Tobacco Control Gateway to Public Health

Abstract

Background and context: There are several individuals or groups who have high public profiles and can reach out easily to different audiences. These were mobilized as champions and they helped spread the word on the TC Act hence pushing for its implementation. The main aim was to equip them with the relevant information and understanding of the TC Act. These are important because they make or influence decisions on what goes on in the respective media houses. It is important that they appreciate reasons for supporting the implementation of the TC Act. Aim: Engage media managers and TC champions to understand the TC law provisions and support efforts to publicize it. This will be through one-on-one meetings with editors, producers and talk show anchors as well as facilitating TC champion activities Strategy/Tactics: This was achieved through one on one meetings and media champions community excursions. Program/Policy process: UHCA has for the last three years has been at the forefront of engaging the media to advocate and create public awareness and support for the tobacco control agenda in Uganda and the TC Bill in particular. We have equipped and facilitated monthly interactive dialogues on TC, equipped and deployed media fellows and authored resources and tools for TC communication. We are part of the Tripartite Consortium that won the bid advertised by the World Health Organization to host the Centre for Tobacco Control in Africa (CTCA), which is championing efforts to put in place policies and laws as well as support implementation of existing legislation on tobacco control in five African countries. Outcomes: At least 20 editors, producers and media managers informed on the key provisions of the TC law through 10 one-on-one meetings At least two champions (groups or individuals) actively engaged in TC law awareness and promotion activities At least four talk-shows What was learned: Engaging the information gatekeepers (editors and producers) as well as influential persons in the public is one of the ways to make tobacco control popular among the local community.