BACKGROUND-AIM:
Effective communication is essential to the success of tobacco prevention initiatives, encouraging behaviour change and stakeholders in policy changes. Evidence-based communication and dissemination strategies enhance the visibility, transferability, and sustainability of project outcomes. The recently launched Joint Action on Smoke- and Aerosol-Free Environments (JA-SAFE) project integrates communication as a core workstream to support tobacco control and broader health promotion goals. Drawing on good practices from previous European Union (EU) joint action projects such as Best-Remap and JACARDI, this study aims to demonstrate how structured dissemination planning as well as coherent branding, multichannel engagement, and transparent reporting of project outcomes will be implemented in the JA-SAFE project.

METHODS:
A comparative review of dissemination frameworks, communication plans, and performance indicators from previous EU Joint Actions was conducted, including analysis of platform selection, audience segmentation, messaging formats, and engagement metrics. Additional insights were derived from social media practices (e.g., LinkedIn communication patterns), website architectures, stakeholder newsletters, and partner-level outreach experiences. Key performance indicators (KPIs) examined included reach, impressions, engagement rates, partner participation, and content diversity. These findings were synthesised to inform a communication model tailored to JA-SAFE project’s objectives.

RESULTS:
The JACARDI project demonstrated the effectiveness of an integrated multichannel approach, combining website hubs, structured social media presence, visual storytelling, and regular partner amplification. KPIs such as post engagement, cross-partner content sharing, and visibility peaks during campaign periods provided actionable benchmarks. Based on these insights, the JA-SAFE project has initiated a communication and dissemination framework prioritising a centralised website for project transparency and resource sharing; systematic LinkedIn dissemination, aligning with patterns of consistent, partner-driven amplification observed in previous joint actions; harmonised visual identity and messaging; initial KPI tracking focusing on engagement, reach, and partner activity. These elements support early-stage capacity building for JA-SAFE project’s communication and dissemination activities in tobacco prevention.

CONCLUSIONS:
Preliminary results indicate that an integrated, data-driven communication strategy is essential for strengthening the reach and policy relevance of tobacco prevention actions within the JA-SAFE project. Continuous monitoring of KPIs and iterative adaptation of channels and content will guide targeted interventions to maximise dissemination effectiveness throughout the project lifecycle.