The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: In May 1999, the 52nd World Health Assembly adopted a resolution requesting the development of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Six years later, the FCTC become the first international treaty adopted by World Health Organization in accordance with article 19 of the its Constitution. This international legal instrument has been in force since February 27th and it aims to control the global spread of tobacco products. In order to discuss the implementation of the FCTC measures, the Brazilian Government has designated an inter-ministerial commission to advise the President in his decisions.

Methods: Recognizing the importance of multisectoral cooperation, the commission is composed by 11 different Ministries: Health, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Finance, Justice, Labor, Education, Development, Industry and Trade, Communication, Environment and Agrarian Development. It meets periodically to discuss the implementation of actions and to identify priority cooperation projects.

Results: This commission has been contributing significantly to the Brazilian legislation on tobacco control, especially with the adoption of graphic health warnings on cigarettes packages; the prohibition of deceptive descriptors, such as light and mild; the presentation of a bill of law to prohibit vending machines; and the prohibition of the concession of public loans to tobacco growers which work in partnership or integrated to the tobacco industry. All these actions are addressed on the FCTC. Certainly, the existence of a special commission to discuss the FCTC provisions contributes for a democratic debate and to construct proposals and solutions aimed to improve the health conditions of the population.