The World Conference on Tobacco or Health is being held in a developing country after 12 years and it was great that the world's largest tobacco control event came to the world's largest democratic country like India which is one of the incredible nation working for the widest spectrum of tobacco control issues.

The Central Team of VHAI, Delhi and its state partners attended the 14th World Conference on Tobacco or Health from 8th - 12th March, 2009 the largest meet of anti-tobacco advocates, health experts, scientists and educators in Mumbai.

It is the first time the event is being held in India. More than 2000 delegates from across the world attended the conference at the National Centre for Performing Arts. Maharashtra Governor S.C. Jamir inaugurated the conference.

Other dignitaries present at the inaugural conference included central Health and Family Welfare minister Anbumani Ramadoss and Maharashtra Home Minister Jayant Patil. VHAI and its state partners got a great new experience and an opportunity to interact with a large audience of tobacco control advocates, educators and renowned scientists from around the world. The sessions at the World Conference were well attended by VHAI and its state partners.

VHAI and its state partners actively participated in every session and involved in the live discussions also during the World Conference.

During the India Hour, Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) organized a special event for Indian organizations to participate, share and learn about diverse aspects of tobacco related activities. There was a great response from the participants during this event.