The Union is a global leader in the fight against tobacco use.
The Union centres its tobacco control work around the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) - an international health treaty - and a package of evidence-based measures proven to reduce tobacco use called MPOWER. Our work has spanned over 50 countries, impacting two-thirds of the world’s smokers. We focus on low- and middle-income countries, where 80 percent of tobacco deaths occur.
Our priority areas of work
The most effective way to reduce tobacco use is through the implementation of comprehensive tobacco control policies that are proven to tackle both supply and demand, like those set-out in the WHO FCTC and MPOWER package of tobacco reduction measures. The Union's work focuses on the priority areas below.
Tobacco advertising
subtitle: The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars on advertising to increase sales
The Union has helped 4.13 billion people in 28 countries through advertising bans.
Our projects
From 2006 to 2023, The Union co-managed the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use Grants Program, which awards funds to projects delivering high-impact tobacco control interventions in low- and middle-income countries. In 2019 The Union launched the Global Implementation Programme, which supports cities to effectively implement tobacco control laws, and we are a key partner in STOP, a global tobacco industry watchdog. Both projects are also funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use Grants Program
The Union has managed 495 Bloomberg tobacco control grants in 45 countries.
Where we work
Many low- and middle-income countries, where 80 percent of tobacco-related deaths occur, are faced with rising affordability of tobacco products as well as an aggressive tobacco industry that targets both consumers and governments – so rates of tobacco use continue to rise. The Union has supported over 50 countries worldwide to implement tobacco control policies, impacting billions of people.
2022 Tobacco Control Factsheets
The Union’s Tobacco Control Department has produced five factsheets on critical aspects of tobacco control: COVID-19 and Tobacco; E-cigarettes, Heated Tobacco Products, and the Need for Bans in LMICs; Tobacco Control Implementation and Enforcement; Novel Products, Young People, and Policy; and Tobacco Vendor Licensing. These factsheets offer a deep dive into specific topics, summarizing evidence, defining key terms, and providing practical guidance and evidence-based recommendations.
Tobacco Control Publications
The Union produces publications and resources to support governments and civil society working to reduce tobacco use. These support the implementation of evidence-based tobacco control policies; and provide guidance on complex new issues for tobacco control, such as e-cigarettes, to spark debate leading to further research and action. Find all Union publications.
3.69bn
people in 37 countries through smokefree laws
3.87bn
people in 28 countries through higher tobacco tax
3.29bn
people in 32 countries through graphic health warnings
1.18bn
people in 30 countries where tobacco industry interference in government now faces restrictions
4.13bn
people in 28 countries through advertising bans
The latest news on tobacco control
Message from the Executive Director
Looking back, and moving ahead
José Luis Castro, 20 December 2019
Thanks to the commitment and energy of our staff,…
Tobacco vendor licensing made mandatory in the state of Uttarakhand, India
The Union welcomes the announcement that tobacco vendor licensing has been made mandatory in the state of Uttarakhand, India, to…
On Universal Health Coverage Day, The Union calls for TB diagnosis, treatment and prevention for all
On Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, 12 December 2019, The Union joins advocates worldwide to demand strong, equitable health systems…
The Union congratulates India for protecting non-smokers and youth by passing the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019
India has passed the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019, which will prohibit the production, manufacture, import, export,…
Mexico approves measure to ensure tobacco excise tax increases in line with national inflation
The Union congratulates Mexico for the decision to increase tobacco excise tax in line with the national inflation rate. This measure…
Incoming President of The Union, Professor Guy Marks shares his vision for the future
Earlier this month, at the 50th Union World Conference on Lung Health, in Hyderabad, India, The Union welcomed new President, Professor…
As part of the Tobacco Control Section, Union members work closely to organise webinars on varied tobacco control topics of interest to international audience, and assist tobacco control implementers and advocates with policy making in their countries, and contribute to the scientific programme of The Union World Lung Conference.