This strategy is being developed as Government of Nepal, Ministry of Health and Population, has given high priority to promotive health services by specifying health education and information as an important area of its activities. The Ministry of Health and Population in its National Health Policy 1991 specifies, "One of the main reasons for the low health standards of the people is the lack of public awareness of health matters. Therefore, health education will be provided in an effective manner from centre to rural areas. For this, political workers, teachers, students, social organizations, women and volunteers will be mobilized extensively up to the ward level". The Second Long Term Health Plan 1997-2017 (SLTHP) of the Ministry of Health clearly specifies the need for "effective IEC measures" to address public health issues including "the reduction of the prevalence of smoking" in Nepal.
