The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as a tool for advancing health promotion: perspective from the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

The paper addresses the impact of the adoption and implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, and how successful the FCTC is as a tool for health promotion. The FCTC implementation has impacted areas such as surveillance systems for tobacco control, increasing political commitment, development of legislation and addressing new social norms in tobacco consumption. These developments help to overcome many challenges for better health promotion in the region. However, there are still other challenges such as the tobacco industry influence, but those challenges will not undermine the gains already achieved through both the negotiation process and implementation process of the FCTC. In conclusion, implementation of the FCTC has contributed positively to advancing health promotion in the region, and the continuation of strong implementation will lead to even better outcomes.