Symposia

Thursday, 19 March

09:00-10:30

01

FCTC research priorities in low- and middle-income countries

PANEL DISCUSSION

A series of papers was published in Nicotine and Tobacco Research (NTR) in 2013 identifying critical research priorities in support of the FCTC, with a particular focus on low and middle income countries (LMICs). The goal of this symposium is to present research recommendations from the recent NTR journal that are most relevant and can be implemented by low and middle income countries.

02

Voice of Tobacco Victims (VoTV): a campaign for policy change

It is a victims' led initiative with direct support from their treating physicians to sensitize policymakers, law enforcers, bureaucrats & media by conveying what tobacco use has done to them & its impact on their families. Victims are generally patients of mouth & throat cancer. Victims advocate for adoption & implementation of effective and topical tobacco control policies. The physicians and tobacco control advocates remain in the background with relevant research data and the evidence on the effectiveness of the policies demanded by the victims.

03

04

Do international trade treaties protect health of citizens? Examples, challenges and global evidences CANCELLED

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the only global public health treaty but its practical implementation at global and national level is complex and compromised due vested interests. Several provisions of the treaties create flashpoints which are contentious and challenging for their implementation by sovereign states in particular. The industry’s influence constrains effective implementation (as in the plain packaging case) and shows it has been able to manipulate nations and challenge the sovereign rights of others

05

Alternative tobacco products: Evidence base for interventions to prevent or control waterpipe tobacco use

While cigarette smoking has been given attention for over 50 years, waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS) has just recently been receiving attention as it has become a world-wide epidemic, especially among youth. Though growing evidence suggests that waterpipe smoking has a high potential for deleterious health effects, it, unfortunately, remains peripheral to tobacco control efforts. Thus, this symposium aims to review the evidence on what we know about waterpipe tobacco smoking prevention and control interventions, which is critical to guide future research and inform practice and policy.

06

Tobacco product regulation: Science and evaluation

PANEL DISCUSSION

There have been varied approaches to tobacco regulation in different countries with different levels of success. Most of the policies have had some difficulties in implementation, usually with legal challenges from the tobacco industry. Each country has its own set of requirements for instituting tobacco regulatory policies with some having a firm requirement for evidence-based science. Other countries are able to institute policies based on predicted impact. It is important to be able to learn from each country and each type of policy in order to more firmly establish the evidence-base.

07

Innovative approaches to endgame for tobacco

The Endgame Conference 2013 built on the global tobacco endgame narrative (reducing consumption & availability of tobacco to minimal levels) through full and effective implementation of FCTC and adopting new strategies. Tobacco Control is becoming integral to the sustainable development agenda, prioritizing WHA target of 30% relative reduction in tobacco use prevalence by 2025 and swiftly moving towards eliminating tobacco use in all forms globally, by 2050. This session will assess the preparedness and progress towards viable strategies for ending tobacco related harms to health and development.

08

Is tobacco control being crowded out or reinforced by the new emphasis on NCDs? Some national experience

Increasing global discussions about non-communicable diseases in recent years have had variable results in different countries, resulting in mixed reactions from the tobacco control community. Some fear a dilution of tobacco control, due to increased responsibilities for health ministry personnel not being matched by increased budgets. Others see an opportunity to build new alliances and renew political commitment to FCTC implementation. This session looks at government and civil society experience in four developing countries.

09

Smoking Attributable Mortality (SAM): Establishing reliable global and national estimates

PANEL DISCUSSION

This session will present findings from the Global Smoking-Attributable Mortality (SAM) Initiative to estimate the population burden of smoking globally. Existing methodology provides accurate estimates in many developed countries, but without country-specific data for other regions, producing valid estimates for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is challenging. Several key experts are working on revised methodologies to address this gap. A method to quantify the burden of smoking is a vital advocacy tool in countries with limited resources.

Sponsored Core Symposium 01

Tobacco cessation in TB and HIV patients: 'A low-hanging fruit'

14:00-15:30

10

Building regional research capacity to guide policy for waterpipe smoking

Waterpipe smoking (WPS) is increasing globally, yet evidence based policies lag behind. This discrepancy is most notable in the Eastern Mediterranean (EMR), where WPS is very popular among youth. Since its inception in 2001, the Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies (SCTS) has been working to create regional capacity in tobacco control research. As part of these efforts, SCTS is planning a seed grants program to allow researchers conduct research projects related to WPS. This symposium will provide scientific update about the evidence regarding WPS and a venue for seed grantees to present their data.

