The final day of the Tobacco Industry Monitoring Research and Accountability (TIMRA) 2026 Workshop, hosted by the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath, focused on translating knowledge into action. After an intensive week of learning, the closing sessions highlighted the importance of collaboration, sustained monitoring, and strategic investment in tobacco control.
Learning from Global Tobacco Industry Watchdogs
The day began with an overview of STOP (Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products), a global tobacco industry watchdog that brings together leading organisations committed to exposing tobacco industry interference.
Participants explored STOP’s objectives, its collaborative model, and examples of its research outputs and advocacy campaigns. The session demonstrated how coordinated global efforts can generate evidence, strengthen accountability, and support governments in implementing Article 5.3 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Understanding Vital Strategies’ Tobacco Industry Interference Programme
The second session introduced participants to Vital Strategies’ Tobacco Industry Interference Programme and its contribution to the STOP partnership.
In addition to showcasing its tobacco industry monitoring activities, the session provided an overview of the Tobacco Industry Interference Grants Programme, highlighting opportunities to support country-level initiatives that monitor, expose, and counter industry interference.
The discussion reinforced the importance of sustained investment in evidence generation and advocacy to protect public health policies from commercial influence.
Reflecting on the TIMRA Experience
Participants were then invited to evaluate the workshop and provide feedback on their overall experience.
The session created an opportunity to reflect on the strengths of the programme while sharing recommendations that can help improve future editions of TIMRA. It also served as a reminder that continuous learning and adaptation are essential for building effective capacity development programmes.
Strengthening Grant Writing Skills
The workshop concluded with an optional session dedicated to the Tobacco Industry Interference Grants application process.
Participants received practical guidance on project design, developing competitive funding proposals, and communicating project ideas effectively. While the session focused on TII grants, the principles discussed are broadly applicable to public health programme development and resource mobilisation.
The practical advice on proposal writing, budgeting, project planning, and demonstrating impact will undoubtedly strengthen future funding applications across a range of public health initiatives.
Reflections on the Week
Over the past five days, TIMRA 2026 has provided far more than technical knowledge. The workshop has strengthened participants’ understanding of tobacco industry interference, investigative methods, evidence generation, digital tools, policy analysis, strategic communication, and programme development.
The experience has also reinforced the importance of international collaboration in advancing tobacco control and protecting public health from industry interference.
As I conclude this learning journey, I extend my sincere appreciation to the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath for organising an exceptional workshop and for creating a space where researchers, advocates, and practitioners from around the world could learn from one another.
Representing Kenya at TIMRA 2026 has been both a privilege and an honour. I return home equipped with new knowledge, stronger professional networks, and practical skills that will contribute to strengthening tobacco industry monitoring, accountability, and evidence-informed advocacy through our work at Stowelink Foundation.
Although the workshop has come to an end, its impact is only beginning. The lessons learned this week will continue to inform our efforts to protect public health, strengthen tobacco control policies, and build healthier communities in Kenya and beyond.
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ODUOR KEVIN 