[Towards a new strategy in the fight against smoking in Africa].

Today, the fight against smoking is a vital concern as the epidemic continues to grow along with the heavy consequences, and given in particular that those who are exposed are not only the smokers. The entire world has become aware and recognised the harmfulness of tobacco, and a number of activities have been undertaken, among which can be found those of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), supported by a wide range of partners. This activity which is primarily aimed at Africa, allowed health professionals from Benin to organise themselves around the success of the 1st Francophone International Seminar on the growing tobacco crisis in order to build upon the foundation which was laid in Ouidah, Benin, in November 2002. They are counting on the world-wide knowledge and expertise in the domain of the fight against smoking and, more specifically, on the political will of their governmental authorities.