11

Innovative communication strategies to promote tobacco control policies

This session seeks to strengthen the capacity of communicators, activists and researchers to develop and implement communication strategies for tobacco control through the discussion and exchange of experiences. Communications experts from Latin American NGOs will present diverse communication strategies and tools as central elements for promoting legislation, countering tobacco industry’s strategies, disseminating research’s results and sensitizing and educating the population about tobacco epidemic.

12

Coordinated global action: Challenging PMI’s youth-targeted “Be Marlboro” ad campaign

In 2011, PMI launched “Be Marlboro”, a youth oriented marketing campaign designed to replace the Marlboro Man. In response, advocates launched a global campaign calling on PMI to end BM and urging governments to implement TAPS bans. Using the BM case study, this symposium will describe elements of industry-focused discrediting campaigns and demonstrate that such campaigns can help advance tobacco control policies. Panelists will discuss BM campaigning in Latin America, Eastern Europe and ASEAN. The session will end with recommendations for pursuing industry campaigns.

13

Smokefree environments from the human rights perspective

Passive smoking in closed public spaces is a widespread form of violence, oriented mainly against small children and weak population groups, such as those suffering from lung or heart problems. The problem is particularly acute for pregnant women and employees in those premises, who without defenses are subject to inadvertent smoking and suffer heavy consequences on a personal, family, and societal level.

14

Mentoring and training in tobacco control: A roadmap for building capacity, sustainability and future leaders in LMICs

PANEL DISCUSSION

This session will review best practices in mentoring and training in tobacco control and share results and experiences from both high and low income countries. Although there are many types of successful mentoring programmes for building capacity, networks and research agendas, it is still under-utilized and under-estimated as a tool for strengthening coordination of tobacco control and as an approach for enhancing tobacco control sustainability.

15

New conversations from the Tobacco Free Generation 2000 proposal

Since the publication of the Tobacco Free Generation 2000 (TFG2000) Proposal in 2010 and its presentation at the 2013 World Conference as an End Game proposal, there have been growing international interests. A host of interests and new conversations have been bubbling up in several parts of the world because the approach has two main benefits. 1. It paints a new vision using a date based proposal to prevent tobacco use in a new generation and 2. It does not disenfranchise current smokers.

16

Implementation of Article 5.3: Best practices, challenges, lessons learned from country-level experiences

Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC is arguably the backbone of the global tobacco treaty. It is the global public health community’s response to the tobacco industry’s aggressive campaign to block, weaken, and delay the life-saving measures of the FCTC. However, the implementation of this Article and its guidelines has been sporadic since the passage of the guidelines. This symposium will explore the efforts of the World Health Organization and civil society organizations to build capacity of advocates and governments to implement Article 5.3 as well as available tools to facilitate implementation

17

Tobacco packaging and labelling: A global perspective

Tobacco packaging is a critical communications tool for the tobacco industry and also for governments. This symposium will consider international trends in tobacco packaging and labelling, the importance of health warning design, and the need for innovation with respect to using the packaging to communicate health messages. We will also explore consumer and stakeholders’ perceptions of plain packaging. This will include presenting the only existing plain packaging studies from Asia and Africa, and a panel study from Australia conducted before and after the introduction of plain packaging.

18

Achieving the 25 by 25 NCD target: The role of tobacco control

In May 2013 all WHO Member States agreed to an ambitious target of reducing premature NCD mortality by 25% by 2025 (“25 by 25”), as part of the Global Monitoring Framework (GMF) for the Global NCD Action Plan on NCDs (GAP). This joint NCD Alliance/World Heart Federation symposium situates tobacco control policy and cessation therapy within the broader framework of the GMF and the GAP. It examines how the development of national NCD plans can be leveraged to strengthen tobacco control policy and to build health system capacity to deliver effective cessation therapy.

19

The WHO FCTC in the EMR region and tobacco control: 10 years in existence, what is needed?

