The aims of the Collaborating Centre, as defined in the current terms of reference, are to support the WHO Tobacco Free Initiative by:
- Training in the use of tobacco industry documents at the country level, the regional level (starting with PAHO), and the global level.
- To provide intellectual support and leadership to research related to understanding tobacco industry behavior & how it influences tobacco control policy. An increased understanding will result in the development of more effective national tobacco control programs.
- Development of integrated tobacco control courses aimed at building a cadre of trainers in academic institutions in developing countries. An initial focus on the PAHO Region will be developed, subject to availability of resources.
- Dissemination of information produced by the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education to developing countries, building on recent studies of tobacco industry youth programs & of the tobacco industry efforts subverting the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) second-hand smoke study.
- Via the internet, respond to online requests for support in carrying out tobacco industry document searches, subject to available resources.