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.
The Tobacco Transformation Index will provide evidence on the steps #tobacco companies are taking toward achieving a world free of combustible cigarettes. Read more about the Index in @tobaccoreporter’s recent article: https://bit.ly/3aI7dOe
Candida Nakhumwa speaks to Derek Yach (@swimdaily) in the second episode of the “Global Health Perspectives Podcast.” They discuss the impact of #COVID19 on Malawian smallholder farmers. After the recording, #Malawi announced 3 confirmed cases of COVID19. https://bit.ly/2ywK7My
In the wake of the #COVID19 pandemic, Derek Yach (@swimdaily) advocates for public health policies that prioritize the well-being of parents and grandparents, particularly those over the age of 50. Learn more in his new blog post: https://bit.ly/2QYpNdp
In @SmokeFreeFdn's first episode of the Global Health Perspectives with Dr. Derek Yach podcast, @RiccardoPolosa speaks to Dr. Yach about his experience with the #COVID19 pandemic in Italy. Listen here: https://bit.ly/2w4qx9s
Experts suggest smoking & dietary behaviors that differ by gender may play a role in mortality rates from respiratory diseases. Findings from countries that collected gender-based data show that men are 50% more likely to die when diagnosed with #COVID19. https://cnn.it/2QIeq98
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