Recognizing the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation to control the global tobacco epidemic, in May 1999 the World Health Assembly, the governing body of the World Health Organization (WHO), adopted a resolution authorizing the acceleration of negotiations leading to the adoption of a WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) by May 2003. The WHO FCTC will be an international legal instrument designed to circumscribe the growth of the tobacco epidemic by serving as an institutional forum to address aspects of tobacco control that transcend national boundaries and to encourage and assist national action on all aspects of tobacco control. This presentation discusses the development of WHO Framework Convention, its legal basis and the contribution that an international regulatory regime can make to curbing the growth and spread of tobacco consumption.
Particular emphasis is placed on describing the advancement of the tobacco epidemic in poor and transitional economies and the role that the WHO FCTC can serve in assisting such countries in strengthening national tobacco control programmes and in overcoming the pressure of the tobacco industry. In addition, this presentation will report on the outcome of the first meeting of the FCTC intergovernmental negotiating body held in the fall of 2000, including updated information on the status of negotiations as well as prospects for adoption of the Convention and key protocols by 2003.
Learning Objectives: The participants will be able to discuss the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, its legal basis and progress achieved in negotiating the treaty during the first meeting of the intergovernmental negotiating body during fall 2000
Keywords: Tobacco Litigation, International Public Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: World Health Organization
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: WHO (TFI) Legal Advisor