This report about the activities of FCA in Africa in 2009 was sent by Adeola Akinremi.
The Framework convention Alliance has gone through phases of development and progress in its campaign through the years and your active support through these stages have been key to FCA success in Africa.
As we enter the twilight of 2009 I have reviewed our activities through the year and in this document I attempt to provide you all an overview of what FCA has done in Africa in 2009 and keep you informed about direction (in which several of you have made input) for 2010.
STRATEGIC PLAN 2010-2012
FCA is currently reviewing its operational plan globally to align with the reality of its campaign focus and direction for the coming years. That has made it necessary for the organization staff member with active involvement of Board representatives and members (through responses to survey from each region) to identify five (5) strategic priorities as follows:
a) Promote and support tobacco control through the development and implementation of the FCTC, its protocols and guidelines as a global health priority.
b) Strengthen and influence the FCTC process
c) Mobilize and strengthen the regional and local civil society capacity in support of FCTC
d) Monitor the implementation of the FCTC, its guidelines and protocols
e) Strengthen FCA institutional capacity to enable it to meet the strategic priorities.
This operational plan is still work in progress and the final documents will be released when finalized.
ILLICIT TRADE PROTOCOL NEGOTIATION
As you know, the negotiations on the Illicit Trade Protocol are moving forwards with progress recorded after the two Drafting Groups met in Geneva. During the Drafting Group 1 & 2, Rachel Kitonyo, a lawyer and Board Chair of Africa Tobacco Control Alliance represented Africa alongside other experts from other regions.
The critical issue of supply chain and enforcement (including offences and penalties) was considered. The first meeting took place from 30th September to 2nd October, and the second was held from 23rd to 25th November.
RESOURCES AND CAPACITY
To enhance its activities in Africa in 2010 FCA is a member of ACS-led consortium grant proposal currently under review by the funder. The outcome of this proposal will be available online when it is ready.
The grant proposal, if successful will be useful to advance tobacco control in Africa.
FCA SHADOW REPORTING PROJECT
In 2010 FCA will produce National and global shadow report in an attempt to hold government accountable to their obligation under the FCTC.
In Africa the countries where these shadow report will focus are: Ghana, Mauritius, Madagascar, Kenya and Seychelles being a part of the first 40 countries to ratify FCTC.
INB4
The fourth and expectedly last meeting of negotiating body on illicit trade in tobacco product will be held in March 2010. The success of this meeting is critical to the future of other protocols to be developed within the FCTC.
Therefore, this time calls for close relationship with government delegates to give them quality information about the need to have a successful INB4 ahead of time. There are policy documents being developed and will be shared with you on a continuous basis.
COP 4 AND NEW GUIDELINES
The fourth conference of the parties will be held in November 2010 in Uruguay and Guidelines on major articles of the FCTC will be on the table for discussion and decision.
The guidelines for decision include:
o Art 9&10 Regulation & Disclosure o Art 12 Education o Art 14 Cessation o Art 17 &18 Alternative Livelihoods To achieve intended success, your active support at country level in engaging your delegates will be a direct booster to the adoption of strong guidelines during COP 4.
FCTC RATIFICATION IN STRATEGIC PRIORITY COUNTRIES
FCA will provide effective support for national Ratification campaigns in Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Mozambique in 2010. The contribution of members and active involvement of countries that have ratified will be key to these ratifications.
COMMUNICATION It is a strategic objective for FCA as a whole in 2010 to improve its communications with members, and engage them more effectively in FCTC-focussed campaigns. Whilst there are over 110 FCA members in the African region, only a minority of these are active in the FCA campaigns.
We therefore look forward to your active national network as a part of this process in 2010.
In Africa we have plan to expand the reach of membership in Southern African countries and activates more members on other sub region. Your active support in suggesting organizations with active interest in tobacco control to the Regional Coordinator will help greatly in identifying organization with genuine interest. Also, communications are being developed around the campaigns for the adoption of strong guidelines on the above articles and your active contribution to Africa specific messages to be developed and campaign materials for outreach will be appreciated.
LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECEIVED SEED GRANTS IN 2009
The Norwegian Cancer Society has provided financial support for FCA activities in including seed grants.
In 2009 a total of 10 organizations have received seed grants for various projects as listed below.
1 People's Health Movement (PHM), Gabon 2009 $5,000
2 Vision for Alternative Development Ghana 2009 $ 5,000
3 Campaign For Tobacco-free Youths Nigeria 2009 $ 5,000
4 Association Life Cameroon 2009 $ 5,000
5 Africa Tobacco Control Alliance Togo 2009 $10,000
6 Alliance Nationale des Consommateurs et de l’Environnement (ANCE) Togo 2009 $ 5,000
7 ONG Initiative pour l’Education et le Contrôle du Tabagisme Benin 2009 $ 5,000
8 Association Vie et Santé (AVIS) Sénégal 2009 ????
9 Association de Lutte Contre le Tabagisme en Afrique (LUCTAF) DRC Congo 2009 $10,000
10 Club Universitaire Unesco pour la Lutte Contre la Drogue Cote d’ivoire 2009 $8, 000
11 Visa Mauritius Mauritius 2009 ????
Note : The fund for Association Vie et Sante (Avis) and Visa Mauritius are still under consideration.
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