ABOUT US

Purpose

Tobacco is the biggest single cause of preventable disease and death worldwide, and the problem is getting worse, not better. As developed countries reduce their addiction to smoking, tobacco companies are seeking new markets in the developing world. By 2010, 70% of the world’s tobacco-related death will be in developing countries, many of whom already suffer the environmental and economic impacts of involvement in tobacco production. INGCAT is a coalition of the world’s leading lung, cancer and heart organisations who are united in commitment to reducing this burden.

Members

The founding members of INGCAT were the International Union Against Tobacco and Lung Disease (The Union), the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) and the World Heart Federation (WHF). These three together launched INGCAT at the World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Paris, 1994. INGCAT now has members all over the world, from small national societies to global-level organisations.

Board and Staff

INGCAT’s governing board is elected from its member organisations. The current Board members are:

Archie Turnbull, European Respiratory Society (President)

Nils Billo, The Union (Treasurer)

The headquarters staff is currently based in London - Director, Doreen McIntyre

Main activities

INGCAT’s main purpose is to help its members take effective action on tobacco, principally within the context of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). This includes providing information, help to find resources, technical assistance, training, opportunities to link with other members, and co-ordinated international campaigns.

Policies and position statements

INGCAT’s members regularly debate issues in tobacco control, achieving consensus on policy measures, treatment recommendations and operational practice, such as considerations on engaging with tobacco companies. These policies and positions are promoted among INGCAT members and their respective communities. INGCAT now fully endorses the comprehensive set of measures outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and the recommendations in the WHO Code of Practice on tobacco control for Health Professional Organisations.