Preparation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: an Attempt toExtinguish a Fire in the Global Village

Overview

The globalization of public health forces the international community to revise its approach tothe application of international law to the solution of health problems which have globaldimensions. These problems include a wide group of diseases caused by the growing tobaccoconsumption. In order to prevent further escalation of this problem WHOuses for the first timein its history the power to adopt international health conventions given to the organization byArticle 19 of its Constitution. The process of preparation of the WHO Framework Conventionon Tobacco Control was initiated by the resolution WHA 49.17 and its course was fixed by theresolution WHA 52.18 of 1999. This resolution set up a working group and intergovernmentalnegotiating body whose task is to prepare the draft of the Framework Convention and itspossible protocols. With regard to the difficult political acceptability of the worldwide tobaccocontrol the international convention - protocol method was selected. The draft should becompleted by the 53rd session of theWorld Health Assembly in 2003 where it will be submittedto the Members of WHO for approval. The preparatory process thereby paves the way to thesolution of a serious health problem and at the same time opens new prospects for internationalhealth legislation.

Key words:
globalization of public health - tobacco - WHO Framework Convention on TobaccoControl.