Stowelink Trained on Tobacco Advocacy with ATIM in Ethiopia

Stowelink Foundation, represented by its CEO Ogweno Stephen, had the privilege of participating in an intensive 5-day training in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on tobacco advocacy, facilitated by the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM). This training, organized by ATIM, serves as a crucial observatory to monitor tobacco industry interference across the African continent, ensuring that industry tactics do not obstruct governmental efforts and global health bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), in implementing effective tobacco control measures.

The training provided an in-depth exploration of the tobacco industry's impact on public health and socio-economic conditions in Africa. Among the key insights was the fact that tobacco use is disproportionately high among Africa's poorest populations, exacerbating health inequities. Alarmingly, half of all lung cancer deaths on the continent could be prevented if tobacco use were eliminated. Additionally, raising tobacco excise taxes has been proven to effectively reduce tobacco consumption—a vital strategy in reducing health risks.

A crucial topic of the training was dispelling common misconceptions about alternatives like flavored tobacco products such as Shisha and e-cigarettes. Contrary to popular belief, these products are not safe alternatives to traditional tobacco use. Shisha, often marketed with enticing flavors, remains a harmful form of tobacco. Similarly, e-cigarettes, often promoted as a smoking cessation tool, are contributing to increased nicotine addiction, ultimately leading to greater tobacco use among vulnerable populations.

The program also focused on the tobacco industry’s interference tactics, which range from undermining tobacco control policies to engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities designed to manipulate public perception. Ogweno and other participants delved into the complex landscape of tobacco control, learning about policies such as the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which seeks to reduce tobacco demand and supply globally.

This training emphasized that tobacco control is not just a public health issue—it is a socio-economic challenge. The African continent continues to grapple with high tobacco-related mortality rates, particularly in low-income communities. Advocacy efforts like those championed by Stowelink Foundation are essential in raising awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco and advocating for stricter regulations and higher taxes on tobacco products.

Upon successful completion of the course, Ogweno Stephen graduated as a certified tobacco advocate, equipped with the knowledge and skills to further advance tobacco control efforts in Kenya and across Africa. His training covered critical areas such as industry interference, policy understanding, advocacy strategies, and economic impacts of tobacco on African communities. As a trained advocate, Ogweno is now better positioned to help shape tobacco control policies in Kenya and collaborate with global networks working towards the elimination of tobacco use and its harmful alternatives on the continent.

At Stowelink Foundation, we remain committed to reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer and cardiovascular diseases, many of which are exacerbated by tobacco use. This training is a significant milestone in our continued advocacy efforts, and we look forward to using this knowledge to create a healthier future for all Africans.