The aim of this symposium is that based on evaluating the demand-side measures implementation of the WHO FCTC is to measure the situation of tobacco control at regional level; after 10 years of the WHO FCTC adoption. The session will identify gaps in implementation; come up with a clear way forward towards full implementation of the treaty and finally gear up political commitment for tobacco control in general and the WHO FCTC implementation in particular.

Thursday, 19 March

16:00-17:30

20

Building national level capacity for tobacco control: The case of Africa

As the tobacco industry targets Africa for its expansion, governments in the Region need to be more prepared to avoid the spread of the tobacco epidemic. Many countries in the African Region do not yet have comprehensive legislation, while implementation of the WHO FCTC is also not optimal. This session will describe the challenges faced in Africa and how capacity building at country level is acting to strengthen government action in tobacco control and reverse the growing trends in tobacco consumption in the Region.

21

Global challenges in the regulation of tobacco products

Progress was achieved on tobacco product regulation through FCTC, TobReg, TobLabNet, EU, Health Canada & US FDA; however, many challenges remain in implementing effective regulation of products other than cigarettes- waterpipe & smokeless tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems, bidis, etc. There are no agreed upon standards regarding the ingredients, emissions, additives, & design features of these products. The symposium will offer recommendations to fill in these gaps & also addresses unconventional tobacco products that are manufactured & distributed in non-standard commercial ways.

22

Social marketing to change behavior in non-communicable diseases

Effective NCD prevention requires initiating changes in behavior at a population level, both through effective public policy and public education. Lessons for how to use social marketing to promote policy and behavior change can be learned not only from tobacco, but also from other non-communicable disease prevention areas such as road safety and obesity prevention. Presentations will include case studies of best practice campaigns using traditional mass media to influence change among governments and citizens alike.

23

Recent perspectives on the economics of tobacco control

PANEL DISCUSSION

Economics provide a rich framework for measuring the impact on the tobacco epidemic and for evaluating and understanding the impact of tobacco control measures such as the WHO FCTC. This symposium brings together leading experts in the economics of tobacco control to present and discuss recent findings across a broad range of topics from an economic perspective: tax/price policies, including the impact of tax structure of effectiveness of those policies, non-price policies, globalization and development issues, and the economic impact of tobacco control.

Regional collaboration and an enabling legal framework: Driving forces behind Latin American countries record adoption of FCTC policies

The objective of this session is to tell the successful collaborations between government, civil society groups and international entities in Latin America, a region with a large number of countries that have authorized tobacco control programs incorporating FCTC policies.

Implementing the FCTC's Illicit Trade Protocol: challenges and successes

In 2012, the FCTC Conference of the Parties adopted a Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (ITP). In 2015, there remain many unanswered questions about the practicalities of implementation, the availability of technical assistance, co-operation with other international organizations and financial resources. Despite these questions, a number of countries have moved ahead with implementation of some provisions of the Protocol. This session will look at experience to date and discuss what will be needed to make the Protocol a success.

26

What do multi-country studies tell us about the tobacco epidemic and smoking cessation?

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey and the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey are large, multi-country studies to monitor and evaluate tobacco policy implementation and impacts. Using data from these studies, this symposium will showcase results from cross-country comparative research to better understand similarities and differences in the determinants of tobacco use and smoking cessation, and how these relationships are shaped by policy, programmatic, cultural, and socioeconomic contexts. Sponsored by the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco, Global Health Network.

Innovative funding strategies for global tobacco control

PANEL DISCUSSION

At a time of heightened expectations yet increasingly limited resource, this session plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global tobacco control. After sharing their organizations’current strategies for supporting tobacco control, panelists will engage in a provocative moderated dialog regarding ways to build a more comprehensive and sustainable funding model for the future. Diverse sectors including government, industry, philanthropy, and development agencies will be represented on the panel.

