10th anniversary of the entry into force of the WHO FCTC

To date, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) has been ratified and accepted by 180 countries. Adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003, the WHO FCTC is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization. The WHO FCTC aims to address the causes and impact of the tobacco epidemic, such as trade liberalization, foreign investments, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and its illicit trade. 

Despite the great progress being made in tobacco control since the ratification, the Convention Secretariat has highlighted areas for further progress by publishing the global progress reports, and the implementation database. For example, across the 53 countries in the European region, 50 countries have ratified the convention, 25 raised their tobacco taxes and 9 introduced laws on smoke-free public places [1].

The global tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people each year, of which more than 600 000 are non-smokers dying from inhaling second-hand smoke. Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of developing cancer. In developed countries, 80% of all lung cancer cases are caused by smoking. As tobacco use continues to rise in developing countries, similar patterns are said to be noted. On average, smokers increase their risk of lung cancer between 5 and 10-fold [2]. 

In an effort to combat new cancer cases and to improve survival rates, UICC and BUPA are working together to establish a broad commitment from civil society and businesses worldwide for collective action against cancer through the workplace.

In order to support and promote healthy workplaces, UICC and BUPA have launched a series of resources including the guide, ‘Less Smoking, Better Business’, to support employers set up quit smoking initiatives as part of their wider employee health programmes. Please visit http://www.iccp-portal.org/healthy-workplaces for more information.

References: 

[1] http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/tobacco/data-and-statistics/infographic-who-fctc-implementation-download

[2] http://www.who.int/tobacco/research/cancer/en/