NNA - Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI), Lebanon’s only NGO dedicated exclusively to fighting tobacco and nicotine consumption, reinforced its national commitment in 2026 through three major initiatives aimed at protecting public health and future generations.

First, TFI launched the "Lebanon Breathes Again" media campaign, featuring awareness spots and videos broadcast on television, in cinemas and across social media. The campaign asks: Are we really meant to live beneath an unhealthy, smoke-filled cloud? Live on your cloud, but make it a clean one. Because every breath counts. This campaign was launched on World No Tobacco Day 2026, when TFI also took part in the Ministry of Public Health’s anti-smoking exhibition.

Second, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health, TFI’s 2025-2026 Training of Trainers school campaign prepared anti-smoking ambassadors in nearly 100 public and private schools across Lebanon. Moderated by TFI President Elsa Yazbek Charabati, health specialists Dr Beatrice Chami and Dr Jimmy Bou Khalil, and Project Coordinator Noa Bassil, the sessions raised awareness of the dangers of cigarettes, vaping and nicotine pouches. TFI aims to expand the campaign next year to reach schools throughout Lebanon.

Third, the annual Antoine and Minerva Kairouz Anti-Tobacco Award, presented by TFI since its creation in 2000, encouraged pupils to address tobacco dangers through creative awareness projects. First prizes went to students from Sagesse Achrafieh and Besançon Beirut. Other winners represented SSCC Sioufi, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Clémenceau, Notre-Dame des Apôtres and SSCC Kfarhbab.

For over two decades, TFI has combined education, advocacy and youth engagement with the strong belief that, in tobacco and nicotine smoking, prevention is always better than cure.