BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: The use of tobacco among adolescents and young adults continue to remain on the rise. Smoking is major cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. This calls for a youth- centric approach to tobacco control, one platform that can be harnessed is sport, Sport possesses an unparalleled potential to transcend cultural and socio-economic barriers, therefore making it an optimal tool for raising awareness and promoting social change. This initiative sought to combine sports with effective tobacco control measures.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: An Independence soccer tournament was held with the theme: Kicking out Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and drug abuse. Before the commencement of each game awareness was created around the need for adolescents to lead healthy lifestyles, build resilience and advocate for the passing of the Tobacco control bill in Zambia. Consequently, IEC materials and Action plans were distributed to each team captain to pledge what each team would commit to contributing towards tobacco control in various communities. One lesson learned during the sensitization was the need to create platforms for young people to engage in constructive dialogue and act on social issues beyond sports tournaments that promote accountability and sustainability to maintain the gains scored.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: Overall, 152 adolescents were sensitized, 7 out of the 7 team captains developed action plans which they committed to achieve by December 2025. A youth technical working group was established to educate and mobilize young people to counter pro- tobacco narratives and tobacco industry tactics.
CONCLUSIONS: Many tools and platforms have been leveraged to mitigate and control the use of Tobacco. However, this initiative focusses on the importance of sport as an entry point to youth led advocacy activities that combat tobacco industry tactics. Harnessing the power of sport can make a meaningful contribution to reducing tobacco related harm and ultimately promoting a healthier future for young people.