Feb. 27, 2025 (New York)—On the 20th anniversary of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)—the world’s first global health treaty—Vital Strategies recognizes the significant progress made in combating the tobacco epidemic. Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease, but the WHO FCTC has driven meaningful change: Global tobacco use prevalence has steadily declined from 29.3% in 2005 to a projected 19.8% in 2025, and MPOWER measures have saved more than 37 million lives. These achievements reflect not only a reduction in smoking rates but also a profound shift in social norms surrounding tobacco use. To sustain and accelerate this progress, countries must strengthen and fully implement the lifesaving measures outlined in the WHO FCTC.
“The WHO and the FCTC Secretariat have helped 182 governments turn treaty commitments into effective national policies that reduce tobacco use and saves lives. Yet, the tobacco industry remains the biggest obstacle to further progress,” said Gan Quan, Senior Vice President for Tobacco Control, Vital Strategies. “Driven solely by profit, the industry aggressively targets young and at-risk populations, exploits regulatory loopholes, spreads misinformation, and introduces new products and tactics to hook future generations. We have seen the power of the FCTC when fully implemented, and we urge governments to stand firm against industry interference, strengthen enforcement, and accelerate proven measures to curb tobacco use and protect future generations from its devastating harms.”
“The tobacco epidemic remains a pressing global health challenge, with 1.3 billion tobacco users in the world. Low- and-middle-income countries bear the greatest burden, facing high rates of tobacco use and rising noncommunicable diseases,” said Sandra Mullin, Senior Vice President, Policy Advocacy and Communication, Vital Strategies. “Tobacco doesn’t just harm the individual—it deepens poverty and inequity, strains health systems, weakens economies, and pollutes our environment. The case for accelerating the full implementation of the WHO FCTC is clear; it benefits everyone—except the tobacco industry.”
“As the tobacco industry adopts new tactics and products, the guidelines for implementing the FCTC can be adapted too, giving it the flexibility to address emerging challenges,” concluded Gan Quan. “We stand committed with the World Health Organization, governments and our partners to supporting ongoing efforts to implement the treaty and reduce global tobacco use.”
Vital Strategies’ Work Supporting Implementation of the Treaty
Over the past two decades, Vital Strategies’ experts have supported governments in more than 50 countries to implement evidence-based policies that reach two-thirds of the world’s smokers. To date, Vital Strategies has helped 37 countries benefit from smoke-free laws, 32 countries implement graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging, and 28 countries enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotions and sponsorships. Our Global Implementation Program supports cities across China, India, Indonesia and Pakistan in their efforts to increase compliance with existing tobacco control policies.
Through TERM (Tobacco Enforcement and Reporting Movement), Vital Strategies analyzes and exposes industry’s use of social media to reach young audiences. Vital is also part of STOP, the global tobacco industry watchdog exposing and countering industry tactics.
Celebrating 20 Years of the WHO FCTC
The WHO FCTC has been ratified by 182 countries and the European Union, representing more than 90% of the world’s population. It commits parties to implement evidence-based policies to reduce tobacco use laid out in the MPOWER package: monitoring tobacco use though data, protecting people through smoke-free legislation, offering to help quit tobacco, warning about its harms, enforcing advertising, promotion and sales bans, and raising taxes.
The anniversary will be celebrated across all WHO regions through 2025, beginning on Feb. 27 and culminating in the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO FCTC in November 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The yearlong commemoration is an opportunity for parties to the FCTC and civil society to reflect on the treaty’s impact and commit to keeping tobacco control a key public health priority.
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies is a global health organization that believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We work with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives.
To find out more, please visit www.vitalstrategies.org or follow us on LinkedIn.