Assessing the solutions to tobacco control’s funding gap problem

Abstract

Since its entry into force in February 2005, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has had many significant achievements. It is one of the most widely ratified treaties within the United Nations; its Conference of the Parties has adopted many high-quality implementation guidelines, and implementation of the policy guidance in the treaty and its guidelines have decreased tobacco consumption and prevalence. Despite the effectiveness of these measures, however, FCTC implementation has been highly uneven across countries. A medium-term strategic plan was launched to clearly articulate a small number of priority areas for action in order to accelerate the pace of progress—the Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control (2019–2025)—but several barriers block its success, including the chronic lack of sustainable, long-term funding. Governments need adequate funds in order to implement FCTC policies and interventions, but many do not have the necessary resources. The global funding gap for tobacco control has been estimated at US$427.4 billion, with no signs of shrinking in the face of the ongoing pandemic. This paper is concerned with the analysis of solutions to the funding gap problem, assessing possibilities according to feasibility, opportunities, and past or potential effectiveness. Existing solutions include Official Development Assistance, FCTC extrabudgetarily funded projects like the FCTC 2030 project and domestic resource mobilisation via tobacco taxation. The paper will also consider new options including pooled funding mechanisms. Ultimately, a combination of solutions must be pursued in order to ensure Parties’ national tobacco control budgets are funded in line with FCTC and Global Strategy priorities.