It is my pleasure to announce that I have successfully completed all six modules of Global Tobacco Control: Learning From the Experts, a unique online course designed by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for the Global Tobacco Control Leadership Program.

Last year, I also participated in the South Asia Global Tobacco Control Leadership Program in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I am deeply honored to have had the opportunity to participate in this excellent learning course, which allowed me to gain extensive knowledge on the global perspective of tobacco control and insights into tobacco industry interference.

The six modules included:

1. Fundamentals of Tobacco Control

   • Introduces the history, science, and principles of tobacco control.

   • Explains the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its role in global policy.

   • Covers essential strategies for tobacco prevention, cessation, and public awareness.

   • Provides leadership skills to implement effective tobacco control programs.

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2. Tobacco or Health

   • Explores the health consequences of tobacco use, including cancer, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases.

   • Discusses the risks of secondhand smoke exposure and other tobacco-related illnesses.

   • Examines the global burden of tobacco on public health systems.

   • Highlights evidence-based approaches to reduce morbidity and mortality.

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3. The Tobacco Industry

   • Analyses tactics and strategies of the tobacco industry, including lobbying and marketing.

   • Highlights ways the industry interferes with policy and public health measures.

   • Provides methods to monitor, expose, and counteract industry influence.

   • Includes case studies from multiple countries illustrating industry interference.

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4. Economics

   • Examines the economic impact of tobacco production, sales, and consumption.

   • Discusses taxation strategies, pricing policies, and their effectiveness in reducing tobacco use.

   • Explores cost-benefit analyses of tobacco control interventions.

   • Offers insights into the global tobacco market and economic implications for countries.

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5. Tobacco Control Interventions Part 1 & Part 2

   • Covers evidence-based interventions to prevent and reduce tobacco use.

   • Focuses on cessation programs, awareness campaigns, and behavior change strategies.

   • Explains policy measures like smoke-free environments, advertising bans, packaging, and labeling.

   • Discusses community-based programs, advocacy, and multi-sectoral approaches for effective implementation.

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6. Surveillance and Evaluation

   • Provides methods for monitoring tobacco use trends and patterns.

   • Focuses on program evaluation, impact assessment, and measuring policy effectiveness.

   • Explains data collection tools, research methods, and using evidence to inform policy.

   • Highlights global examples of surveillance systems and evaluation frameworks.

Overall, these six modules offered comprehensive knowledge on the science, policy, economics, interventions, surveillance, and leadership strategies essential for effective global tobacco control, preparing participants to lead impactful programs and policies in their regions.

If you aspire to work as a tobacco control advocate, I highly recommend this course. It equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field of tobacco control globally.

https://www.globaltobaccocontrol.org/en/online-courses/global-tobacco-control-learning-experts