The Ministry of Health commended the government Monday for approving the World Health Organization's (WHO) Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, a move that would boost Kuwait's international status.

Kuwait was among the first countries to join the protocol and complies with it, MoH spokesman Dr. Ahmad Al-Shatti said in a statement.

Al-Shatti, also vice-chairman of smoking combating program, said the cabinet's approval of the protocol coincided with preparations for a high-level UN meeting for prevention of non-communicable diseases, due in New York on September 27.
He explained the UN meeting aimed at reviewing reports by countries over prevention of non-communicable diseases.