As the world commemorates 20 years of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)—the first international treaty dedicated to advancing global public health—Stowelink proudly joins in celebrating this milestone and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to tobacco control and advocacy.

For us, this anniversary is more than just a moment of reflection—it’s a celebration of bold action and a reminder of how much more we must do to protect public health from the harms of tobacco and nicotine products.

Our Work in Tobacco Control Advocacy

Since our inception, Stowelink has been deeply engaged in the fight against tobacco use, working across Kenya and the wider African region to promote policy change, build youth awareness, and challenge the tactics of the tobacco industry. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to:

🟢 Policy Engagement and Research Advocacy
We actively participated in the launch of the landmark report, “The Landscape of New-Generation Tobacco and Nicotine Products Consumption in Kenya”, a vital resource that shines a light on emerging trends in tobacco use and the growing risks among youth and young adults.

🟢 Capacity Building with Regional Partners
In collaboration with ATIM (Action on Tobacco Industry Monitoring), Stowelink representatives received advanced training in tobacco industry monitoring in Ethiopia, equipping us to better recognize and counter industry interference across the continent.

🟢 Public Health Advocacy
We stood alongside leading health organizations—including the NCD Alliance, International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA), and National Taxpayers Association (NTA)—to issue a joint press statement highlighting the dangers of tobacco farming and urging stronger control of tobacco use for the protection of public health.

Spotlight on Our Flagship Project: TIIDWI

Our commitment to tobacco control is anchored in our flagship initiative—the Tobacco Industry Interference Digital Watch Initiative (TIIDWI). This project is designed to:

• 📌 Monitor: Track real-time tobacco-related news and industry narratives through digital tools like Google Alerts.
• 📌 Analyze: Identify content that promotes or undermines public health objectives.
• 📌 Expose: Use digital advocacy platforms to challenge tobacco industry narratives and expose manipulation of policy, media, and science.
• 📌 Amplify: Elevate pro-health content and support advocacy movements with verified, research-backed messaging.

TIIDWI is our way of holding the tobacco industry accountable in the digital age—where misinformation spreads fast, but so can truth and awareness.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate 20 years of the WHO FCTC, Stowelink renews its promise to continue fighting for a tobacco-free future. With youth-focused digital campaigns, policy advocacy, and a strong network of public health partners, we’re committed to advancing tobacco control and protecting future generations from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

Together, let’s ensure the next 20 years of FCTC are even more impactful.