WASHINGTON, CMC – Calling tobacco use the deadliest global pandemic ever, a former President of Uruguay has urged decision makers in the Caribbean and Latin America to step up efforts to curb smoking. In making reference to World No Tobacco Day, Tabaré Vázquez, an oncologist by profession, said the war against smoking should not only be waged in doctors’ offices but also in people’s homes, workplaces, public spaces and especially in classrooms around the region. “We need to tell people that they can be happy without consuming tobacco, alcohol or drugs,” Tabaré told an audience of health experts and professionals gathered at the World Bank headquarters here.