Eighth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP8) to the WHO FCTC

The Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) yesterday closed its eighth session (COP8) after adopting a Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) outlining a new action plan to scale up the global tobacco control agenda over the next few years.

The MTSF, also known as the Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control, aims to strengthen implementation of the FCTC, with a roadmap to guide the work of the Parties, the Convention Secretariat and other stakeholders with regards to tobacco control from 2019 to 2025.

“The adoption of this strategy marks a key milestone in strengthening the FCTC,” said Dr. Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat. “This strategy provides a very clear path forward, with priorities and objectives to reinforce government policies and accelerate global action for more effective implementation of the tobacco control treaty.”

• Main Documents
• Additional documents
• Journals
• Decisions
• Supplementary information

1. State Party delegate with valid credentials

2. State non-Party delegate with valid credentials

3. IGO or NGO observer to COP with valid credentials

4. Member of the public or media

Invited speakers of the high-level segment:

- The Kingdom of the Netherlands: Mr Paul Blokhuis, State Secretary for Health, Welfare and Sport, Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport

- WHO: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Deputy Director General for Programmes

- UNFCCC: Mr Paul Desanker, Director of Adaptation Programme to represent Ms Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC

- Ghana: H.E: Mensah Tina Gifty Naa Ayele Mensah, Deputy Minister of health