Industry Engagement
Careful engagement with tobacco companies increases awareness and impact of the Index program.
The Index relies on extensive engagement with non-industry stakeholders. Through a separate process, the Index Research Partner approached the companies to ensure they are informed about the Index program, consider their feedback on proposed indicators, and invite them to share data to be evaluated by the Index.
Company participation is voluntary. However, companies that elect not to engage or share data are scored using publicly available data and included in the final ranking.
Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) states: “In setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law.” While this directive addresses public health authorities, it is also good practice for any initiative focused on the tobacco industry.
Accordingly, the Tobacco Transformation Index® is committed to document and report on the timing, nature and content of interactions with tobacco companies and industry groups. Additionally, information provided by companies is independently reviewed before being incorporated into the Index.
