The WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the first modern-day global public health treaty. It was developed in 2004 in response to the global tobacco epidemic with the aim of protecting present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

The 180 parties to the Convention, including Australia, commit to implementing the Convention protocols and to taking action according to the implementation guidelines.

FCTC identifies that concerted efforts are required from a wide range of sectors and highlights national health systems as being well placed to take the leading role in implementing measures to prevent and treat tobacco addiction/dependence as outlined in Article 14 of the Convention and the associated implementation guidelines. 

The Convention was developed and continues to be maintained and implemented through the Framework Convention Alliance, an alliance made up of 500 organisations from over 100 countries.

In 2016, The Global Network was accepted as a member of the Alliance.

Learn more:

• Framework Convention Alliance website
• The WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control website
• The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control – Overview
• The Guidelines for Implementation of Article 14 (demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation)