Mapping the African Tobacco Control Network

BackgroundTo understand the state of tobacco control efforts across Africa, a first-ever survey was implemented to assess the nature and activities of tobacco control stakeholders across the African continent. MethodsA survey in English, Arabic, and French was made available to individuals and organizations to assess the types and scope of tobacco control efforts and experience with tobacco control programs based on FCTC articles/MPOWER components. ResultsThere were 219 respondents from 32 African and 6 non-African countries. Research and advocacy were the most reported activities, and several organizations emerged as network nodes for connecting tobacco control efforts across multiple African countries. The most common FCTC articles/MPOWER components worked on were (W) warning about the dangers of tobacco (58%), (M) monitor tobacco use and policies (49%), and (P) protection against secondhand smoke exposure (47%). Significant between-country differences were also found on some FCTC articles/MPOWER components: (1) (R) price and tax measures [Articles 6 and 15] (F=1.57, p=0.048), (2) industry interference [Article 5.3] (F=1.62, p=0.038), and (3) economically viable alternatives to tobacco growing [Article 17] (F=1.94, p=0.007). DiscussionThis study found a broad and robust tobacco control network across Africa, with multiple organizations serving those networks and having overlapping collaborations. There is considerable variability in tobacco control priorities and networking, and multiple barriers were identified to expanding the network and to fostering increased tobacco control efforts. The results point to important directions for increasing collaboration across FCTC articles/MPOWER components to improve tobacco control efforts; potential research opportunities, including an analysis of tobacco industry activities, an exploration of ways to help people quit tobacco, and approaches to elevate the cost of tobacco; and a solid tobacco control network foundation on which to build. However, exploring creative approaches to increase research most relevant to specific countries and their cultural characteristics is essential.