28

Tobacco industry interference: Same intention, new strategies

PANEL DISCUSSION

This session will provide an overview of the most recent strategies of the tobacco industry to interfere with implementation of the WHO FCTC, with a global, regional and country-level discussion of the most commonly strategies, including litigation arguments, observed. It will also discuss how countries are fighting back and the resources available to assist countries, particularly with implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC. The session will be interactive, comprising a panel formed by country representatives and international experts in dialogue with the Chair and the audience. The panel composition covers most of WHO regions and also government / nongovernmental experience. In particular, the Chair will engage in a dialogue with the panellists on South-East Asian countries experience with tools for tracking the industry; on Jordan’s and Jamaica’s experience in countering industry’s approach to new frontiers; on the experience of tobacco control advocates countering tobacco industry’s efforts to block the EU Tobacco Products Directive; and on tobacco industry’s reaction to New Zealand’s announcement of tobacco endgame.

Can tobacco executives be held criminally responsible for the tobacco-related deaths of their customers?

The lethal consequences of smoking have been known to tobacco corporations for decades, yet they continue the manufacturing, sale and promotion of cigarettes, with full knowledge that the ordinary use of cigarettes causes death. In light of the above, we believe that it is now time to consider criminal laws to ensure that tobacco companies and their executives face the rule of law and justice. This presentation will identify and discuss possible venues and criminal charges.

Friday, 20 March

09:00-10:30

Innovative financing for FCTC implementation

A crucial barrier to FCTC implementation is the lack of resources. The dialogues on innovative financing for development have continued in various fora and although tobacco taxes have been identified as a source, tobacco control has hardly been named a beneficiary. Furthermore, with the advent of new technology and private sector involvement, new tools and opportunities to collect and disburse funds are evolving. This builds on research on various forms of innovative financing for tobacco control, such as taxes and charges, solidarity contributions, PPPs, etc.

31

When quitting is not an option: tobacco dependence treatment in severe and serious cases of lung disease

The session examines the following issues: the state of lung health in Europe and the need for tobacco control advocacy; a new ERS website SmokeHaz – an accessible scientific review of the health hazards of smoking; a new ERS consensus document on smoking cessation interventions in smokers that find it difficult to quit; and the outcomes of a European Lung Foundation survey amongst patients of their experience in dealing with healthcare professionals and tobacco dependence treatment.

32

Recent Achievements and Developments of Tobacco Control Mass Media Campaigns

33

Tobacco control in Eastern European countries

Tobacco Control Case studies in Eastern European Countries

34

TAPS in drama in EMR during the month of Ramadan

Enforcing a total ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) is a key policy of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the MPOWER policy package. The TAPS ban includes a comprehensive ban on all forms. However, in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, it has been repeatedly documented that drama, including movies and TV series especially during the month of Ramadan are extensively used to advertise and promote different types of tobacco use. This practice is a clear breach of the total ban on TAPS that jeopardizes all tobacco control efforts at all levels.

Harmonizing tobacco information and strengthening national capacity for surveillance in the Americas

Many countries in the Latin American and Caribbean Region have made well known advances in surveillance and policy in the past decade. This symposium on the most recent experience of “America’s Champions” will focus on how countries have brought together and harmonized successes in tobacco surveillance and control policies. The symposium will also illustrate how tobacco information has played an important role in strengthening comprehensive national capacity in tobacco control, and how harmonizing tobacco information in the Americas can further contribute to this capacity.

36

Integrating tobacco control and NCDs in the sustainable development framework

The tobacco control community has a unique opportunity to reduce tobacco consumption globally. The UN’s original Millennium Development Goals did not include tobacco control or NCDs and are set to expire in 2015. The new set of Sustainable Development Goals will determine national priorities for the next 15 years. If tobacco control indicators are integrated in the SDGs, tobacco will be elevated as a development priority at the global and national level. This session will discuss actions taken so far and advocacy opportunities to integrate tobacco control in the post-2015 development agenda.

37 

Implementation and evaluation of Australia's plain packaging policy

This symposium will summarise the results of a series of major evaluation studies to understand the extent to which policy objectives were met among Australian consumers. In addition, the session will elucidate tobacco industry counter-marketing mitigation strategies and present research findings that test the veracity of industry claims that standardised packaging would lead prices to plummet, increase use of illicit tobacco, and cause chaos in small retail outlets.

