Celebrating 20 Years of the WHO FCTC: Turning the Tide on Tobacco

As we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on the 27th of February 2025, the Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM) is proud to reflect on the progress made in tobacco control across Africa. This milestone coincides with a significant moment for ATIM, as our Director, Professor Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, delivers his inaugural lecture titled “Turning the Tide on Tobacco and Industry’s Product Innovation Gambit” hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Hatfield Campus, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

The FCTC is the first international public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO and has become one of the most widely ratified treaties in history, with 183 parties covering over 90% of the global population.

The FCTC, adopted in 2003 and entered into force in 2005, has been instrumental in guiding global efforts to reduce the devastating health and economic impacts of tobacco use. Over the past two decades, countries worldwide have implemented various measures to control tobacco, including taxation, public smoking bans, and advertising restrictions. In Africa, the FCTC has inspired national and regional initiatives to combat tobacco industry interference and protect public health.

ATIM, based at the University of Pretoria, serves as a critical observatory for monitoring tobacco industry activities across Africa. Our work is aligned with the FCTC’s Article 5.3, which emphasizes the need to protect tobacco control policies from industry interference. Through research, training, and policy advocacy, ATIM empowers stakeholders to develop effective strategies against tobacco industry tactics.

Professor Ayo-Yusuf’s lecture, “Turning the Tide on Tobacco and Industry’s Product Innovation Gambit,” highlights the evolving challenges posed by the tobacco industry, particularly through product innovation. This event underscores ATIM’s commitment to advancing tobacco control by addressing emerging threats and promoting evidence-based policies.

As we celebrate these milestones, we reaffirm our commitment to a tobacco-free future. We urge governments and civil society to strengthen and fully implement the lifesaving measures outlined in the WHO FCTC. Together, we can build on the treaty’s legacy and continue the fight against the tobacco epidemic, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.