27 February, Bangkok – On the 20th anniversary of the first global public health treaty, the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) asks, “What will it take for governments to finally end the tobacco pandemic?”
The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was one of the most rapidly embraced treaties in United Nations history when it entered into force on 27 February 2005.
Established to combat the global tobacco epidemic, the treaty upholds every person’s right to the highest standard of health. To date, 182 countries and the European Union are Parties to the Convention, representing 90% of the world’s population.
Leaded fuel – a highly toxic substance – was phased out after two decades of campaigning by the UN Environment Programme. So why does the tobacco industry still exist and thrive when its products kill over 8 million people every single year? Tobacco-related diseases and deaths are entirely preventable. The economic toll is staggering, with healthcare expenditures and lost productivity contributing to a global annual economic loss of USD 1.4 trillion or 2% of the world’s GDP.
Smoking prevalence has decreased worldwide in the past 20 years, with some nations achieving prevalence rates below 10%. The tobacco industry’s relentless interference with and dilution of tobacco control measures create uneven progress, particularly in low and middle income countries where the smoking rates are high.
The ASEAN region with nearly 130 million smokers, remains a major battleground where the tobacco industry kills more than half a million people annually. Except for Indonesia, all ASEAN Member States are Parties to the WHO FCTC. However, over the past two decades, the tobacco industry has actively obstructed effective tobacco control measures while diversifying its product range to sustain nicotine addiction.
In response to the industry’s tactics, Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam have implemented bans on electronic smoking devices (ESD), particularly to protect youths.
Dr Nguyen Thi An, Country Director of HealthBridge Vietnam acknowledged that the country’s ban on ESDs is a significant step, but a lot remains to be done. “Vietnam must fully implement FCTC measures, further increase tobacco taxes, and ensure strict enforcement of tobacco control laws. A healthier, tobacco-free Vietnam is within our reach if we stay committed to our efforts,” she explained.
Dr. Mom Kong, Executive Director of Cambodia Movement for Health likewise called for the full implementation of the FCTC, “The treaty has been instrumental in strengthening Cambodia’s tobacco control policies, saving lives, and reducing the tobacco industry’s influence. We will continue working alongside our partners to ensure its full implementation for a healthier, tobacco-free Cambodia.”
“This 20th anniversary of the WHO FCTC is an opportunity to recalibrate and refocus on the lowest possible tobacco use prevalence, and the lowest possible is zero,” stated Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo, Executive Director of SEATCA.
“Governments say that strong political leadership is necessary for climate resilience. If governments can take action against climate change, why not the tobacco industry? We owe it to future generations. We can begin phasing out tobacco products today to achieve a tobacco-free generation tomorrow,” he added.
Ms Mary Ann Mendoza of HealthJustice Philippines echoed this commitment, stating, “As we mark 20 years of the WHO FCTC, HealthJustice Philippines stands resolute against the tobacco industry’s relentless deception and interference. The FCTC has been instrumental in advancing tobacco control in the Philippines, leading to stronger tax policies, graphic health warnings, and smoke-free environments.”
Contact Information:
Ms Val Bugnot, Media and Communications Manager, SEATCA
Email: val@seatca.org
Mobile: +63 917 312 4600
About SEATCA
SEATCA is a multi-sectoral non-governmental alliance promoting health and saving lives by assisting ASEAN countries to accelerate and effectively implement the tobacco control measures contained in the WHO FCTC. Acknowledged by governments, academic institutions, and civil society for its advancement of tobacco control in Southeast Asia, the WHO bestowed on SEATCA the World No Tobacco Day Award in 2004 and the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award in 2014. SEATCA is an accredited ASEAN entity and an official Observer to the WHO FCTC Conference of Parties.