The Framework Convention Alliance

The Maldives has adopted a Tobacco Control bill - bringing the country one step closer to implementing its WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) obligations. The bill must be implemented by 18 August 2011.

Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) South-East Asia co-ordinator Shailesh Vaite said the bill would serve as an instrument for the people of the Maldives to protect themselves against death and disease caused by tobacco.

FCTC Article 13

The internet is providing an ideal marketing outlet for large tobacco companies due to its unregulated nature, according to findings from a recent study by the University of Otago in Wellington, New Zealand.

The study analysed 163 English language videos on YouTube for tobacco brand images and words. The study’s authors (Lucy Elkin, George Thomson and Nick Wilson) used five of the leading global cigarette brands – Marlboro, Winston, Benson and Hedges, Mild Seven and L&M – to conduct their research.

The final Declaration of the annual United Nations conference for NGOs recognises noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as one of the significant health challenges facing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Declaration from the Conference, agreed by 1,600 participants representing over 350 NGOs from more than 70 countries, also called on governments to “respect and implement” international health agreements such as the FCTC.

Barbados will go smoke-free in all public places this October.

The ban covers public areas like bars, restaurants, hotels, rum shops, businesses, government buildings libraries and museums.

Spain will require pictorial warnings on all cigarette packaging as of May, 2011.

The warning sizes will cover about 43 percent of the front of cigarette packages, and about 53 per cent of the back, which include a black border.

Mobile courts in Bangladesh continue chasing down violators of the country’s tobacco law.

With the help of non-government orgainsations (NGOs), the local government in the Kustia Sadar sub district formed a mobile court in July to fine people for smoking in public places, including the Bittipara Bazar and Kustia-Jhenaidah Highway. Four bus drivers were also fined for smoking in their buses. The court also removed illegal cigarette advertising.

Uruguay will resist pressure from tobacco giant Philip Morris by maintaining its cigarette warning labels. This is a great win for tobacco control worldwide!

The decision comes after weeks of public outcry and support for Uruguay, which has been a world leader in implementing the international tobacco treaty.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) has released its Customs and Tobacco report for 2009.

The report aims to address the global concern of illicit trade in tobacco products in the areas of revenue, health and sound economic development.

The report mainly focuses on global and regional illicit trade in cigarettes plus illicit trade in other tobacco products.

For more information, download the report