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Proceedings INGCAT International NGO MObilisation Meeting Geneva, 15-16 May, 1999.

Introduction

The tobacco epidemic is one o the major public health problems of our times. Unparalleled expansion of tobacco production and aggressive mar ,eting towards people throughout the world, and particularly people in low income areas, means that individuals and their nations are losing lives and resources in staggering numbers. Tobacco use causes at least 14 fatal diseas s, and is expected by 2030 to be the greatest cause of death, killing more people than any single disease, preventing millions from living longer lives in better health.

NGOs from every sector can playa role in reducing the terrible toll of the tobacco epidemic. NGOs can educate their constituencies and mob lise vast numbers of individuals and organisations to support tobacco control activities, oppose tobacco industry tactics, and advocate for governmental action. Governments are becoming more aware that tobacco use is harming their economies and causing unnecessary premature deaths among their citizens.

However, governments are surrounded by competing interests and may be reluctant to introduce strong legislation and resources for tobacco control programmes. It is necessary for NGOs to play an important role in advocating appropriate tobacco control measures to their governments and institutions responsible for health matters md then monitoring needs and progress.

The Tobacco Free Initiative laJnched by the WHO has created a new momentum in the battle against tobacco. This initiative is facilitating e development of an international treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which can give an international basis for national programmes. NGO support for this process is essential for an effective treaty that provides the foundations for clear gains in public health.

In May 1999, delegates of inte national non-governmental organisations met in Geneva at the WHO Headquarters to examine ways in which they could contribute to tobacco control and prevention activities, and encourage the Framework Convention process. Working groups looked at how reducing the tobacco epidemic is necessary in international efforts to protect children, work for equity for women, provide adequate education and health care and assure basic human rights and sustainable development.

The meeting reinforced awareness that only with a combined effort of governmental, non-governmental and private sector organisations, and the support of a large proportion of the general public, will the strength and vigour be found to successfully reduce the number of tobacco-related diseases and deaths and act against those who defend the interests of the tobacco in ustry .