WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)

• The WHO FCTC was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health.

• It is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21st May 2003 and entered into force on 27th February 2005.

• 180 countries globally have ratified the WHO FCTC and it has become one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in UN history.

• Over the last decade, it has succeeded in keeping tobacco control high on the global agenda, while saving lives and improving global health.

• The WHO FCTC asserts the importance of strategies to reduce both demand and supply, and provides a framework for tobacco control measures to be implemented at the national, regional and international levels.

Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA, 2003)

• The COTPA 2003 is an Act of Parliament enacted in 2003 to prohibit advertisement of, and to provide for regulation of trade and commerce and production, supply and distribution of tobacco products.

• The Act bans all forms of advertisement and promotion of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

• A core focus of COTPA is safeguarding children and young people from tobacco use. It restricts the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions and prohibits their sale to minors.

• It mandates that cigarette packs must carry specific health warnings with pictures depicting the dangers of tobacco use.

National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)

• Government of India launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in the year 2007-08, with the aim to 

• Create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption

• Reduce the production and supply of tobacco products

• Ensure effective implementation of the provisions under COTPA 2003 

• Help the people quit tobacco use

• Facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention and control of tobacco advocated by WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control .

• The NTCP functions through a three-tier structure:

• National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC): The central level body responsible for policy formulation, planning,monitoring, and evaluation of the program's activities.

• State Tobacco Control Cell (STCC): Counterparts at the state level, ensuring program implementation within their jurisdictions.

• District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC): Function at the district level, overseeing program execution at the ground level.