On 27 February 2015 the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) celebrates 10 years since its entry into force. Besides being a celebration among the 180 global parties, this is also an occasion for recommitment as fighting tobacco calls for political courage and strong leaders to adopt effective policies.

Without the WHO FCTC, it would have taken decades to treat tobacco as a pressing public health problem, but despite progress, there is still a long way to go to full implementation of the treaty. While the treaty has clearly accelerated policy changes in practically all countries, only a few countries in the Region have taken a comprehensive approach to implementing the WHO FCTC.  

With the highest prevalence of tobacco smoking among the WHO regions (28%) the European Region has taken on this challenge and is now developing a Roadmap of actions with concrete actions involving many sectors and inspired by the experiences – both good and bad – of the Member States. The aim is to meet the true potential of the WHO FCTC, and reduce tobacco use by 30% by the year 2025.

Read more: http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/tobacco/news/news/2015/02/celebration-and-recommitment-ten-years-of-who-fctc