The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: Increase media coverage of tobacco control, specifically of the need for passage of a comprehensive tobacco control law and, subsequently to its passage, the importance of law implementation and monitoring.

Methods: We used various methods to increase the quantity and quality of media coverage of tobacco control law. We worked directly with media personnel, expanding our media network, organizing press conferences, holding informal meetings with journalists, and frequently writing letters to newspapers. We held colorful demonstrations, conducted and disseminated research for advocacy, prepared easily understandable documents, and organized seminars. To increase our reach, and take advantage of media connections of other NGOs, we expanded our NGO network and built the capacity other NGOs to engage in media work and to support tobacco control.

Results: Initially, media coverage of tobacco control issues was limited mainly to discussions of health issues. Over the course of our program, media coverage increased greatly and expanded to specific solutions-based reporting emphasizing the importance of comprehensive laws and policies to reduce tobacco use. The media played a critical role in passage of our tobacco control law and government's ratification of the FCTC, and continues to serve a vital role in pressuring government for adequate law implementation.