Togo rewarded for its fight against smoking

Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) presents an honorary award to a country on World No Tobacco Day. This award is given to individuals who have led anti-smoking initiatives within the framework of the WHO Framework Convention. This year, Togo is in the spotlight.

For a Togo that respects tobacco control measures, in accordance with the Framework Convention

Professor Vinyo Kumako, head of the Tobacco Control Program at the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, is the sixth African personality to receive the WHO honorary award. Organized by the Ministry of Health and WHO, the ceremony took place on August 13, 2020. Togo has had to overcome many challenges and undertake various actions over several years to comply with the Framework Convention:

- In 2005, Togo was one of the first countries to ratify the WHO Framework Convention.

- In 2010, Togo enacted Law No. 2010-017 on the production, marketing, and consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Five decrees have been implemented, including Decree No. 2012-046/PR of July 11, 2012. The latter prohibits smoking in public places.

- In 2015, the WHO considered Togo's actions to be inconclusive and insufficient. They lacked compliance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Smoking has been on the rise for two years. The WHO called on Togo to implement health warnings by displaying pictures on cigarette packages and creating 100 % tobacco-free zones.

- In 2018, Togo joined the Protocol on Illicit Tobacco Trade.

Receiving the WHO honorary prize is therefore a reward that highlights all of Togo's efforts in its fight against tobacco.

The WHO Framework Convention: an international legal framework

The Framework Convention, the first international treaty, establishes a new legal framework for international cooperation in promoting public health and tobacco control. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on May 21, 2003. It entered into force on February 27, 2005. This marks a historic moment in the history of the United Nations; it is one of the treaties that has rapidly brought together the largest number of countries for tobacco control.

The Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco expands on Article 15 of the WHO Framework Convention. It was adopted by consensus on 12 November 2012. It is the first Protocol to the Convention on Tobacco Control. It establishes a new international treaty. It addresses ways to counter the illicit trade in tobacco products, which allows access to tobacco at low cost and thus spreads its ravages.

©Generation Without Tobacco

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[1] Togo First, Fight against tobacco: WHO honors Togo and recognizes Professor Vinyo Kumako, www.togofirst.com (August 17, 2020 - accessed September 10, 2020). [2] WHO, Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, www.who.int (accessed 10 September 2020). [3] WHO, About the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, www.who.int (accessed 10 September 2020). [4] WHO, The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Overview, www.who.int (accessed 10 September 2020). DNF - For a Zero Tobacco World |