Compliance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Slovakia and in Finland: Two Different Worlds.

Barbara Pavlikova,Lenka Freel,Jitse P Van Dijk

doi:10.3390/ijerph17186661

Abstract

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) developed by the State Parties to the World Health Organization was ratified in Slovakia in 2004 and in Finland in 2005. The aim of this study was to explore and compare compliance with the FCTC in Finland and Slovakia. This is a two-country comparative study of tobacco control policy based on implementation of the FCTC in Slovakia and Finland. Compliance with the FCTC was measured similarly in Slovakia and Finland in terms of their institutional structure supporting a smoking free environment and implementation of selected articles of the FCTC. In Finland the responsibilities for anti-tobacco policy are clearly assigned. Slovakia does not have specifically responsible institutions. Finland has a clear plan for achieving the goal of a smoking-free country based on empirical evidence. Slovakia meets only the minimum standard resulting from its commitment as ratified in the FCTC and data are out of date or missing completely.

Highlights

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the first global public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO)
We focused on inspection and investigation powers, surveillance powers, power to impose corrective or remedial actions, and power to impose penalties in the field of tobacco control policy
Non-compliance was evaluated on the basis of the implementation level of selected articles of the FCTC. We examined these articles: 5 (5.1—documents, 5.2a—coordination mechanism, 5.4 and 5.5—cooperation, 5.6—funding); 8; 12; 14.2; 16; 19; 20, 21, and 22 and compared the compliance with them in Slovakia and in Finland. This selection was made because we considered these articles as being influential with regard to tobacco control, as well as being comparable for both countries

Summary

Introduction

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the first global public health treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). It provides an internationally coordinated response to combat the tobacco epidemic [1]. The FCTC was adopted in 2003 and came into force in 2005 [2]. As of August 2020, the FCTC has 168 signatories and 182 Parties. The European Union itself adopted the Convention on 30 June 2005. FCTC was open for signature until 29 June 2004

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