The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control:
Strengthening Health Globally

Download the Brochure (PDF 250Kb)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Tobacco use is one of the most important public health challenges in the Americas, causing at least 845,000 deaths every year. Worldwide, tobacco use kills 4 million people annually. Most of the world’s smokers live in developing countries. By 2030, tobacco use will kill 10 million people every year, with 70% of these deaths in developing countries.

International agencies and Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) have identified the need for a coordinated, global response to tobacco-caused disease, an epidemic without borders. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) offers WHO Member States an historic opportunity to respond to global problems that cannot be solved by national governments alone, and to coordinate and facilitate action on tobacco control around the globe. It will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and resources to implement effective interventions where they are most needed.

The Region of the Americas has much to gain from the FCTC. Governments and civil society in the Region need to engage in the process of the FCTC to ensure that the Convention achieves its ultimate goal: the global reduction of tobacco-related death and disease.

For more information, download the brochure (PDF file 250kb).