Press Release - NGOs Urge Strong Action on WHO Tobacco Treaty

[Robert Weissman <rob@essential.org>]

For Immediate Release:
29 October 1999

NGOS URGE STRONG ACTION ON WHO TOBACCO TREATY


(Geneva) At the end of the first meeting of the WHO Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control (FCTC), non-governmental organizations (NGOs) expressed
cautious optimism about the progress of the discussions, but noted that
most of the hard work lies ahead. The groups, which launched a "death
clock" at the meeting to remind delegates of the tremendous stakes
involved, noted that by the end of the five-day talks, some 47,965 people
around the world had died from tobacco-related illness.

"During this five day meeting, almost 50,000 people have died from
tobacco-related disease" said Judith Glanz, Manager of International
Programs at the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids in Washington, DC.
"Governments must take swift action to put a stop to this epidemic. Global
public health, not political expediency, must be the primary focus of
these talks. The world's children deserve no less".

"INFACT, World Vision International and NGOs around the world are
committed to keeping the tobacco industry from undermining important
progress made this week toward a treaty on tobacco control. We are calling
for a treaty that places accountability for this epidemic directly on the
tobacco corporations and prospects children everywhere from the industry's
predatory practices," says INFACT Research Director Lucinda
Wykle-Rosenberg.

"Particular attention should be paid to the effects of tobacco on women's
health, points out Corinne Bretscher of the Medical Women's International
Association (MWIA). "Since tobacco use is increasing worldwide among women
and girls, efforts must converge to promote information disseminations,
education, counceling and empowerment messages directed to women and girls
in both industrialized and developing countries".

Archie Turnbull, Executive Director of the International Union Against
Cancer said: "We welcome the participation by so many countries this week
in beginning to prepare this desperately needed treaty. We now urge
governments to act as fast as possible to get the treaty signed, sealed
and delivered so that the horrific projected death toll figures are never
allowed to become a reality".

Karen Bissell, Projects & Communication Officer from the International Non
Governmental Coalition against Tobacco (INGCAT) stressed the needs of
developing countries. "The tobacco industry is expanding its market to
developing countries, leading to a high burden of death and disease and
disastrous effects on economies.  It is imperative that NGOs from
developing countries receive financial assistance so that they can
actively contribute to a successful implementation of the FCTC".

Emma Must, International Campaign Manager at Action on Smoking and Health
(ASH) in London said: "For this treaty to be worth anything it must
include a global ban on all forms of tobacco advertising and tough action
to tackle cigarette smuggling. Health ministry representatives from around
the world have worked hard to put these issues on the map this week.  We
now say to them: Go home and prepare your governments to push this vital
treaty forward".