Strengthening the role of NGOs and mass media in combating tobacco in Uzbekistan

In April–May 2017, an innovative campaign in Uzbekistan engaged nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the mass media to support and promote anti-tobacco measures in the country.

Under the pilot project “Healthy life”, which introduces an integrated approach to tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), regions conducted a series of interventions with the motto “Establish a tobacco-free environment!”

Throughout the month-long campaign, visits to monitor anti-tobacco law enforcement in trade points and public places took place in 2 pilot regions. These visits focused on restaurants, cafés, and educational and sports facilities in particular. The monitoring group consisted of representatives of the youth movement Kamolot, the Makhalla Foundation, the Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan and a regional television and radio company.

During monitoring visits, the group used specially developed tools to assess the actual implementation of laws to establish tobacco-free environments, including a ban on tobacco product sales to people under the age of 20. The visits revealed issues and barriers to effective implementation. In response, the group conducted educational sessions for administration and staff on existing norms and regulations in this area.

During the campaign, participants also launched the initiative “Vote for a tobacco-free environment!” among schoolchildren and youth and within mahallas (communities). As a result, 21 092 young people voted for a tobacco-free environment. The youth declaration was presented to the governors of the regions.

Finally, participants initiated an intensive awareness-raising campaign via the mass media. They aired television and radio programmes, published articles in regional newspapers and journals, and shared social interviews and journalists’ investigations related to tobacco control.

The group presented the campaign’s achievements, insights into problems and barriers, and lessons learned at a national intersectoral round-table discussion held in Tashkent on 31 May 2017. These will also be presented at the next regional NCD steering committee meeting in June 2017.