The burden of tobacco-related illnesses is high in India, with about 1.35 million people dying each year. Despite comprehensive tobacco control laws and policies, implementation is varied among Indian states. The Anushthana project organized two regional consultations—held online and in-person in Raipur, Chhattisgarh—in association with the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union). The consultations brought together government officials from health, food safety, police and relevant departments, independent researchers, and members from civil society organizations from 18 states and union territories who are working in the field of tobacco control and public health.
The purpose of the regional consultations were to
- Discuss state-specific tobacco control implementation strategies
- Cross-pollinate ideas and facilitate research and practice collaborations in tobacco control
- Promote leadership and highlight a set of best practices in tobacco control.
