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Press Room

Policies in Line With the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Save Lives

Note: World Lung Foundation united with The Union North America. From January 2016, the combined organization is known as “Vital Strategies.”

(New York, USA) – World Lung Foundation today issued the following statement to mark the tenth anniversary of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Peter Baldini, Chief Executive Officer, World Lung Foundation, said:

“Over the past decade, the FCTC has played a central role in calling governments to commit to reducing the burden of tobacco. Critically, it has also provided governments with clear advice about proven strategies that actually reduce tobacco use. As a result, there have been significant reductions in tobacco prevalence in countries where truly comprehensive tobacco control legislation has been implemented at the highest levels of best practice. Russia recently announced a 17% decrease in smoking prevalence and similar results had been achieved in Turkey and Uruguay.

“In many countries this opportunity for better national health and wealth remains comparatively untapped, as governments combat a lack of expertise and resources or face tobacco industry interference that impedes implementation of effective tobacco control laws. We believe the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Post-2015 development agenda gives added impetus to robust implementation of the FCTC, the world’s first global health treaty. The SDGs are considered the world’s “to do” list over the next 15 years. National governments, donor countries and foundations must pay attention to achieving those goals. Goal 3, which seeks to “ensure healthy lives”, includes specific mention of strengthening “the implementation of the WHO FCTC in all countries.”

“In addition, Target 3.4 commits governments to “By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) “. Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for the four most common NCDs: cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, cancer and diabetes. Governments that implement and enforce tobacco control policies in line with FCTC stand a much greater chance of meeting that target.

“World Lung Foundation stands ready to play its part. Over the past decade, we have helped governments around the world implement anti-tobacco mass media campaigns (MMCs) and graphic pack warnings – as outlined in Articles 11 and 12 of FCTC. Our expertise has helped develop online resources for MMCs and pack warnings that offer every government the opportunity of implementing hard-hitting campaigns and images – that help to change awareness, attitudes and behaviours around tobacco – in a highly time and cost –effective way.

“As stated by our own Dr Judith Mackay, who was involved in the creation of the FCTC, this treaty and the amazing organisation behind it has enabled us to create a truly global family of advocates committed to stopping the terrible health and economic harm of tobacco. We are honoured to be part of that family and to play our part in helping governments meet the commitments they have undertaken as a result of signing and ratifying the FCTC.”