GLEPHA Special Interest Group on Tobacco Control
Pre-conference Meeting and Launch
Health policy in action and implications for frontline health and law enforcement workers
Join us in Ottawa for a dynamic pre-conference satellite meeting at #LEPH25, where we proudly launch the new Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association (GLEPHA) Tobacco Control Special Interest Group (SIG).
This timely gathering will bring together practitioners (law enforcement, public health, healthcare), researchers, policymakers, and advocates committed to reducing the health and social harms of tobacco use through a law enforcement and public health lens.
Meet our esteemed Co-Convenors:
- Hassan Mir, Cardiologist & Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa Heart Institute
- Damian Nzeh, Clinical Researcher & Prevention Scientist, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
- Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, Professor & Head of School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria
The launch agenda features impressive international speakers and presentations highlighting the vital work of our colleagues in North Lincolnshire and West Yorkshire.
Whether you’re a seasoned tobacco control expert or just beginning to explore this field, the SIG launch will offer a vibrant platform for connection, insight, and action.
Be part of shaping this new community and help define its priorities for a smoke-free future.
PROGRAM
8:00am – 9:00am
Registration and Refreshments
9:00am – 9:15am
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Hassan Mir – Cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at University of Ottawa Heart Institute
9:15am – 10:00am
Introduction to the Global Law Enforcement and Public Health Association (GLEPHA) Tobacco Control Special Interest Group
Rachel Forbes – Assistant Director of Public Health at North Lincolnshire Council, and Board Member for GLEPHA
10:00am – 10:15am
Refreshment Break
10:15am – 11:15pm
Contemporary Approaches to Smoking and Vaping Cessation
From University of Ottawa Heart Institute: Hassan Mir – Cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine Javad Heshmati – Clinical Fellow Mohammad Abbas – Clinical Fellow
11:15am – 12:00pm
A Primer on Emerging Nicotine Products
Mustafa Coja – Manager, Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation at University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Hassan Mir – Cardiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at University of Ottawa Heart Institute
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Networking Lunch
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Breakout Session: Policy vs Practice, Implications for Law Enforcement and Public Health
Moderator: Rob Cunningham – Senior Policy Analyst, Canadian Cancer Society
Featuring: David Sweanor – Adjunct Professor, Advisory Committee Chair, University of Ottawa Centre for Health Law, Policy and Ethics Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
2:00pm – 3:00pm
Smoking Cessation in Novel Settings: Implications and Learning for Frontline Workers
Moderated by Rachel Forbes -Assistant Director of Public Health, North Lincolnshire Council, and GLEPHA Board Member, with presentations from:
Rachel Forbes on behalf of Laura Colby – Public Health Manager, North Lincolnshire Council, Kevin Hornsby – Director of Customer Serices, and Jan Williams – Head of Opportunities, Ongo Homes
Smoking cessation and social housing
Kerri-Anne Mullen – Director, Prevention and Wellness Centre & Canadian Women’s Heart Health Centre at University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Title: TBC
Lekan Ayo-Yusuf – Professor and Chairperson/Head of School of Health Systems and Public Health at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria
Title: TBC
3:00pm – 3:15pm
Refreshment Break
3:15pm – 4:45pm
Global Experiences in Enforcing Tobacco Control Policy
Moderated by Damian Nzeh – Clinical Researcher and Prevention Scientist, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps – also presenting:
The challenges of enforcing tobacco control measures like graphic health warnings in Nigeria
With presentations from:
Terefe Gelibo Agerfa, PhD – Public Health Analyst and Epidemiologist, University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Law Enforcement and Tobacco Control in Africa: Experience from the Tobacco Control Data Initiative (TCDI)
Rachel Forbes on behalf of West Yorkshire Trading Standards
Cheap and Illicit Tobacco Programme – Achieving Better Outcomes by working together
Rohan Pike – Independent Law Enforcement Consultant, having worked with Australian Federal Police, the National Crime Authority and More.
‘Gang Wars’ the impact of restrictive policy on organised crime in Australia
4:45pm – 5:00pm
Wrap up and Closing Remarks
FREE EVENT
To attend, please register (bit.ly/tc-sig-reg) and complete the form fully, at which point, details of the meeting location will be shared with you.
Virtual attendance option and recording is being explored – if you are interested in virtual attendance, please complete the registration form also linked in the agenda.
This meeting is not open to people who have or previously had connections with the tobacco industry or its affiliates.
DATES
Saturday 12 July 2025
TIME
From 8am to 5pm
To join the TC SIG for future meetings and collaborations, even if you can’t attend the launch, please send your details to glepha.coordinator@gmail.com
AUDIENCE
for all students enrolled in the LEPH2025 conference and any postgraduate students from the University of Ottawa