SA first to sign tobacco treaty

2003-06-16 15:48

Johannesburg - South Africa became one of the first signatories to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) on Monday, the health department said.

Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang signed the convention on behalf of South Africa in Geneva, Switzerland. She was accompanied by two South African girls, 10-year-old Adivhaho Ramaro and 11-year-old Naledi Motlatla.

"Adopted by consensus at the World Health Assembly last month, the FCTC became the first ever, international treaty devoted to health," ministerial spokesperson Sibani Mngadi said in a statement.

"It is a global, legal instrument designed to counter the harmful effects of tobacco and save lives of about five million people who die annually of tobacco related diseases in the world."

The convention aims to ban tobacco advertising, to highlight health warning labels on tobacco products, to protect the public against secondary smoking, to control the illicit tobacco trade and to promote tobacco taxes.

It will become law once 40 countries have ratified the convention.

Tshabalala-Msimang said the signing was a historic moment for the country, especially since it coincided with Youth Day which was being celebrated on Monday.

"Youth is the main target of tobacco marketing strategies. If we want to save the lives of millions of people who die of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other conditions linked to smoking, our youth need to know the harmful effects of tobacco," the minister said.

Current tobacco control measures in South Africa were largely consistent with the minimum requirements of the convention.

Amended legislation, the SA Tobacco Control Amendment Act was currently being strengthened to bring it fully in line with the convention.

Some of the proposed amendments to the Act include banning the use of terms like light, mild and extra mild on tobacco products, raising the age restriction on tobacco sales from 16 to 18 years and enlarging health warnings to cover at least 50% of tobacco product containers.

- SAPA