Question NW3889 to the Minister of Health
14 December 2023 - NW3889
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)(a) Who will form part of the delegation from the Republic to the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to be held in Panama from 20 to 25 November 2023 and (b) what are their expertise; (2) what is the (a) mandate and (b) position of the Government regarding the specified COP meeting?
Reply:
1. (a) COP 10 did not take place in November 2023 as scheduled. It was due to take place in Panama but has since been postponed and indication is that it will probably take place in the first quarter of 2024. Ordinarily the delegates include a legal representative responsible for drafting legislations and an official responsible for policy formulation, that is the programme manager for health promotion in the Department.
(b) The legal representative has experience in public service and working on health legislation and subordinate legislation and a health promotion official with experience in health policy formulation and application with both academic and professional health experience. Their experience and expertise place them in good standing to contribute towards development and alignment of the South African legislation and policies that promote public health.
2. (a) The delegates are mandated to advance the interests of South Africa and of the Continent on aspects that promote public health in relation to Tobacco Control and related products.
(b) South Africa is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which is a Global public health treaty. The treaty is evidence-based and reaffirms the rights of all people to the highest standard of Health. It aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Therefore, Government’s participation as a member state, is to learn, contribute, and adopt policy that may advance public health in South Africa.
END.