Strengthening Global Tobacco Control

The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) has been involved in tobacco control efforts in Canada since 1959, and internationally since 1995. Since then, the Association has supported the efforts of national public health associations (PHA) in twenty countries. CPHA is pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative which will extend technical and financial support to national PHAs in four African countries between December 2010 and March 2011. Funding in support of these initiatives is provided through a contribution from Health Canada to the Canadian Global Tobacco Control Forum.

In collaboration with partner PHAs in Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Uganda, activities have been developed based on the specific needs and priorities identified in each country. The activities will be implemented through these partners and will directly promote and support the implementation of Articles 6, 8, 11, and/or 13 of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

The projects’ goals and anticipated outcomes include strengthened government policies, programs and strategies regarding tobacco control in the participating countries. Increased public awareness and knowledge of the consequences of tobacco consumption is also a goal, to be achieved through a variety of creative methods. In addition, CPHA hopes to improve international collaboration in response to emerging and current tobacco control issues, and hopes to strengthen a south-to-south partnership regarding the issue.

CPHA has pioneered tobacco control initiatives over the decades and along with its partners, has played an important role in tobacco control efforts throughout the world. CPHA programs are important steps towards improving tobacco control in partner countries, and the current projects are continuing the task of countering the serious and irreversible damages caused by tobacco.