Rejecting All Collaborations of Public Health Organizations with the Tobacco Industry

News

Dec 22, 2020

The tobacco epidemic is an urgent public health concern, with tobacco use responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually. In 2003, the World Health Assembly (WHA) adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC 2003), an international treaty that was developed to respond to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and uphold the right to the highest standards of health for all people. All countries that have ratified the FCTC must avoid partnership or collaboration with the tobacco industry, as well as with any organizations funded by the tobacco industry.

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA), in partnership with the Global Coalition for Circulatory Health and the World Heart Federation, has previously condemned the attempts of the tobacco industry to subvert public policy for a tobacco-free world (Global Coalition for Circulatory Health 2017).

Today, the WFPHA reiterates its call on all public health associations to advocate and adopt policies that prevent any collaboration with the tobacco industry or tobacco industry front groups.