Evaluation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Needs Assessment Process

A key part of the implementation the WHO Framework Convention Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is identifying accurately and meaningfully the specific needs of parties as they seek to implement the provisions of the treaty. With this information, governments can set priorities, allocate resources, and address specific needs, for example by requesting and obtaining targeted technical assistance. It also helps both the Convention Secretariat (herein, “the Secretariat”) and the Conference of Parties understand better the effectiveness of treaty implementation in order to take steps to improve it. Accordingly, needs assessment within the context of treaty implementation is a key function that the Secretariat and its partners play. As the Secretariat and its partners have secured resources to pursue needs assessments, there have been several dozen. This brief evaluation report examines the 2014-15 (inclusive) time period.