (Part of one of the realization programs of the Kingdom's Vision 2030), Badael Company, and Smart Health as the scientific partner. The TNFS Summit will serve as a multilateral platform to encourage regional and international collaboration in tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges in the Arab world. The summit is expected to culminate in the adoption of a regional charter for tobacco harm reduction and the signing of strategic cooperation agreements among participating entities, aimed at strengthening public health systems and enhancing regional regulatory frameworks. TNFS Summit 2025 invites policymakers, public health experts, and civil society to unite around a shared vision: a healthier Middle East with lower tobacco dependence. This summit marks a clear commitment to science-based, prevention-first policies built on regional and international partnerships. More than 100 local and international experts from leading institutions including specialists from the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia will participate in the summit. They will discuss the latest research, exchange insights, and explore scalable, evidence-based policy solutions. The agenda will focus on key strategic themes, including: Correcting public misconceptions about nicotine and tobacco harm reduction products Designing preventive policies grounded in scientific evidence Showcasing successful international regulatory frameworks that can be adapted to regional contexts Mobilizing community awareness and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors Badael Company, the summit's strategic partner, stated that TNFS 2025 addresses an urgent regional need for data-driven dialogue and multilateral coordination to reflect the scale of tobacco-related harm in our societies. The summit is envisioned as a launchpad for the region's healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. For more information or media inquiries, please contact the Summit's Media Coordinator: Dr. Rania Al-Qarawi Email: rania@ Mobile: +966 56 341 3928
