The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: NOWZUWAN is a pioneering anti-tobacco campaigner within its large working area. It believes in educating, at local level, those who use and work with tobacco. Publicity of the anti-tobacco movement is needed in countries where this movements involvement will only gather momentum if materials in local languages become more accessible

Methods: NOWZUWAN's first priority, creating educational material for the common user where nothing is available. NOWZUWAN's awareness campaign with partners BATA (Bangladesh Anti-Tobacco Alliance) was the first of its kind in rural areas. It consisted of leaflet distribution in local dialects, a sticker and poster campaign and free health advice. This promotional stunt has started a local movement. NOWZUWAN's involvement with the local mosques and their Imams educating them of the effects of tobacco. They are now preaching the anti-tobacco message in their weekly seminars. Many group discussions with rural communities giving them up to the minute information and advice in their local dialect has been and is continuing to be carried out in NOWZUWAN's area.

Results: Their stakeholders are all non-smokers and all the offices of the local government are now NO SMOKING ZONES along with NOWZUWAN's project offices. NOWZUWAN also has a strong relationship with the healthcare sector in Chittagong district. Doctors and hospitals, with help from NOWZUWAN's up to date information, now have shown great enthusiasm to join the campaign and are giving professional advice to their patients. Their help and guidance is an important step to change the mindset of tobacco users. Awareness is the key.