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Introduction

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What is tobacco control?

Tobacco control aims to reduce the use of tobacco and the serious health risks and mortality it causes through policies, laws and education. Tobacco control is also one of the 16 essential health services monitored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). To halt the global tobacco epidemic, an international treaty entered into force in 2005: the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).  WHO defines it as “an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health”. There are 180 parties to the convention. The treaty deals with topics such as demand-side reduction measures, supply-side reduction measures, protection of the environment, protection from tobacco industry interests, implementation of multi-sectoral tobacco control strategies, nicotine addiction and exposure to second-hand smoke, public awareness, illicit trade and measures such as tax increases or ban advertising. 

 

 

Programme Scope 

This workstream provides technical and policy expertise to support the extension of the FCTC within the UKOTs, as well as support to draft, enact and implement tobacco control legislation and regulations. This workstream provides support to implement, develop and maintain high quality smoking cessation services and responses to vaping.  

Workstream Focus 

  • Supporting UKOTs to achieve and implement their obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), including developing and passing legislation.  

  • Supporting UKOTs to develop and maintain smoking cessation services. Active work ongoing in St Helena and Gibraltar. Work includes quality improvement activities, along with providing ongoing mentoring and training to stop smoking practitioners.   

Example Projects 

  • Supported Cayman Islands to have the FCTC extended to them.  

  • Supporting St Helena to develop a new stop smoking service, including training of practitioners 

Key Resources