Towards implementing effective tobacco tax strategies: success stories and best practices

Tobacco taxation is one of the most effective demand reduction measures in tobacco control. Article 6 guidelines (presented at FCTC COP 6) provide guidance on how to structure tobacco taxes in order to optimize outcomes and recommend that Parties establish long-term tax policies and set health and fiscal objectives that are regularly monitored and adjusted. This session will present country examples of successful tobacco tax policy efforts. Examples of how the industry manipulates tax systems to reduce the impact of such tax policies and how these actions can be countered will be discussed.

Sponsored Core Symposium 2

Public health-led global standardized testing of tobacco products

Friday, 20 March

14:00-15:30

39

Role of air quality monitoring and community-based compliance assessment tools as methods to promote compliance for smoke-free environment

MPOWER policy package is intended to assist in the country-level implementation of effective interventions to reduce the demand for tobacco, as ratified by the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. One of the six evidence-based components of MPOWER is ‘Protect people from tobacco smoke’. Air quality monitoring and compliance studies are two key tools for measuring second-hand smoke (SHS) levels and hence compliance to smoke-free (SF) laws and regulations. This session will cover aspects of AQM and compliance studies, will further focus on how a simple, innovative, and low-cost methodology can promote compliance.

Gender, tobacco control and the FCTC: 12 years on

12 years after adoption of the WHO FCTC with a preamble requiring gendered approaches this symposium will examine integration of gender and implementation of article 4.2.d. Article 4.2.d indicates that Parties to the FCTC “need to take measures to address gender-specific risks when developing tobacco control strategies" and incorporate gender-specific tobacco control measures. But progress has been uneven or non-existent. Presentations will explore progress and gaps in the integration of gender strategies with a focus on women, and recommendations to support global and regional implementation.

The role of supply-side measures in tobacco control in setting the stage for endgame

Tobacco products are extremely affordable because production lifecycles is subsidized and backed by incentives. To make proven strategies effective, supply-side corrections are urgently needed in developing countries which can show a way forward for endgames of tobacco products. This symposium will cover a range of topics to understand supply-side interventions which can deter the expansion of the tobacco industry and make demand-side reduction strategies more effective

42

The Effects of International Economic Policymaking on Tobacco Control

This symposium will explore the nexus of tobacco control and international economic policy-making, particularly trade and investment. Recently, countries' tobacco control efforts have faced challenges through the international economic system, such as in the World Trade Organization. Much of the interaction involves low- and middle-income countries, both as the antagonists and as the victims. Through a 3-year study in a number of key countries, we examine the key variables that shape these relationships, including the tobacco industry, alternative livelihoods, and development issues.

43

Can e-cigarettes be used to eliminate cigarettes?

A forum from scientists who see potential benefits of e-cigarettes to discuss ways in which e-cigarettes might contribute to more rapidly getting rid of smoking, indeed doing so within a time frame that is unimaginable using other methods. It provides a scientific analysis of the potential harms of vaping, canvasses what we know about the vaping phenomenon, provides early data on population-level impacts, discusses what level of regulation is needed for these products, and the need for further regulating smoked tobacco, and of strategies to do this in ways that also minimises the risks.

44

Richard Doll Memorial Symposium: New findings from large prospective studies in many countries

Major prospective studies in China, India, Europe, and North and South America are monitoring the changing hazards of smoking and benefits of stopping. Those concerned with tobacco control should be given the opportunity to keep up with the new health evidence from these studies.

45

Tobacco industry interference at intergovernmental/international level

PANEL DISCUSSION

Tobacco industry interference (TII) is one of the greatest challenges to tobacco control. UN Secretary General’s report to ECOSOC highlighted TII in the UN system. Recent events show TI’s strategies/tactics beyond national borders, e.g., Interpol’s receipt of Philip Morris’ funds; TI showcasing its partnerships with various governments in combating illicit trade; TI supporting governments to challenge tobacco control measures in other countries. This session will thus assess viable strategies to address these challenges in the context of global solutions and international cooperation.

Sponsored Core Symposium 3 

Investing in developing tobacco control capacity for Africa

Friday, 20 March

16:00-17:30

46

Tobacco product analysis and public health implication

Tobacco use causes extensive, preventable disease and death. Among the thousands of compounds generated in cigarette smoke, at least 250 are harmful to human health. Despite adverse health effects, 80,000 to 100,000 people a day start smoking worldwide. Approximately 10 million cigarettes are purchased per minute. This session will focus on the analysis of harmful constituents in tobacco products, exposure biomarker assessment on the population level, how cigarette descriptors misled the public, the role of product science in informing international policy, and FDA effort on regulatory science.

