From 26 to 27 September 2012 the workshop on implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was held jointly with the Framework Convention Secretariat. This workshop discussed the ongoing developments in the work of the WHO FCTC, in preparation for the upcoming session of the Conference of Parties.
Background
The Eastern Mediterranean Region is facing major challenges in combating escalating trends in noncommunicable diseases, of which tobacco use is the most important preventable risk factor. While almost 10 years have passed since the Framework Convention entered into force, with 19 Parties regionally, progress in meeting commitments under the Convention is extremely slow.
Based on the Framework Convention, a set of ‘best buys’ to combat tobacco use has been adopted and they represent technical tools on five demand-side measures which are high-impact and affordable interventions. If used in tandem, they will reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality related to tobacco use.
Many Member States have taken steps to adopt measures as suggested by the Framework Convention, including 11 Member States that have improved legislation over the past year. However, the adoption of the recommended ‘best buys’ has been slow and piecemeal.
In September 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, which committed Member States to accelerate implementation of the WHO FCTC. The Declaration also demands full commitment to undertake tobacco control through a multisectoral approach at national level. Active engagement of non-health sectors is essential to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use. Based on the Political Declaration, WHO is working with Member States to develop a set of voluntary global targets and indicators for tobacco control, the target of relative reduction of 30% prevalence by 2025 is now being proposed for discussion during the forthcoming meetings of WHO governing bodies. In order to achieve this important milestone, higher levels of political commitment and multisectoral engagement are required by all Parties to the Convention in order to move tobacco control to the priority agenda at national level. Non-Parties are required to ratify the Framework Convention and to demonstrate their commitment to its international obligations.
The fifth session of the Conference of Parties will add further responsibilities on the part of countries. All delegates from the Region must take advantage of this forum to bring comprehensive tobacco control as a national obligation to meet the international commitments made under the WHO FCTC.
From 26 to 27 September 2012 the workshop on implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was held jointly with the Framework Convention Secretariat. This workshop discussed the ongoing developments in the work of the WHO FCTC, in preparation for the upcoming session of the Conference of Parties.
Background
The Eastern Mediterranean Region is facing major challenges in combating escalating trends in noncommunicable diseases, of which tobacco use is the most important preventable risk factor. While almost 10 years have passed since the Framework Convention entered into force, with 19 Parties regionally, progress in meeting commitments under the Convention is extremely slow.
Based on the Framework Convention, a set of ‘best buys’ to combat tobacco use has been adopted and they represent technical tools on five demand-side measures which are high-impact and affordable interventions. If used in tandem, they will reduce the burden of morbidity and mortality related to tobacco use.
Many Member States have taken steps to adopt measures as suggested by the Framework Convention, including 11 Member States that have improved legislation over the past year. However, the adoption of the recommended ‘best buys’ has been slow and piecemeal.
In September 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UN Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, which committed Member States to accelerate implementation of the WHO FCTC. The Declaration also demands full commitment to undertake tobacco control through a multisectoral approach at national level. Active engagement of non-health sectors is essential to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use. Based on the Political Declaration, WHO is working with Member States to develop a set of voluntary global targets and indicators for tobacco control, the target of relative reduction of 30% prevalence by 2025 is now being proposed for discussion during the forthcoming meetings of WHO governing bodies. In order to achieve this important milestone, higher levels of political commitment and multisectoral engagement are required by all Parties to the Convention in order to move tobacco control to the priority agenda at national level. Non-Parties are required to ratify the Framework Convention and to demonstrate their commitment to its international obligations.
The fifth session of the Conference of Parties will add further responsibilities on the part of countries. All delegates from the Region must take advantage of this forum to bring comprehensive tobacco control as a national obligation to meet the international commitments made under the WHO FCTC.
