On 27 February, The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control enters into force, becoming binding international law for its first 40 Contracting Parties. The WHO FCTC is the first global public health treaty created under the auspices of WHO designed to save millions of lives now lost to tobacco.

Country Parties to the Convention will be bound by provisions set out in the Treaty. These include: comprehensive tobacco advertising bans, price and tax increases, health warning labels on tobacco products and measures to protect people from second-hand tobacco smoke, among other tobacco control strategies.

The final text was adopted unanimously by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003. By 29 November 2004, 40 countries had become Contracting Parties to the Treaty - the trigger which brings it into force 90 days later. Since 29 November, 17 more countries have ratified, making it one of the most rapidly embraced UN treaties in history.

Several opportunities are available to media, and include a media briefing in Geneva on 24 February, interview possibilities on the 25th and 28th, and an invitation to attend a ceremony for the entry into force on Monday 28 February at WHO Headquarters.

Media has still a major role to play in order to support the FCTC. Several opportunities are available to media from 24 to 28 February at WHO Headquarters.

For more information please contact:

Dr Fatima El-Awa

Regional Adviser/Tobacco Free Initiative

Tel: +202 2765340

Fax 002-02-6702492

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Web: WWW.emro.int/tfi/tfi.htm