Opening remarks on the fifth anniversary of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Geneva, Switzerland 26 February 2010
Jump to full article: World Health Organization (WHO), 2010-02-26
Author: Dr Margaret Chan Director-General of the World Health Organization
Intro: Some years ago, tobacco company executives described WHO as the industry’s single biggest enemy. We have always been extremely proud of this distinction and have worked hard to improve our reputation.
That distinction turned out to be farsighted. As time would tell, the industry’s biggest enemy had some truly big things in store.
Today we are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. As we all know, the tobacco industry is ruthless, devious, rich, and powerful. As we all know, neither WHO nor public health is rich, but with the Framework Convention now in place, we are indeed powerful.
If the measures set out in the Framework Convention were fully implemented, they could overpower or at least stand up to industry tactics, even as well-financed and ruthless as these are known to be. . . .
The tobacco industry, describing itself as “responsible”, continues to ask for a seat at the table as protocols to the Convention are negotiated.
As a recent story in The Economist noted, this is roughly equivalent to kindly allowing a pack of sly foxes to look after the welfare of your chickens. The answer is a firm no.
Like my predecessors, I am not on speaking terms with the tobacco industry, but I will say this: We’ve come a long way, bullies.
With the WHO Framework Convention as a support, we know how to stand our ground.
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