The Regional Committee,
Recalling resolution WPR/RC48.R10;
Having reviewed the report of the Regional Director on the progress made in implementing the Action Plan on Tobacco or Health 1995-1999;*
Acknowledging the progress that has been made in understanding the impact of tobacco use on public health;
Noting the growing burden of disease and death caused by tobacco in the Western Pacific Region and the urgency of controlling its use;
Recognizing that the burden of tobacco use is a matter of public health policy and not just a matter of personal choice;
Noting that multisectoral involvement is crucial to effective tobacco control;
Noting the need for a balance between international and national tobacco control initiatives;
- ENDORSES the Regional Action Plan on Tobacco or Health 2000-2004 with amendments as specified in the summary record;
- URGES Member States:
- (1) to develop comprehensive National Plans of Action for Tobacco Control consistent with the Regional Action Plan on Tobacco or Health 2000-2004;
- (2) to provide long-term support for the development and implementation of National Plans of Action for Tobacco Control;
- (3) to promote and fully support the development and adoption of the international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and to respond favourably to the invitation of the Director-General of WHO to participate in the global Working Group established to facilitate development and implementation of the international Framework Convention;
- (4) to mobilize and coordinate the involvement of government departments in the above-stated activities; and
- (5) to report to WHO at regular intervals on progress made in their national efforts to control tobacco use;
- REQUESTS the Regional Director:
- (1) to support Member States in implementing the Regional Action Plan on Tobacco or Health 2000-2004;
- (2) to strongly support the Tobacco Free Initiative in the Western Pacific Region at a level that is sufficient to sustain the special emphasis initiated in 1999;
- (3) to advocate the development and adoption of the international Framework Convention on Tobacco Control;
- (4) to support the national Focal Persons and Member States in building capacity for tobacco control;
- (5) to make good use of all opportunities to encourage the involvement of Member States in the Tobacco Free Initiative; and
- (6) to report to Member States at regular intervals on progress made in implementing the Regional Action Plan on Tobacco or Health 2000-2004.
* WPR/RC50/11