At Stowelink Foundation, we are deeply committed to public health and advocacy, with a strong focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and tobacco control. Recently, our CEO, Ogweno Stephen, had the privilege of participating in a significant training program on Tobacco Industry Monitoring in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This training was organized by The Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM), a leading observatory that monitors the tobacco industry’s activities in Africa. Their goal is to ensure that the tobacco industry does not interfere with government and global health initiatives to implement effective tobacco control measures.

The tobacco industry remains a formidable adversary in public health advocacy, especially in Africa, where many communities are vulnerable to the industry’s tactics. The insights gained from this training were invaluable and shed light on the critical role of monitoring and action in tobacco control. Below are some of the key takeaways from the discussions:

1. Monitoring Alone Is Not Enough

Andy Rowell, from the Tobacco Control Research Group, stressed that monitoring the industry is essential, but it doesn’t get us very far on its own. To make a tangible impact, monitoring needs to drive research and action. It is crucial to investigate emergent issues, transform complex problems into actionable research projects, and expose the tobacco industry’s tactics. For instance, the use of front groups and unethical practices often goes unnoticed but can be brought to light through effective monitoring followed by research-based advocacy.

2. Exposing Corporate Espionage

One of the more alarming insights was the revelation that certain tobacco companies, including British American Tobacco (BAT), have been implicated in engaging in unethical activities such as corporate espionage and illicit payments across African countries. This points to the urgent need for robust monitoring mechanisms that hold these companies accountable for undermining public health efforts. Exposing such activities is the first step in ensuring that tobacco control measures are implemented effectively across the continent.

3. Tobacco Tax Reforms

The training also underscored the importance of simplifying and streamlining tobacco tax structures. In many countries, complex tax regulations create loopholes that tobacco companies exploit to reduce their tax obligations. These loopholes weaken tobacco control efforts and allow the industry to maintain its stronghold. Simplified and consistent tax structures can prevent such exploitation, ensuring that tobacco taxes are effectively contributing to public health objectives and deterring tobacco use.

4. The Economic Realities of Tobacco Control

One of the major challenges in advocating for tobacco control is addressing the economic myths propagated by the industry. While the tobacco industry often argues that tobacco control leads to job losses, the long-term economic benefits of tobacco control measures far outweigh any short-term challenges. These benefits include significant savings in healthcare costs, increased productivity, and the creation of jobs in alternative sectors. Additionally, tobacco taxes generate substantial revenue that can be reinvested in public health and infrastructure, helping countries improve the overall quality of life for their citizens.

5. Debunking the Myth of ‘Personal Freedom’

The tobacco industry often defends itself by claiming it advocates for personal freedom and choice. However, as public health experts remind us, tobacco is one of the few legal products that is deadly when used exactly as intended. The notion of “freedom” in this context becomes meaningless when people’s lives are at stake. Public health must come before corporate profits, and it is essential to challenge these misleading narratives.

6. Legal Precedents in Tobacco Control

Finally, the training highlighted the importance of holding tobacco companies accountable through legal channels. Countries like Brazil, Nigeria, and Canada have successfully taken legal action against tobacco companies, holding them accountable for the health damage they’ve caused. These legal cases have resulted in billions of dollars in damages and set significant precedents for healthcare reimbursement and consumer protection in the face of tobacco-related harm.

A Call to Action

The insights gained from the ATIM training in Ethiopia remind us that tobacco control is a multi-faceted effort that requires a combination of monitoring, research, and advocacy. At Stowelink Foundation, we are committed to continuing our work in challenging the harmful practices of the tobacco industry and advocating for stronger policies to protect public health. Through partnerships, community mobilization, and continued education, we can create a healthier future for Africa.

Let’s stand together against the tobacco industry’s interference and work toward a future where public health prevails over corporate profits.