GNV News, March 2, 2025

In February 2025, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control : FCTC), adopted in 1999 by the World Health Assembly, marked the 20th anniversary since it entered into force. The treaty sets out a comprehensive range of measures, such as introducing health warnings on tobacco packaging and implementing policies to prevent secondhand smoke, and is the world’s first public health treaty adopted under the auspices of WHO. The number of Parties has reached 183 countries, said to cover about 90% of the world’s population. Over the past 20 years, global tobacco use has fallen by about one-third, with an estimated decline of 180 million users, indicating that the treaty has had a certain degree of impact. As a result of the treaty, 138 countries now require prominent pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages. In addition, 66 countries prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

Tobacco remains a leading cause of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. As of 2023, more than 8 million people worldwide are estimated to die each year from tobacco-related health harms. Furthermore, the economic cost of smoking, including treatment for these illnesses, is estimated at 1.8% of global annual GDP. Around 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded every year, and the environmental burden of smoking has also been pointed out. To take more effective measures against the various adverse impacts of tobacco, countries will need to work even more proactively to implement the treaty.

Learn more about the world’s tobacco problem → “All harm and no benefit: The tobacco problem pervasive worldwide“

Learn more about tobacco in Jordan → “Aiming for tobacco-free: Jordan“

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