Global Smokefree Partnership

The Global Smokefree Partnership is a multi-partner initiative formed to promote effective smokefree air policies worldwide. The partnership works by helping practitioners and supporters of smokefree policies to:

• access the evidence for smokefree policies
• request assistance from a network of experts
• take action in support of smokefree policies

The partnership is coordinated by the American Cancer Society and the Framework Convention Alliance and brings together the World Heart Federation, the International Union Against Cancer and other organizations to advocate for and to reinforce anti-tobacco policies.

World Heart Federation involvement in the Global Smokefree Partnership

As an advocate for the reduction of risk factors associated with heart disease, the World Heart Federation naturally supports initiatives aimed at reducing the prevalence of active and passive smoking. Smoking has been identified as a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease. The World Heart Federation is thus a partner of the initiative, and contributes to achieving its mission.

The World Heart Federation encourages its members to participate in the global effort to fight second-hand smoking by supporting the Global Smoke Free Partnership and by promoting the implementation of smokefree policies in accordance with the FCTC.

The second Conference of the Parties (CoP-2) of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control will meet in Bangkok, Thailand from 30th June until July 6th, 2007. Parties to the treaty will consider and possibly adopt guidelines on the implementation of Article 8 to provide protection against second-hand smoke. These guidelines should serve as best practices for countries in the implementation of their smokefree laws.

The Global Smokefree Partnership is launching a Global Voices Campaign to gain and secure support from countries for strong and effective Article 8 Guidelines. The World Heart Federation recommends that its member organizations support the campaign in their country.

To learn more about the consequences of active and passive smoking, please visit our section on cardiovascular disease risk factors.