On 27 February, The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control enters into force, becoming binding international law for its first 40 Contracting Parties. The WHO FCTC is the first global public health treaty created under the auspices of WHO designed to save millions of lives now lost to tobacco.

Country Parties to the Convention will be bound by provisions set out in the Treaty. These include: comprehensive tobacco advertising bans, price and tax increases, health warning labels on tobacco products and measures to protect people from second-hand tobacco smoke, among other tobacco control strategies.

The final text was adopted unanimously by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003. By 29 November 2004, 40 countries had become Contracting Parties to the Treaty -- the trigger that brings it into force 90 days later. Since 29 November, 17 more countries have ratified, making it one of the most rapidly embraced UN treaties in history.

Several opportunities are available to media, and include a media briefing in Geneva on 24 February, interview possibilities on the 25th and 28th, and an invitation to attend a ceremony for the entry into force on Monday 28 February at WHO Headquarters.

  MEDIA BRIEFING:

   WHEN:  Thursday 24 February 2005
   WHERE: Salle de Press 3 Palais des Nations (United Nations building)
   WHO:   The scheduled speakers are Dr Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva,
          Director, Tobacco Free Initiative, and Dr Douglas Bettcher,
          Coordinator, WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Office.

  Additional Interviews:

The following people will also be available for TV or phone interviews on Friday 25 Feb 2005, 14:00-16:00 (GMT+1), and Monday 28 Feb 2005 14:00-16:00 (GMT+1):

   -- Dr Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva, Director, Tobacco Free Initiative,
      WHO, (English, Portuguese, Spanish)
   -- Dr Douglas Bettcher, Coordinator, WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco
      Control Office, WHO (English, French).

  Ceremony to celebrate the entry into force

   WHEN:   Monday 28 February 2005: 11:00am - 13:00pm.
   WHERE:  Executive Board Room, WHO Headquarters, Geneva.
   WHO:    High-level officials from developing and developed countries.

Representatives from all Contracting Parties to the WHO FCTC and from other Member States.

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