Papua New Guinea has one of the highest tobacco burdens in the Asia-Pacific region, with serious health and socioeconomic consequences. Its first tobacco control law—the Tobacco Products (Health Control) Act of 1987—proved ineffective due to weak enforcement.

Recognizing the growing threat, Papua New Guinea signed the WHO FCTC in 2003 and ratified it in 2004. This signaled a commitment to strengthening national policy and adopting international best practices.