Japan takes part in the WHO FCTC COP9 (8-13 November 2021)
2021/11/12
The Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 9) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is now in session from November 8 to 13.
During the Plenary session of COP 9, Minister-Counsellor TAGUCHI Kazuho of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva delivered a statement recognizing the toll that the pandemic has taken on countries around the world when it comes to implementing the WHO FCTC.
In his statement, Mr. Taguchi underlined the struggles countries have faced to deliver essential health services to treat and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
Mr. Taguchi also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to reducing health hazards caused by smoking and to ensuring that essential health services, including prevention and treatment of NCDs, are delivered with the aim of achieving universal health coverage (UHC) globally.
This year’s COP is being held virtually for the first time and the statements by each delegation are available to the public via the following link.
Mr. President,
Distinguished delegates,
Japan congratulates you for assuming the presidency of the Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
I would like to express my deep respect and sincere gratitude to the front-line health workers, fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan has been engaging in international cooperation to achieve universal health coverage based on the principle of “leaving no one’s health behind,” especially in the global fight against COVID-19 that poses a threat to human security.
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has affected the countries’ ability to address and respond to NCDs worldwide. The virus has caused broad disruptions to health services, and therefore, those living with NCDs are at an increased risk of becoming severely ill. With the aim of achieving universal health coverage globally, Japan will make every effort to ensure that essential health services, including prevention and treatment of NCDs, are provided to those in need.
Turning to Japan’s policy regarding smoking, Japan has taken various legislative measures to reduce health hazards caused by smoking. They include enlargement of warning messages on tobacco packaging, in addition to measures of preventing passive smoking thorough the full implementation of the Act on the Partial Revision of the Health Promotion Act. For example, indoor smoking is prohibited in principle for facilities used by many people. The Act also calls for prohibition of smoking on the entire building and the surrounding premises of some facilities such as schools and hospitals. Media campaigns have also improved in order to raise public awareness. Furthermore, smoking cessation treatment for Heated Tobacco Product users are now covered under our national health insurance scheme since FY2020,
Mr. President,
I reiterate that Japan will put efforts to ensure global implementation of the FCTC with the aim of achieving universal health coverage.
I thank you, Mr. President.
During the Plenary session of COP 9, Minister-Counsellor TAGUCHI Kazuho of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva delivered a statement recognizing the toll that the pandemic has taken on countries around the world when it comes to implementing the WHO FCTC.
In his statement, Mr. Taguchi underlined the struggles countries have faced to deliver essential health services to treat and prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
Mr. Taguchi also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to reducing health hazards caused by smoking and to ensuring that essential health services, including prevention and treatment of NCDs, are delivered with the aim of achieving universal health coverage (UHC) globally.
This year’s COP is being held virtually for the first time and the statements by each delegation are available to the public via the following link.
COP9 Provisional Agenda item 3:
Global Progress report in implementation of the WHO FCTC
「Tobacco control during a global health emergency」
Statement by Minister-Counsellor TAGUCHI Kazuho,
Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
Global Progress report in implementation of the WHO FCTC
「Tobacco control during a global health emergency」
Statement by Minister-Counsellor TAGUCHI Kazuho,
Permanent Mission of Japan in Geneva
Mr. President,
Distinguished delegates,
Japan congratulates you for assuming the presidency of the Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
I would like to express my deep respect and sincere gratitude to the front-line health workers, fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan has been engaging in international cooperation to achieve universal health coverage based on the principle of “leaving no one’s health behind,” especially in the global fight against COVID-19 that poses a threat to human security.
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 has affected the countries’ ability to address and respond to NCDs worldwide. The virus has caused broad disruptions to health services, and therefore, those living with NCDs are at an increased risk of becoming severely ill. With the aim of achieving universal health coverage globally, Japan will make every effort to ensure that essential health services, including prevention and treatment of NCDs, are provided to those in need.
Turning to Japan’s policy regarding smoking, Japan has taken various legislative measures to reduce health hazards caused by smoking. They include enlargement of warning messages on tobacco packaging, in addition to measures of preventing passive smoking thorough the full implementation of the Act on the Partial Revision of the Health Promotion Act. For example, indoor smoking is prohibited in principle for facilities used by many people. The Act also calls for prohibition of smoking on the entire building and the surrounding premises of some facilities such as schools and hospitals. Media campaigns have also improved in order to raise public awareness. Furthermore, smoking cessation treatment for Heated Tobacco Product users are now covered under our national health insurance scheme since FY2020,
Mr. President,
I reiterate that Japan will put efforts to ensure global implementation of the FCTC with the aim of achieving universal health coverage.
I thank you, Mr. President.