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.
The latest news on tobacco control
中国2015世界无烟日暨《北京市控制吸烟条例》实施宣传活动
中国首都北京于2015世界无烟日在国家体育馆“鸟巢”隆重的发布了即将实施的《北京控制吸烟条例》。活动中公布了担当控烟大使的名人明星们,还有活泼的孩子们表演歌舞—控烟小苹果、大妈们的广场舞。新的控烟法,6月1日生效,是保护北京的两千万公民不受二手烟的强有力工具。
…Indonesia chooses health over tobacco
The 2nd Indonesian Conference on Tobacco or Health took place in Jakarta from 27 to 29 May. Attended by more than 500 public health…
Pakistan recognised for outstanding work in fighting the global tobacco epidemic
In Pakistan, Minister of Health Saira Afzal Tarar received an award from the WHO for ‘outstanding work in fighting the global tobacco…
After one smokefree year, Russia records more than 90% compliance
Russia celebrated its first full year with a national smokefree law for all public places. New compliance data was released and shared…
Beijing introduces smokefree law with huge celebration as China marks World No Tobacco Day
Beijing, capital city of China, heralded the introduction of its new smokefree law on World No Tobacco Day with a vibrant celebration at…
In Vietnam, WNTD was a day for awards, celebrations and reflection on challenges ahead
In Hanoi, Minister of Health Mdm Nguyen Thi Kim Tien received a WHO medal for her commitment to tobacco control and her team’s efforts…
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.