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
The Union co-manages 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.
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
Asia Pacific Mayors commit to stronger action against tobacco to prevent NCDs and lung diseases at sixth APCAT summit
The sixth Asia Pacific Summit of Mayors on 7 December— “Together we bring health solutions”—convened over 800 delegates from 130 cities…
A landmark decision, Mexican Congress approves key amendments to National Tobacco Control Law
On 14 December, after extensive debate in the Parliament, the Mexican Senate approved unanimously the most important amendment to the…
Reflections on the ‘Other COP’ – Progress on Tobacco Control Despite COVID and Industry Attacks
Gan Quan, The Union's Director of Tobacco Control, looks back at COP9 for Health Policy Watch.
F.D.A. Ruling on Vuse E-Cigarettes Will Likely Hinder Public Health, Hurt Kids
British American Tobacco (BAT) and its American unit, R.J. Reynolds, are undoubtedly having a very good week, but the same cannot be…
The Union Congratulates Myanmar on Adoption of Standardised Tobacco Packaging.
On 12 October Myanmar’s Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the adoption of standardised packaging—also known as plain packaging—on all…
Timor-Leste Government endorses The Union tax policy paper, “Higher Tobacco Taxes for a Healthier Timor-Leste”
With a diverse group that included Members of Parliament, mayors, academics, civil society members, religious leaders, and…
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.