WHO FCTC: Strong measures
As guiding principles in the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), all measures should be implemented with a gender lens and free of tobacco industry interference.
The Preamble of the WHO FCTC indicates “[alarm] by the increase in smoking and other forms of tobacco consumption by women and young girls worldwide and [emphasizes the need for Parties to] keeping in mind the need for full participation of women at all levels of policy-making and implementation and the need for gender-specific tobacco control measures”.
Tobacco industry interference is a constant threat to tobacco control efforts. Good public health policy depends on a clear-sighted understanding of the serious danger of the industry's tactics and efforts.
In 2008, to help countries fulfill their WHO FCTC obligations, WHO introduced the MPOWER package of six evidence-based tobacco control measures within the treaty that are proven to reduce tobacco use and save lives. These include:
- Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies (Articles 20 and 21)
- Protect people from tobacco smoke (Article 8)
- Offer help to quit tobacco use (Article 14)
- Warn about the dangers of tobacco use (Articles 11 and 12)
- Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (Article 13)
- Raise taxes on tobacco (Article 6)
