1. In 2009 RAID - The Gambia embarked on an ambitious nationwide sensitization campaign aimed at raising awareness about the content and significance of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). With support from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO Afro), RAID undertook a comprehensive initiative to educate communities across The Gambia about the critical provisions and objectives of the WHO FCTC. Recognizing the importance of grassroots engagement and culturally relevant communication strategies, RAID implemented its sensitization campaign in five different local languages spoken throughout The Gambia. This approach ensured that key messages and information about the WHO FCTC were accessible and comprehensible to diverse segments of the population, including rural communities and marginalized groups. The nationwide sensitization campaign organized by RAID served as a platform for dialogue, education, and empowerment, enabling individuals and communities to make informed decisions about tobacco control and public health. Through a combination of community meetings, interactive workshops, radio broadcasts, and informational materials, RAID effectively disseminated key messages about the dangers of tobacco use, the benefits of tobacco control policies, and the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in the WHO FCTC. The support provided by WHO Afro was instrumental in facilitating the implementation of RAID's sensitization campaign and ensuring its reach and impact across different regions of The Gambia. By collaborating with WHO Afro, RAID was able to leverage technical expertise, resources, and networks to maximize the effectiveness of its advocacy efforts and engage diverse stakeholders in the tobacco control discourse. RAID's nationwide sensitization campaign in 2009 played a pivotal role in fostering community awareness, mobilizing public support, and building momentum for tobacco control initiatives within The Gambia. By empowering individuals with knowledge and promoting dialogue about tobacco control, RAID laid the groundwork for meaningful policy changes, community-driven interventions, and sustained advocacy efforts aimed at reducing tobacco-related harm and promoting public health. Moving forward, RAID remains committed to advancing tobacco control objectives and leveraging community-based approaches to address the multifaceted challenges posed by tobacco use. Through continued collaboration with WHO Afro and other stakeholders, RAID seeks to build on the successes of its sensitization campaign and drive positive change in The Gambia's tobacco control landscape, ultimately contributing to the creation of healthier, tobacco-free communities for generations to come.