Cigarette-smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease, leading to cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and complications in diabetes. The World Health Organization estimates that tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year. More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
The Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control (JCTC) was formed on World No Tobacco Day, May 31, 2002.
The JCTC works closely with Government, non-Government and other allied health organizations to encourage abstinence, minimize tobacco use and work toward de-normalizing the use of all tobacco and nicotine products in Jamaica. The JCTC’s secretariat is situated at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica, from which activities and other functions are planned and executed.
The Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control (JCTC) is a member of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition and the Framework Convention Alliance. For over 20 years, it has partnered with government, health organizations, and the media to promote smoke-free living and prevent tobacco use.
JCTC has played a key role in advancing tobacco control through advocacy, supporting legislation aligned with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), promoting cessation efforts, and monitoring pro-tobacco messaging. It has also collaborated with Ministries of Health across CARICOM.
With support from regional and international partners such as the Bloomberg Initiative and The Union, JCTC has contributed to major public health milestones, including Jamaica’s Public Health (Tobacco Control) Regulations (2013), increased tobacco taxation, and stronger warning labels on cigarette packaging across the Caribbean.
Recognized locally and internationally, JCTC has received multiple awards for its leadership and impact in tobacco control.
Promoting Heart Health in Jamaica
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