The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: The emergence of the FCTC in 2000, created an opportunity for Botswana to adopt a comprehensive tobacco control legislation in line with requirements of the Convention. This paper discusses the FCTC as an important tool to accelerating policy and legislative development on tobacco control. The lack of capacity is noted as a setback to sustained momentum in tobacco control.

Methods: We used the FCTC as an opportunity to raise awareness at several levels: political leaders; senior government representatives; the private sector and community leaders. Regional tobacco experts involved in the FCTC negotiation process were engaged; technical assistance sought from WHO to add credibility to legislative process efforts

Results: Using the FCTC during its negotiation process among the public and decision makers in Botswana resulted in three major achievements; an accelerated national understanding of tobacco and its devastating effects to health; drafting of comprehensive tobacco control legislation and the ratification of the FCTC. An overwhelming support for provisions of the FCTC objectives and provisions by stakeholders contributed to a better understanding of the FCTC and tobacco control in general. A few lessons were leant in the process: lacking research on tobacco control specific to Botswana to support policy and legislation development; Lack of full time staff devoted to tobacco control; lack of funding by Government due to competing priorities and lack of opportunities for regional and sub-regional co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration.