Beirut: Under the patronage of H.E. the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nassereldine, the Ministry of Public Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched today the 'Tobacco Control Investment Case Study in Lebanon.' The launch event took place in Beirut, bringing together key stakeholders and experts in public health and economic development.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the new investment case reveals that Lebanon could avert more than $400 million (LBP 15.2 trillion) in economic losses and save up to 40,000 lives over the next 15 years by implementing six key tobacco control policies recommended by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
The study highlights the economic and human cost of tobacco use in Lebanon, currently estimated at $140 million annually, equivalent to 1.9 percent of Lebanon's GDP. This burden includes healthcare expenditures, lost productivity, and human development losses. Furthermore, the economic benefits of strengthening tobacco control in Lebanon outweigh the costs of implementation, with LBP 15.2 trillion in benefits versus just LBP 177 billion in costs.
His Excellency the Minister of Public Health of Lebanon, Dr. Rakan Nassereldine, stated that tobacco control is a health priority and a sound economic investment. He emphasized the impact of tobacco use on individual health, its contribution to non-communicable diseases, and its toll on Lebanon's healthcare system and productivity.
Dr. Abdinasir Abubakar, WHO Representative in Lebanon, noted the national tobacco control law aims to improve health, prevent harm to non-smokers, and reduce the economic burden of smoking. He stressed the urgent need for decisive action in tobacco control due to Lebanon's high smoking prevalence. Integrating tobacco control into national economic recovery plans is vital for Lebanon's economic goals.
Dr. Adriana Blanco Marquizo, Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC, added that strengthening tobacco control in Lebanon is both a health imperative and an economic opportunity. By taking decisive action, Lebanon can significantly improve citizens' lives and redirect essential funds towards developmental priorities.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Thair Shraideh, emphasized the need for sustained efforts in tobacco control through policy reform and legislative advancements. He reiterated UNDP's commitment to supporting Lebanon in this journey alongside the government, WHO, and partners, by strengthening legislative frameworks, advancing policies, and fostering collaboration.
According to the investment case, implemented in collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health, the UNDP global health team, and WHO, implementing the WHO FCTC measures could save over 2,600 lives per year. It would allow Lebanon to reinvest savings from reduced healthcare expenditures and increased tobacco tax revenues into critical national development priorities, including universal health coverage, social protection programs, and economic recovery efforts.
Currently, more than 9,000 people die from tobacco-related illnesses per year in Lebanon, accounting for more than a quarter of all deaths. Lebanon became a Party to the WHO FCTC in 2005, yet additional policy actions are needed to fully leverage its benefits.
The recommended policy actions include fully implementing the WHO FCTC, strengthening tobacco tax structures, creating smoke-free public places, requiring graphic health warnings on packaging, promoting public awareness of tobacco control issues, promoting cessation of tobacco use, strengthening multisectoral coordination, and developing a national tobacco control strategy. Additionally, measures to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interests and joining the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products are advised.
This initiative marks a further step in Lebanon's commitment to reducing tobacco-related health and economic burdens.