Implementation of the WHO FCTC: Implications for women and tobacco

This session will address how implementation of the WHO FCTC is intrinsically related to advancing the agenda on reversing the epidemic on women and tobacco. Presentations will cover various articles of the WHO FCTC and the impact on women.

48

Solutions to control tobacco in impoverished communities

The prevalence and negative impact of tobacco use is increasing in impoverished and marginalised communities around the globe. In high-income countries, despite a fall in smoking rates, it remains stubbornly high in lower socio-economic and certain minority ethnic groups. A social gradient to tobacco consumption is also apparent in many middle- and low-income countries. Consequently, health inequalities are widening between different social strata. There is a need to develop and adopt progressive and pro-equity approaches that reduce health disparities between different social groupings.

49

Treatment of tobacco in 21st Century trade and investment rules

In the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement, a multilateral trade agreement (MTA) in which future trade and investment agreements (TIAs) are to be modelled after, both the US and Malaysia have proposed language to treat tobacco uniquely. Tobacco is now a key topic in discussions for an MTA. Meanwhile, global “regulatory chill” created by tobacco companies using TIAs has remained omnipresent despite global commitment to hasten FCTC implementation. Thus, this session will assess viable strategies to address these challenges in the context of TIA negotiations that continue to be (re)negotiated.

Tobacco consumption taxes: Regional experiences, advances, challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)

Session will present experience on tobacco tax policies in LAC countries and prospects / obstacles to implement further tax increases. Main topics: results of demand and tax studies in LAC, lack of priority of excise taxation in LAC's tax reform policies and at regional and international development banks, potential impact of increased illicit trade, increased regression of tobacco taxation in Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico and Brazil, low applicability of 70% tax share target and new tool to assess tax policies in the region based on the approved Recommendations of the Guidelines of Art. 6 of FCTC.

Framing NCDs for action: Insight and innovation from the next generation of public health leaders

PANEL DISCUSSION

This session focuses on novel ways of framing NCDs to enable policy advocates and health professionals to spur states, individually and collectively, to take bold action on NCDs. Although causes of NCDs are well-documented and policies and programs to address the issue are known, the burden of NCDs continues to increase worldwide. Governmental actions at the national level lag. As such, this session brings voices of young global health professionals to highlight new insights into the emerging NCDs narrative through alternatives of framing NCDs to facilitate national action.

52

Measuring the impact of the FCTC: Findings from the international tobacco control policy evaluation project

In the decade since the FCTC came into force on 27 Feb 2005, the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation (ITC) Project has conducted evaluation studies of the impact of FCTC policies to build the evidence base for the FCTC. through its scientific articles and national and policy reports. The ITC Project is currently engaged in an extensive effort to compare FCTC impact across 22 countries, inhabited by over 50% of the world’s population and 70% of the world’s tobacco users. This symposium will present key ITC findings on health warnings, smoke-free laws, cessation, and taxation.

Sponsored Core Symposium 4

Science to inform tobacco regulatory decisions: The U.S. as a case study

Friday, 20 March

17:35-19:05 Conference Hall AA

Sponsored Satellite Symposium 1

Applied tobacco control policy research: Case studies from low- and middle-income countries

Saturday, 21 March

09:00-10:30

Banning flavoured tobacco products - overview of global issues and progress

Tobacco products with candy, fruit, menthol and other flavours are attractive, especially to youth, and increase overall tobacco use. FCTC guidelines recommend restrictions/bans on flavoured tobacco products, thus countering important tobacco industry strategies. Recent legislative developments in the EU, Brazil, the United States, Canada, and other countries have resulted in important progress despite strong tobacco industry opposition. This session will provide an international overview of rationale and experience to support legislated bans on flavoured tobacco products, including menthol.

