We are a network of individuals and organisations from the South Asian region, convened by the Centre for Combating Tobacco (CCT), the tobacco observatory established in Sri Lanka mandated by the Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of the World Health Organization (WHO). SARC-CCT Committee, the main decision-making body of this network, comprises of representatives from each South Asian country. It is guided by the SARC-Technical Advisory Panel (SARC-TAP) comprising of global and regional experts in tobacco control sharing their experience and expertise in our actions. The SARC-CCT Fellows, currently 21 individuals representing all eight South Asian countries, is a team of state, academic and civil society organisation representatives, empowered by the SARC-CCT Fellowship Programme.

Together, we monitor the activities of the tobacco industry and advocate for effective implementation of the FCTC Article 5.3 in the South Asia Region. During these two years, SARC-CCT website and the information portal (TobaccoUnmaskedSouth.Asia)  have disseminated our investigative research findings related to tobacco industry activities and interference in the region. The main current project is the investigation of Globally Reported TobaccoIndustry Interference during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Our other main aim is to build competencies in the South Asian Region to monitor and counteract tobacco industry interference and to advocate for the implementation of FCTC Article 5.3. We have organised numerous networking meetings, webinars and discussions to share our experiences, learn from each other and to nurture and support each other.  The main highlight of this mission is the SARC-CCT fellowship programme, of which we have successfully completed two cycles.

We, SARC-CCT, greatly appreciate your support and enthusiasm towards protecting tobacco control policies and actions from the tobacco industry influence and interference in our region. Please stay connected with each other and the SARC-CCT, which celebrates its second anniversary today, and help protect our future generations from the harms of the tobacco industry.