Tobacco is one of the greatest threats to human health. Doctors and their professional associations have a vital role in reducing illness and death from tobacco. But tobacco control is not just an issue for doctors.Meaningful regulation of the tobacco industry is needed. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control aims to protect the public against the global spread of tobacco. This review sets out the main provisions of the Framework Convention, and its implications for governments and for the medical profession.

        Key words: tobacco, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.