The Convention Secretariat had actively participated in the preparation of the First WHO Global Meeting of National NCD Programme Managers and Directors. Implementation of the WHO FCTC and promoting the entry into force of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products will be highlighted during the meeting.
Dr Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, Head of the Convention Secretariat, addressed the meeting and emphasized the contribution of the Conference of the Parties (COP), governing body of the WHO FCTC, to the prevention and control of NCDs.
The Convention Secretariat also organized a lunch time seminar to share experiences from Parties on addressing “hot topics” such as plain packaging, regulation of e-cigarettes and controlling illicit trade in tobacco products. The seminar also highlighted the importance of preventing the interference of the tobacco industry with the development of tobacco control policies. The Convention Secretariat also briefed NCD directors on the upcoming seventh session of the Conference of the Parties and the first session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol.