UK health leaders welcome the appointment of a new Head for the global treaty on tobacco

UK health charities welcome the appointment of Andrew Black, former British civil servant, to the role of Head of Secretariat of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). 

The FCTC is the world's first public health treaty and one of the most widely adopted treaties in UN history. It commits more than 180 Parties to implementing proven measures to reduce tobacco use, including smokefree laws, tobacco taxation, health warnings and restrictions on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

The UK ratified the FCTC in 2004 and it came into force in 2005. 

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive, British Heart Foundation and past President of the European Heart Network

"Congratulations to Andrew Black on his appointment as Head of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat. As President of the European Heart Network, I've seen first-hand the importance of strong international collaboration in tackling the global burden of tobacco. Andrew's experience, leadership and commitment to public health make him exceptionally well placed to lead the FCTC Secretariat at this critical time. I look forward to working with him and partners across Europe and beyond to accelerate progress towards a world free from the devastating impact of tobacco."

Dr Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy, Information and Communications, Cancer Research UK

"Congratulations to Andrew Black on becoming Head of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat. Throughout his career, Andrew has combined policy expertise with a deep commitment to improving public health, helping to advance landmark measures from smokefree legislation to standardised packaging. His leadership comes at a critical moment for global tobacco control, and we're confident he'll build on the Convention's remarkable achievements to accelerate progress towards ending the devastating harms caused by tobacco."

Hazel Cheeseman, Chief Executive, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)

"I'm delighted to congratulate Andrew Black on his appointment as Head of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat. Andrew was the very first person I met in tobacco control, when I was working in the hospice movement and he was leading the introduction of England's smokefree places legislation. His vision, expertise and unwavering commitment have shaped tobacco control in the UK and internationally for many years. I know he'll bring that same thoughtful leadership to supporting countries around the world to deliver the lifesaving promise of the WHO FCTC, and I look forward to working with him in his new role."