Dynamics of multi-stakeholder engagement and its role in achieving high compliance of a tobacco control programme

Partnerships with the local administration and other stakeholders is proposed to achieve high compliance of smoke-free law but rarely practiced. The current study proposes a sustainable multi-stakeholder model and examines its process to establish a smoke-free jurisdiction. Impact of multi-stakeholder engagement was assessed using a cross-sectional observational design. Various stakeholders including the District Health Administration, local NGOs and associations were engaged to achieve high compliance of a smoke free law (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, COTPA). Study adopted a twin strategy i.e. use of legal mechanisms to push local authorities into action and at the same time, raising public awareness of the smoke-free law through rallies, seminars and talks by involving NGOs. Using a checklist 210 public places in Fatehgarh Sahib district were monitored for the evidence of active smoking, display of no-smoking signage boards and signs of recent smoking. Involvement of various stakeholders helped to achieve 90.2% compliance for section 4 of COTPA. It was achieved by bringing together the government machinery and the civil societies together, which is crucial for the sustainability of tobacco control efforts. The highest compliance was observed at government buildings and transit points (92.5%), followed by health facilities (91.0%). Multi-stakeholder partnerships should be promoted for effective implementation of smoke-free laws. It also enhances community engagement, compliance and sustainability of a tobacco control programme.