Background: The importance of tobacco as a major source of direct revenue (taxes) to some Third World countries may be the single major obstacle for these countries to adopt the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The Tanzania government has still to publicize the mework 'sufficiently' despite having been represented at a number of World Health Assembly meetings where the Framework has been discussed.
Methods: The government has recently sold its shares in the cigarette industry to individuals, and promotion of tobacco farming and marketing is increasing. This is happening at a time when the FCTC formulation is reaching an advanced stage for ratification by WHO member nations.
Results/Conclusions: There is a need therefore for more strategic interventions by anti-tobacco movements to assist the governments in the Third World, in particular, to stand up against the powerful multinational tobacco companies. The WHO must now make a stronger commitment to empower the anti-tobacco groups in their efforts to advocate the FCTC.
Learning Objectives: : (i) to identify obstacles to the FCTC in third world countries such as government support for tobacco production, reliance on tobacco revenue and the role and influence of multinational tobacco companies and (ii) to promote solutions through support for strategic interventions by anti-tobacco groups in assisting governments
Keywords: Tobacco Control,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.