Abstract Text: Tobacco Control is a major public health issue in many countries, yet recognition of its transnational and global aspects has been more recent. Background: In 1997 the World Federation of Public Health Associations became involved at its 8th International Congress in Arusha, Tanzania, when a local public health worker asked foreign participants for assistance in countering international tobacco industry efforts in her country. This led to a Congress resolution; followed by a 1998 position paper and a Tobacco Control Project in1999 decided at the WFPHA annual meeting. Tobacco Control was also a major program element at the Federation's 9th Congress in Beijing in September 2000. Methods: The present methodology of the Federation’s Tobacco Control project is to mobilize member support for WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The WFPHA's role is to support a convention that allows as many countries as possible to sign. The Federation also organized an International Workshop on Tobacco Control in May 2001 in Geneva. The workshop’s objectives were to share country experience and strategize on the most effective national initiatives to counter global tobacco use. The role of the Federation’s task force and the feasibility of an international movement of health professionals to secure a petition countering tobacco use were assessed. Results: Different national efforts and approaches to promote tobacco control show a range of success depending on country specific conditions. Certain factors need to be accounted for in developing a collaborative effort/movement of health professionals to further global tobacco control. See www.wfpha.org
Learning Objectives: (i) Recognize and understand the transnational and global dimensions of international tobacco control (ii) analyse different countries successes and failures in tobacco control and (iii) assess scope for mobilizing health professionals internationally in promoting tobacco control.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: World Federation of Public Health Associations
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.