The 22nd International Harm Reduction Conference took place in Beirut, Lebanon, during April 3-7, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where it faces diverse and rapidly changing patterns of drug, tobacco and alcohol use. Despite the fact that harm reduction has been adopted in policy and practice in more countries than ever before, significant gaps remain in the response. Also lack of coverage on harm reduction programs and the capacity of civil society to respond to harm reduction issues remain low in much of the world, therefore, 'Building capacity, redressing neglect' was made the theme of this annual international conference.

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The Nigerian parliament is debating sweeping new tobacco control legislation in a bid to break the growing tobacco addiction in the country. The bill has strong backing from anti-tobacco groups and health organisations. If passed, this could be the biggest tobacco crackdown in the history of Nigeria.

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