Basic Course on Tobacco Control

Every year, more than 8 million people die due to tobacco use. Most tobacco-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, which are often targets of intensive tobacco industry interference and marketing. In this context, Resource Center for Tobacco Control (www.rctcpgi.org) was conceptualized in the year 2018 which aims at addressing the information-gap and facilitating policy makers, program managers, academicians and civil society advocates in seeking the relevant, reliable and updated information on tobacco control.

Keeping this in view 'Basic Course on Tobacco Control', a three-month online course (10 weeks teaching and 2 weeks practicum) was conceptualized to enhance knowledge and skills of various stakeholders interested to support tobacco control initiatives in the country along with strengthening the tobacco control policies globally. This course will target public health professionals, students, implementers, social workers and people from other backgrounds who want to contribute towards tobacco control.

During the course, the participants will be exposed to fundamentals of tobacco control, its epidemiology at global and national level, tobacco use practices, health and socio-economic implications, policy and legislations, tobacco cessation, tobacco industry interference, behaviour change communication, multi-stakeholder engagement, role of civil society and academics, monitoring and evaluation, managing special vulnerable groups, leadership and advocacy in tobacco control, other emerging issues and many more.

The teaching will be done through a multi-pronged adult learning pedagogy comprising of video lectures, reading materials and live interactive sessions. Tests will be conducted at the end of each module. Besides this, the participants will be engaged with their peers in the discussion forums, and undertake practicum/assignments and a project work with eminent mentors. In addition, the participants will get an opportunity to develop their e-portfolio which will reflect on the competencies and skills attained during the course.