Trudy Simpson, Staff Reporter
JAMAICA, THROUGH the Ministry of Health, last week became the 74th country to ratify the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
In addition, health officials said they are hoping to have legislation in place by year end.
The treaty, which came into effect on February 27, is a global initiative to reduce the harmful effects of tobacco use by working to have stricter control and eventual reduction of tobacco consumption globally.
Jamaica ratified the treaty on July 7 after depositing the instrument of ratification at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Jamaica's ratification of the treaty appears to be a turnaround because local officials had earlier this year stated that they would not ratify it until domestic legislation was in place. A bill is currently being drafted by the office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel, said Dr. Eva Lewis-Fuller, director of cooperation in the Ministry of Health.
DEFENDING GOVT'S DECISION
In an interview yesterday, Dr. Lewis-Fuller, who is in charge of the Health Ministry's tobacco control initiatives, defended the Government's decision to ratify before putting in legislation despite earlier statements to the contrary.
"There was a recommendation to that effect (to ratify after passing local legislation) from the Attorney-General's chambers but the Ministry of Health and other entities have made the decision to go ahead with both. In fact, on April 18, Cabinet gave the approval for both to be done," Dr. Lewis- Fuller said.
According to a Health Ministry release, Jamaica's ratification will make it possible for the country to participate in the first meeting of the Conference of Parties (the governing body of the FCTC) in early 2006. Countries must have ratified the treaty at least three months before this meeting to participate as voting members.
"We are still pursuing the domestic legislation. We are hoping that something will be in place by year end. In addition, despite not having the legislation, we are putting some administrative (measures) or policies to give teeth to the legislation, for example, smoke-free environments," Dr. Lewis-Fuller said.
It is estimated that between 4,000 and 5,000 Jamaicans die from tobacco-related illnesses each year, and published writings by Dr. Knox Hagley, chairman of the Coalition for Tobacco Control, noted that smoking is a major factor in cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, two of the leading causes of death locally. WHO estimates that tobacco use kills five million people worldwide each year.
Domestic legislation will:
Stamp out smoking in enclosed public places such as nightclubs and restaurants
Lead to stricter licensing of wholesalers of tobacco products
Prohibit the sale and distribution of tobacco to persons below 18 years old
Restrict promotions, advertising and sponsorship using tobacco products
Health advisories placed on cigarette packets are also to be made more graphic, covering at least one-third of the cigarette package.
Anti-smoking achievements so far include:
Increased public education on dangers of smoking
A mandatory warning on cigarette packages from the Chief Medical Officer: 'Cigarettes can be dangerous to your health'
Prohibition of tobacco advertising on the electronic media
A ban on smoking in health institutions
'Voluntary cessation of smoking on the national airline Air Jamaica,' the Ministry's website said.
