The Foundation for a Smoke-Free World embraces bold, innovative approaches to ending the tobacco epidemic. This strategy is motivated by decades of stagnation in the field and by the urgent need to combat the global devastation caused by tobacco. In order catalyze change, we support researchers who prioritize new, effective solutions, as well as initiatives that cater to demographics and regions historically underrepresented in tobacco control efforts.
This work has the potential to drastically reduce the death and disease caused by smoking. Yet, because our strategies dare to depart from the status quo, cynics may doubt their feasibility. These doubts sometimes manifest as thoughtful conversations, and other times as unfounded attacks on the Foundation. Committed to transparency and open dialogue, we take time to consider and respond to this class of commentary.
In a recent report, Stopping Tobacco Organizations and Products (STOP) made several false statements about the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World (FSFW or the Foundation). Not only are the assertions made in the report false, as outlined below; but the entirety of the report should be read with skepticism because it apparently is influenced by the dogmatic approach of Bloomberg Philanthropies, which funds STOP.
This report is not the first time that Bloomberg Philanthropies has attempted to monopolize conversation in this field. All in, Mr. Bloomberg has committed almost $1 billion to tobacco control. His philanthropies now fund tobacco programs for the World Health Organization and the World Bank—potentially leading to outsized policy influence. This funding is being used to undermine tobacco harm reduction (THR) and intimidate those who are more open-minded—a practice that has no place in science.
#WorldNoTobaccoDay has been observed on May 31 since 1988. This year, as the world is grappling with a new and terrifying virus. #WNTD reminds us that smoking is a pandemic too. Read Derek Yach's blog piece here: https://bit.ly/2ZN5Wmt
Will #SouthAfrica’s ban on all #tobacco products as a response to #COVID19 backfire? As Derek Yach points out in a @Filtermag_org article by @Alex_Norcia, “the 1920s script of what happened in the US during Prohibition is happening now in South Africa.” https://bit.ly/2zIcUP9
In an article published by http://pubmed.gov Derek Yach explores how the #COVID19 State of Smoking Poll helps us understand tobacco use in 5 countries during the lockdown. This poll is one of many studies needed to evaluate long term consequences. https://bit.ly/3ddBoOF
In the first of our new Watching Brief series, Ayda Yurekli examines #ecigarette excise taxes and looks towards a smoke-free future in #Hungary. Take a look at her two-part piece here: https://bit.ly/36K7kYI
Tobacco Free Portfolios conducted a special webinar for #WorldNoTobaccoDay. We agree that the financial community can and should hold #tobacco companies accountable. The Tobacco Transformation Index may be a tool that can help bring us closer to that goal. https://bit.ly/2B2IVBD
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