Progress made on tobacco control treaty

World Health Organisation officials said on 25 March 2002 that despite resistance from countries that host international tobacco companies, progress had been made in international negotiations aimed at drafting a ground-breaking tobacco-control treaty. The framework convention is due to be adopted by the WHO's 191 members in May 2003, and will be the world's first international public health pact.

One of its provisions is a total ban on advertising and sponsorship. The United States has objected because it believes this would violate the constitutional right of free speech. Germany is the only European Union member not to support a ban on tobacco advertising, but it stands to be out-voted if it does not voluntarily fall into line.