February 27 is the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The treaty now has 180 Parties, which account for nearly 90% of the world's population.

To mark the event, the Convention Secretariat will hold an event at WHO Headquarters in Geneva for Permanent Missions and other international organisations, on 27 February, from 09:30 to 12:30 (CET). Framework Convention Alliance will also participate.

FCA is producing some materials related to the anniversary, and asking members to submit before/after photos  of enforcement of tobacco control policies in their countries. 

FCTC is the world’s first modern-day global public health treaty. It is also the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization. It provides an internationally co-ordinated response to combating the tobacco epidemic, and sets out specific steps for governments addressing tobacco use, including to:

•    Adopt tax and price measures to reduce tobacco consumption;
•    Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;
•    Create smoke-free work and public spaces;
•    Put prominent health warnings on tobacco packages;
•    Combat illicit trade in tobacco products.

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Image courtesy of FCA