54

Tobacco industry (TI) monitoring and civil society’s actions to reduce its interference in LAC

TI interference has been identified as the main obstacle for the global implementation of the FCTC. Therefore, it is essential to address this issue to progress in the control of the tobacco epidemic. In 2010, a Latin American, regional, civil society initiative to monitor and respond to this interference was created. Twelve countries of this region work in this project to promote the implementation of Article 5.3 in LAC. In this session we will present civil society’s experience, progress made in the systematization of monitoring actions and strategies to reduce TI interference.

55

Economic aspects of tobacco control: A global perspective

Article 20 of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) emphasizes the need for research on tobacco use and control at the national, regional, and global levels. In particular, more research is needed to assess the impact of tax and price policies; to assess the economic impact of tobacco use and control; and on the nexus between tobacco use and poverty. This session offers a global perspective by presenting evidence from five studies relating to these aspects from a number of countries. The study outcomes can inform policy makers in making tobacco control policy decisions.

Tobacco-free Europe: different roads to the endgame

Various endgame approaches are presented, while discussing their strengths and challenges. Prof. Reijula and Ms. Hara evaluate how to build new approach for long-term success within the Finnish framework. Prof. Clancy outlines investments needed to reach the ambitious goal of Tobacco-Free Ireland 2025. Prof. Amos and Mr. Robertson show how the target of generation free from tobacco by 2034 may be achieved in Scotland. Prof. Willemsen gives general review on the tobacco control in Europe, emphasizing analytical approach to what may be achieved. Mr. Shatenstein serves as a discussant.

Pictorial health warnings: The best buy public health intervention in sustaining community participation

Article 11 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) requires Parties to the Convention to implement large, rotating health warnings on all tobacco product packaging and labelling. Pictorial health warnings on tobacco packages are a cost-effective means to increase public awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Pictorial Health warning is one of the most frequently legally challenged strategies by tobacco industry globally. The symposium aims to discuss and share lessons learnt the effectiveness of pictorial health warning in building public awareness on danger of tobacco use. It would also aim to open a window of opportunity to build policy discussion to establish pictorial health warning in other products such as alcohol.

58

The FCTC: a treaty for all ministries, not only Health (date and time TBC)

When the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was negotiated more than 10 years ago, it was well understood that a whole-of-government approach to tobacco control, involving many ministries besides Health, would be critical to addressing the tobacco epidemic. But establishing effective multi-sectoral coordination for tobacco control is challenging. To date, only a few governments have succeeding in mobilizing whole-of-government support for tobacco control. Luckily, initial steps have been taken to address this serious gap in FCTC implementation.

59

Tobacco farming and tobacco control: Separating myth from reality

Tobacco farming has gained attention in recent years in global tobacco control. The tobacco industry generates controversy about the impact of FCTC implementation on tobacco growers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. After nine years of debate at the FCTC Conference of the Parties, there is still a lack of clarity about the nature of the problem, the solutions, and the time frame for their implementation. This session will explore the determinants of demand for tobacco leaf, likely future trends, working and living conditions of tobacco farmers, and appropriate policy responses.

Eliminating investments in tobacco companies

Easy access to public funds and private investments ensures that tobacco industry can expand into new markets and profit from existing ones. Despite tobacco control efforts, tobacco industry remains profitable. Can responsible investing deter investments in tobacco companies? What are opportunities and challenges that can eliminate these investments? This symposium will review the current investments in the tobacco industry with the view to impact the easy access of funds for the industry, efforts made thus far to deter investments, and how restricting funding can directly halt and reverse the tobacco epidemic.

Increasing reach and effectiveness of tobacco cessation services via quitlines and provider training

PANEL DISCUSSION

Article 14 of the FCTC commits countries to help tobacco users quit via primary care, quitlines and access to low-cost medications. Many countries lack a trained workforce that can deliver treatment tailored to local realities. This panel presentation provides real-world examples from multiple countries of how quitlines are integrated into national strategies for tobacco control, how providers are trained and programs accredited, and related challenges and opportunities. Presenters include developers of quitlines and training programs as well as global leaders implementing these policies and programs.

