Background 
The TCP –II (2021-2024) is a Cancer Research UK-funded initiative that works to prevent and control tobacco use in Nepal. This project focuses primarily on policy advocacy and salience raising for tobacco control. Additionally, it is politically informed, with a policy advocacy strategy that acknowledges how little importance tobacco control has in Nepal.
The TCP-I (2019-2021) emphasized the creation of evidence-based foundations for policy advocacy and lobbying. Having accomplished this, the initiative has now shifted towards a coalition-driven approach to impact policy. A collective of various organizations, interest groups, and individuals will rally to persuade policymakers to increase tobacco taxes. The NDRI spearheads this coalition.

Objectives 
The general objective of the program is to achieve policy influence by substantially expanding and intensifying efforts on public and political salience raising through a “coalition-based” approach to influencing evidence-based policy. And, the specific objectives are:
    • Further increase the supply of quality policy-relevant, politically-informed research outputs.
    • Further deepening NDRI’s networks with powerful government officials and politicians.
    • Developing effective and context-appropriate policy influencing coalitions of influential partners.
    • Capacity building for NDRI and other “coalition partners”.

Key Impacts 
As a center of excellence, NDRI has embarked on a new policy issue. The research conducted by NDRI has generated evidence for policy change and bridged gaps in knowledge. 
    • NDRI has been successful in bringing the policy impact. The FY 2021-22 Budget included the highest rise in tobacco taxation in over a decade, a 25% increase in cigarette excise rates and the 2022-23 Budget included a 20% rise in excise duty. This has been possible because of evidence-informed policy advocacy activities conducted by NDRI. 
    • Another achievement includes the formation of a coalition with local CSOs, government organizations, and politicians to support more effective tobacco control strategies. NDRI has been leading this coalition for policy advocacy and change. 

Study Team
    • Dr. Jaya Kumar Gurung, Senior Research Specialist 
    • Mr. Kamal Chaulagain, Research Associate/Program Manager
    • Ms. Anjana Lamichhane, Research Associate