Needs Assessments A first step to access development assistance for FCTC implementation

FCTC negotiations Resources for FCTC implementation was a contentious issue during negotiations on the treaty Most developing countries emphasized that they would not be able to implement the treaty unless additional resources were made available While the final FCTC text highlights International assistance and cooperation this support did not materialize!

COP 1 - COP 4: Endless discussions and limited action Low and middle-income country (LMIC) Parties stress that they need help with FCTC implementation Donors request more details via needs assessments – where is help needed, what kind, how much, immediate priorities? Most LMIC Parties lack full-time staff to work on tobacco control and cannot develop detailed requests for assistance that will satisfy donors FCTC Secretariat (FCS) mandated to assist Parties (on request) with their needs assessments But there were no money in FCS budget for Needs Assessments until now…

September 2011: € 5.2 million announced for FCS EU money is meant to support the work of the Convention Secretariat (FCS), such as needs assessment missions (but NOT specific tobacco control work in LMIC Parties) FCS needs assessments for 2012 - 2013 will be funded FCS is expected to assist 30 Parties: identify their needs required resources draft a strategy for FCTC implementation Civil society will be invited to take part in needs assessments and in monitoring and evaluating their implementation

Needs Assessments (NA) NAs = a key to start serious discussions with donors about development assistance for FCTC implementation Step 1: review of FCTC implementation to date = long questionnaire Step 2: assessment of current gaps in implementation and of immediate priorities = discussion on how to accelerate FCTC implementation with limited resources Step 3: formulation of “needs” – what kind of assistance is needed (resources, technical capacity), how much, for what (priorities)? = What would help and have the greatest impact (increasing tobacco taxes ?)

What can you do now? Encourage your government to contact FCS and request help with needs assessments Seek more details on particular Secretariat’s activities in your country Share any news with FCA

How to prepare for NAs Apply for/make your interest known to your government so that you are not left out Be ready to formulate your list of needs = what your country needs to accelerate FCTC implementation? Follow-up on needs assessment process = keep talking to donors and your government Share your experience with your FCA Regional Coordinator