WHO Marks 20 Years of Lifesaving Tobacco Control Treaty
Geneva, Switzerland – 2025-02-25, 12:00 – The World Health Organization (WHO) today commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a landmark treaty that has demonstrably saved lives and dramatically shaped global efforts to combat the tobacco epidemic. Adopted in 2003 and entering into force in 2005, the FCTC remains one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Anya Sharma, hailed the FCTC as a “monumental achievement for global public health,” stating that “For two decades, this legally binding treaty has provided a robust framework for countries to implement comprehensive tobacco control measures, leading to significant reductions in tobacco use and associated morbidity and mortality. While we celebrate its success, we must also recognize the ongoing need to strengthen implementation and address emerging challenges.”
A Treaty Built on Evidence-Based Strategies
The FCTC is based on a comprehensive set of evidence-based strategies designed to reduce both the demand for and supply of tobacco. Key provisions within the treaty include:
- Price and Tax Measures: Encouraging countries to raise taxes on tobacco products, making them less affordable and discouraging consumption, especially among young people and low-income populations.
- Protection from Tobacco Smoke: Promoting smoke-free environments in workplaces, public transport, indoor public places, and other areas, safeguarding non-smokers from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.
- Regulation of Tobacco Product Disclosures: Mandating the disclosure of the contents and emissions of tobacco products, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their health.
- Health Warnings and Packaging: Requiring prominent, graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging, alerting consumers to the dangers of smoking and discouraging initiation.
- Advertising and Sponsorship Bans: Restricting or prohibiting tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, reducing the appeal of tobacco products and protecting young people from marketing tactics.
- Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products: Combating the illicit trade in tobacco products, ensuring that tobacco products are subject to taxation and regulation, and preventing the flow of cheaper, unregulated products.
- Demand Reduction Measures: Implementing comprehensive national tobacco control programs, including public awareness campaigns, cessation support services, and education programs.
Impact and Achievements Over the Past 20 Years
Since its inception, the FCTC has significantly impacted global tobacco control efforts. Studies have shown that countries implementing FCTC measures have experienced substantial reductions in smoking prevalence. Key achievements include:
- Reduced Smoking Prevalence: Global smoking prevalence has declined significantly over the past two decades, although progress varies across regions and countries. The FCTC is widely credited with contributing to this decline by providing a framework for national action. According to the latest WHO data, the global prevalence of tobacco use among persons aged 15 years and older has decreased from 22.8% in 2007 to 17.0% in 2023.
- Strengthened National Legislation: The FCTC has prompted many countries to enact or strengthen national tobacco control legislation, aligning their policies with the treaty’s provisions. This has led to more comprehensive and effective tobacco control measures at the national level.
- Increased Awareness and Education: The treaty has facilitated the dissemination of information and education about the harms of tobacco use, raising public awareness and changing social norms.
- Improved International Cooperation: The FCTC has fostered greater international cooperation and collaboration on tobacco control, enabling countries to share experiences, learn from each other, and work together to address transnational issues such as illicit trade.
- Saved Millions of Lives: Estimates suggest that the FCTC has already saved millions of lives and prevented countless cases of tobacco-related diseases.
Emerging Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its successes, the FCTC faces several emerging challenges:
- Industry Interference: The tobacco industry continues to aggressively market its products and interfere with tobacco control policies. New tactics include targeting young people with e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, often falsely marketed as less harmful alternatives.
- Novel Tobacco Products: The proliferation of novel tobacco products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, poses a new threat to tobacco control efforts. These products raise concerns about nicotine addiction, potential health risks, and the potential for renormalizing smoking.
- Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Low- and middle-income countries continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the tobacco epidemic. These countries often lack the resources and capacity to fully implement the FCTC and are increasingly targeted by the tobacco industry.
- Global Pandemics: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the vulnerability of individuals with underlying health conditions, including those caused by tobacco use. It also highlighted the need for strong public health systems and effective communication strategies.
Looking Forward
As the FCTC enters its third decade, the WHO and its member states are committed to strengthening implementation and addressing emerging challenges. Priorities for the future include:
- Strengthening Enforcement: Enhancing enforcement of existing tobacco control laws and regulations.
- Addressing Novel Products: Developing evidence-based policies to regulate novel tobacco products and prevent their uptake, particularly among young people.
- Countering Industry Interference: Strengthening measures to counter tobacco industry interference and protect public health policies.
- Supporting Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Providing technical and financial support to low- and middle-income countries to strengthen their tobacco control efforts.
- Integrating Tobacco Control into Health Systems: Integrating tobacco control into primary health care and other health services to ensure that people have access to cessation support and prevention programs.
- Harnessing Technology: Utilizing technology to enhance tobacco control efforts, such as using mobile apps and social media to deliver cessation support and raise awareness.
“The FCTC is a living document, and we must continue to adapt our strategies to address the evolving challenges of the tobacco epidemic,” Dr. Sharma emphasized. “By working together, we can create a world free from the harms of tobacco and protect the health of future generations.”
The WHO will be hosting a series of events throughout the year to commemorate the FCTC’s 20th anniversary, including a high-level summit in November, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations to discuss the future of tobacco control. These events aim to reaffirm the global commitment to the FCTC and accelerate progress towards a tobacco-free world.
WHO marks 20 years of its lifesaving tobacco control treaty
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