Costa Rica's implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Overcoming decades of industry dominance

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the passage of Costa Rica's 2012 tobacco control law.

Materials and methods: Review of legislation, newspaper articles, and key informant interviews.

Results: Tobacco control advocates, in close collaboration with international health groups, recruited national, regional and international experts to testify in the Legislative Assembly, implemented grassroots advocacy campaigns, and generated media coverage to enact strong legislation in March 2012 consistent with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, despite tobacco industry lobbying efforts that for decades blocked effective tobacco control legislation.

Conclusion: Costa Rica's experience illustrates how with resources, good strategic planning, aggressive tactics and perseverance tobacco control advocates can overcome tobacco industry opposition in the Legislative Assembly and Executive Branch. This determined approach has positioned Costa Rica to become a regional leader in tobacco control.

Figure 1

In January 2011, RENATA place d fifty 1.5 meter cylinder s with faces and stories of victims of tobacc o related diseases in front of the Legislative Assembly

Figure 2

In September 2011, RENATA placed a large clock inside the Legislative Assembly to show lawmaker s that ever y 2 hours 40 minutes a Costa Rican died from tobacc o. The caption reads, “Judges, you have in your hands a Costa Rican tobacc o control law that protects the life and health of the population.” [translated by author]