Belgium and the World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a new Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) for 2026–2030, marking a renewed partnership focused on strengthening the country’s health system and addressing emerging public health challenges. A major priority of this strategy is tackling youth nicotine addiction, alongside broader efforts to improve prevention, health equity, and system resilience.
The strategy is designed to support Belgium’s long-term public health goals by promoting prevention-oriented policies and reducing exposure to major risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. It emphasizes making health services more accessible and effective while strengthening national capacity to respond to evolving health threats, including those affecting young people.
A central focus of the agreement is the growing concern over nicotine use among adolescents, driven by the increasing availability and appeal of new nicotine products such as e-cigarettes. The initiative supports stronger regulatory and preventive measures aimed at reducing youth exposure and preventing early addiction, which has become a key public health priority across Europe.
The strategy also aligns with broader WHO efforts in the European region to counter tobacco industry tactics that target young people through flavored and highly marketed nicotine products. These measures are part of a wider push to reduce long-term health risks and prevent a new generation from becoming dependent on nicotine.
Overall, the Belgium–WHO collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening preventive health systems, protecting youth from addiction, and advancing evidence-based policies that support healthier populations. It reinforces ongoing regional efforts to curb nicotine use and promote sustainable public health outcomes.
