The 6th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) took place in Moscow, 13-18 October.

During the meeting, key decisions relating to NCDs were made. Among these, the adoption of guidelines on price and tax measures (Article 6) is particularly significant.

The guidelines note that effective tobacco taxes significantly reduce tobacco consumption and prevalence, thus preventing millions of premature deaths. They are also an important source of revenue. FCA has published a guide on how to best utilise the guidelines. 

On the last day, the COP adopted the Moscow Declaration, which addresses several different topics including the NCD agenda and its links to the FCTC.

The Declaration calls for more work on national tobacco control strategies and plans, and also highlights that society’s most vulnerable groups are hit hardest by the tobacco epidemic.

Click here for more information on COP6 outcomes

Photo courtesy: FCTC