Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies Continue Their Lifesaving Leadership in the Global Fight Against Tobacco
Statement of Matthew L. Myers, President, and Yolonda Richardson, Executive Vice President for Global Programs, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
February 02, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies announced an additional commitment of $420 million over four years to the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use.
As a partner in this initiative, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is deeply grateful for the visionary leadership that Mayor Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies continue to provide in fighting a global tobacco epidemic that would otherwise kill one billion people worldwide this century. By supporting local partners around the world, the Bloomberg Initiative has truly changed the trajectory of this epidemic, driving down smoking rates and cigarette sales across the globe and helping to save over 35 million lives. This renewed commitment will expand and accelerate the implementation of proven strategies to reduce tobacco use called for by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries most impacted by tobacco’s devastating toll.
We are also grateful for the continued support of Bloomberg Philanthropies in reversing the youth e-cigarette epidemic in the United States. Thanks to this support, we have made strong progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use and enacting state and local laws ending sales of the flavored products driving this youth addiction crisis.
The renewed commitment announced today is critically needed. The tobacco industry continues to ruthlessly peddle its deadly and addictive products around the world, especially to children and other vulnerable populations. And the industry continues to fight efforts to reduce tobacco use at every turn. Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies recognize that this is a fight we must win to protect children and save lives around the world.