The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: The World no-tobacco day 2005 programme in Nigeria created an opportunity for a coalition of non-governmental organizations in Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Environment, Health-care professionals and Journalists in Health to dialogue on ways to translate evidence into local action on tobacco control. It was resolved that a Community Action Smoke-free Network should be initiated comprising Cooperation groups of committed people supporting non-smoking at the community level. The Network would assist to build alliances between the Cooperation groups and all sectors of society, including small business groups, local mass media and health professionals at community level.

Methods: A community will be chosen in each of the six zones of the country to form a Cooperation group. The Cooperation group will consist of local representatives of existing recognised local government employees association; educational and vocational institutions, sports associations, township associations, community-Police associations, commercial groups, women and youth organizations. The capacity-building and mentoring of a Cooperation group in each zone would be supported by a joint contribution of human and financial resources of existing Heart Foundation / Societies, Cancer Foundation/ Societies, Health professional and Environment associations that participated in the World no-tobacco day 2005 programme.

Results: The establishment and active participation of each Cooperation group will promote tobacco control at the grass-root, improve awareness and information dissemination. Each cooperation group will participate in the annual World no- tobacco day programme, Cancer awareness month programme, International Quit and Win Competition and will seek partnership from work places, faith-based associations and small organized units from the community.