Saturday, 21 March

14:00-15:30

62

Standardised packaging: tobacco industry counter campaigns in Australia, UK and Ireland

The tobacco companies know standardised packaging will be effective so they are fighting to overturn the first such policy introduced in Australia in December 2012, and running multi-million dollar campaigns to block similar measures from being introduced in Ireland, UK and New Zealand. This symposium will use 3 case studies to analyse their counter-campaigns and share lessons learnt. It will focus on how strategies familiar from other campaigns are being used: front groups; casting doubt on the evidence; using the threat of illicit trade; and the threat of legal action.

63

Human rights-based approach to tobacco control

The human rights based approach (HRBA) to tobacco control provides research, policy and advocacy tools to hold accountable the tobacco industry to the harm it unleashes in several domains. The FCTC was developed from previous human rights treaties -it can be applied more broadly as a HRBA.HRBA intersects with the right to a healthy environment (secondhand smoke; exposure to pesticides or green tobacco sickness); the right to a sustainable income (crops prices; indentured servitude); and the right to information (education).The symposium describes HRBA to analyze abuses and suggest remedies.

64

The implications of the FCTC Article 14 guidelines for treatment policy

In 2010 the Conference of the Parties to the FCTC adopted guidelines for Article 14 of the convention, on tobacco cessation and treatment. These guidelines set out a comprehensive set of recommendations to Parties on how to develop (or further develop) cessation support. In this symposium we will look at progress on treatment to date, what the Article 14 guidelines recommend, and consequently what countries, especially low and middle income countries, might be doing now to develop or enhance their provision of cessation support.

Global smokeless tobacco and public health: Policy and regulatory challenges

PANEL DISCUSSION

The use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) products has traditionally received less attention compared to smoked tobacco; however, SLT use significantly contributes to the burden of tobacco-related death and disease. This symposium will showcase a summary of key highlights from the NCI and CDC SLT report, Smokeless Tobacco and Public Health: A Global Perspective, as well as findings from the 2013 WHO SLT Survey. A panel of tobacco control experts will then discuss emerging policy scenarios and SLT policy recommendations.

National and regional experience in setting up Tobacco industry monitoring teams in sub-Saharan Africa

The scope of tobacco industry interference in tobacco control policy making in sub-Saharan African countries is huge. Among other strategies, the industry uses direct and indirect political lobbying to hinder the tobacco control legislative process in these countries. Face with this challenge, the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) partnered with in-countries advocates and ministries of health to establish multi-stakeholder platforms tasked to continuously monitor and counter industry interference. ATCA would like to share its successes, challenges and lessons learnt through this process.

67

Reproductive health and tobacco: Considerations for pregnant women and women of childbearing age

Tobacco use and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy has serious adverse health effects on women and children. The WHO released new guidelines for the management of tobacco use and SHS exposure during pregnancy, and new and non-traditional products, such as electronic nicotine delivery systems and waterpipes, are changing the landscape of tobacco use. Presentations on studies conducted in selected countries will increase our understanding of the use and health effects of the wide variety of tobacco products used during pregnancy.

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Legal strategies on tobacco control: Strategic litigation as an effective tool

For years the tobacco control community has advocated for the implementation of public policies through the legislative and executive power. However, at some point these strategies might fail and requesting the judicial power to intervene to promote the enforcement or implementation of tobacco control measures (TCM) is an effective strategy. Also, the tobacco industry has changed its strategies to block the implementation of TCM by judicially challenging them. This panel will be focused in sharing different experiences of legal actions, specifically on strategic litigation on tobacco control.

Smoking cessation among populations with chronic disease:  Cancer, HIV and substance use disorder

About 20-70% of patients living with chronic conditions use tobacco and have poorer health outcomes. The 2014 US Surgeon General’s Report concluded that cigarette smoking is related to multiple adverse outcomes in cancer patients and survivors, including increased mortality, risk for second primary cancers and recurrence, poorer response to treatment and increased treatment-related toxicity. Similarly, people with HIV and substance use disorder have a greater likelihood of developing other chronic conditions (including cancers), have poorer response to treatment and die earlier than non-smokers. Quitting smoking improves the prognosis, quality of life and response to treatments of individuals with cancer, HIV and substance use disorder. If Article 14 of the FCTC is to be effective, countries must reach and treat subgroups of these high-prevalence tobacco users. Speakers will provide an overview of tobacco cessation research and treatment in oncology, HIV and substance use disorder settings in the US and resource-limited global settings.