Effective and full implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) requires pivotal contributions from the WHO FCTC technical focal points designated by the Parties. Such focal points are usually the primary entry points to the Parties for communication with the Convention Secretariat on technical and other issues that are paramount for advancing the implementation of the Convention.
This Information Kit describes the specificities of the role and mode of operation of those nominated as WHO FCTC focal points. It is a “must-read” for newly appointed focal points as it will help them to ensure that they are adequately informed on matters related to the Convention. Moreover, the Kit is intended to enable established focal points to reinforce their knowledge of the tasks and responsibilities related to this position, and to explore new opportunities through which to strengthen Parties’ compliance with the WHO FCTC mandates.
The Kit specifies the key functions that WHO FCTC focal points of the Parties can play in the implementation of the Convention at country level. In addition, it outlines the avenues along which focal points can contribute to global tobacco control efforts, including by their participation in and contribution to the sessions of the Conference of the Parties (see also Information Kit for delegates to the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC and other subsidiary body meetings).
The Kit underlines the important role of focal points in periodically reporting on implementation of the WHO FCTC by the respective Parties, including within the process of reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals. It provides useful advice to focal points on how to attract and request assistance for additional support on the implementation of the Convention and further elaborates on the specificities of operating focal points in low-resource settings.
Tofig Musayev (WHO FCTC focal point in Azerbaijan) at a roundtable to advocate and support for improvement and enforcement of national tobacco control legislation as part of World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2019. Photo credit: Public Health and Reforms Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Dr Ziauddin Islam, former WHO FCTC focal point in Pakistan, attending a policy dialogue with stakeholders workshop on tobacco taxation in Islamabad. Photo credit: Dr Ziauddin Islam, WHO FCTC focal point Pakistan, 2019
Sheryl Dennis-Wright, WHO FCTC focal point Jamaica, at a Multisectoral Sensitization session among Ministries, departments and agencies on WHO FCTC Article 5.3 and Article 8 that took place in Kingston, Jamaica in August 2020. Photo credit: Heart Foundation of Jamaica/Jamaica Coalition for Tobacco Control