The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) was recognised in Lebanon for its role in the adoption of a comprehensive tobacco control law this year.

Earlier in 2011, the Ministry of Public Health announced a new law that would make Lebanon 100% smokefree, ban all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) and impose graphic health warnings over 40% on the front and back of cigarette packs.

The Egyptian government has been gradually increasing taxes on tobacco since 2010. Most recently, in July 2011, the Egyptian government raised the national tobacco tax on the retail price of all cigarette brands by an additional 10%.

This marked the second successive rise in taxation on cigarettes, following an earlier rise of 40% in July 2010, which also imposed a 100% rise on Shisha (water pipe) and smokeless tobacco products. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco taxation is one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco consumption.

The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health announced the adoption of a comprehensive tobacco control law in August, which is not only a milestone for the country, but also has the potential to impact similar legislation in other countries in the Middle East region.

The Union Middle East Office has helped a group of non-governmental organisations in Egypt to establish and register the Egyptian Federation Against Lung Disease, the first federation working against lung disease in Egypt.