|
|
|
|
|
Frances A. Stillman, EdD, Tobacco Control Research Program, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21209, 443-287-6360, fstillma@jhsph.edu
The adoption of the FCTC by the World Health Assembly, marked a milestone in international tobacco control - an opportunity for countries to leap forward and control the problems of tobacco marketing before the onset of the devastating death and disease caused by tobacco use. However, the multinational tobacco companies continue to thrive partly because of larger economic and social factors such as globalization, trade liberalization and the changing status of women in traditional societies. In addition, sophisticated western-style advertising, lack of political will to implement and enforce tobacco control legislation, the lack of capacity to deliver effective tobacco control programs and the lack of interest from international donor organizations are additional factors hindering progress. It has been over a year and half since the World Health Assembly took the momentous step forward and it is important to assess if tobacco control is also moving forward or slipping backwards. Philip Morris supports the FCTC and wants to "work with" governments to implement it. But the tobacco industry has long "danced to a different drummer" -- that of profits, not public health. This panel will discuss the following questions: Are there consequences associated with the current tobacco control agenda? Has the FCTC led to complacency? What have the tobacco transnationals done to stall ratification and limit effective implementation of the treaty? Have countries taken the initiative and enacted strong legislation? How has the tobacco industry maneuvered around advertising bans? Is the tobacco industry again one step ahead of public health advocates?
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.