Monitoring tobacco use and tobacco control

One of the main goals of the WHO Tobacco Free Initiative is to improve the availability of surveillance data on tobacco use, exposure, and related health outcomes. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) requires Member States to consistently collect national data on the magnitude, patterns, determinants and consequences of tobacco use and exposure.

Sustainable surveillance systems are essential for all countries and areas to monitor progress in tobacco control and its impact on tobacco use prevalence over time. The Regional Action Plan for Tobacco Control in the Western Pacific (2020-2030) specifically calls for strengthening tobacco control surveillance through multisectoral collaboration and by addressing emerging nicotine and tobacco products, as well as challenges from the tobacco industry.