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Tough laws work and save lives

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is a powerful legal instrument to help fight the tobacco epidemic. In the WHO European Region, 49 countries and the European Community have ratified the Treaty.

To help countries fulfill their WHO FCTC obligations, WHO introduced the MPOWER package of six evidence-based tobacco control measures within the treaty that are proven to reduce tobacco use and save lives.

WHO/Europe plays an important role in reinforcing the WHO FCTC and providing evidence-based guidance to support and monitor implementation, offer advice and training and promote exchange and learning across the Region, showcasing measures that work.

The momentum is growing, and more and more governments are taking strong measures to fight tobacco – including through . taxation and pricing, advertising, packaging, warnings, smoking in public places and supporting people who want to kick the habit.  Evidence from these countries shows that tough laws work and save lives, even within months of implementation. The success of the WHO FCTC depends on everyone – policy-makers, civil society, media, researcher, health professionals and the public.