3239.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - 8:30 PM

Abstract #25696

Making our voice heard: United States government policy on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Thomas E. Novotny, MD, MPH, Office of International and Refugee Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 18-105, Rockville, MD 20857, 301-443-1774, jepstein@osophs.dhhs.gov

The Member States of the World Health Organization are in the midst of a four-year process to negotiate a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The FCTC is intended to stimulate international dialogue around tobacco and health and foster action by Member States to implement strong initiatives to reduce tobacco use.

The Department of Health and Human Services has been designated by the Department of State to lead a broad, interagency delegation in the FCTC negotiations. The U.S. delegation follows negotiating guidelines developed through consensus by an Interagency Working Group of the Domestic Policy Council and concurred with by Deputies of each participating agency.

The United States favors tobacco control policies dealing with prevention of youth smoking, for example, by restricting advertisements that appeal to young people and regulating sales to minors; treatment for nicotine-addicted smokers; protection of non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke; eliminating smuggling; sharing research information; and improving surveillance. These policies will be among those discussed during the session.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to: Articulate the policies that the United States will be supporting during the FCTC negotiations and understand the way that these policies might be adapted and implemented in countries that ratify the FCTC.

Keywords: Tobacco Control, Tobacco Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA