By Rebeca Sanchez

Last week the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) was ratified in Geneva Switzerland signaling global concensus on the fight against tobacco, and marking the end of almost two years of negotiations among member countries of the World Health Organization.

This landmark treaty requires signatory countries to adopt a number of policies including two measures which have been scientifically proven to reduce smoking.

These include a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (with an exception for nations with constitutional constraints) and a requirement of warning labels on cigarette packaging.

In past months, FCTC negotiations have been characterized as “uphill” owing mostly to the US’s efforts to dilute various treaty provisions. At several junctures, the US delegation tried to include language that would allow countries to opt out of “objectionable” provisions.

By and large, WHO member countries stood firm causing the United States to relent at the last minute, and permitting the treaty to go forward.

Given the U.S.’s history of supporting big tobacco, it took the global community by surprise when U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson said the Bush administration would support the FCTC.

The measure currently awaits the President’s signature and Senate approval.

Please contact your senator to voice your unconditional support the treaty.

To get contact information for your state senator, log onto www.senate.gov.