Global studies series: Literature Review on the Health Effects of Smoke-free Policies in Light of the WHO FCTC

Overview

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2003 and as of April 2014 has been ratified by 178 countries. The WHO FCTC aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. As of 2012, 79% of Parties reported strengthening their existing legislation or adopting new tobacco control legislation after ratifying the Convention. Additionally, over half of the Parties to the WHO FCTC reported having developed and implemented comprehensive tobacco control strategies, plans and programmes as required in Article 5.1 of the Convention.