The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective:

Author as an independent journalist has been successful in encouraging medical professionals for tobacco control.

Author has been influencing pro-tobacco media personnel to involve with medical professionals to highlight hazards of smoking.

Method:

Discuss existing situation with medical professionals/ review what they do towards tobacco control.

Maintain regular stakeholder with Ministry of Health/ health professional organizations (Cancer Institute). Attending media seminars/ Health Education Bureau/ Ministry of Health.

Last year interviewed medical professionals holding prominent positions/ one leading tobacco control expert (India)/ their views highlighted through media. Highly praised even through electronic media.

Interview medical professionals/ highlight on smoking hazards + tobacco cultivation. Oncologists at Cancer Institute/Sri Lanka have highlighted link between cancer and smoking ( direct and indirect). Information gathered was given publicity through print media.

Promoting medical professionals to engage in tobacco control, especially on primary education to prevent initiation to smoking.

Have been influencing medical people in international tobacco control letter campaigns as they are people who can influence other stakeholders (legal, trade) to contribute for tobacco control. Naturally people have high regard/ belief towards them.

Results:

Lowest prevalence in smoking in Sri Lanka of different professional groups is amongst doctors.

Two books authored by me on Impact of Tobacco Advertisements in Mass Media on Children (sponsored by WHO/Ministry of Health) are being used by medical professionals in Sri Lanka as a resource book in tobacco control.)

Tobacco Company in Sri Lanka has contacted me several times for discussion about my contribution through media, I have resisted.