WASHINGTON, DC (March 23, 2012) Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) applauds New York City Mayor and philanthropist Michael R. Bloomberg, for his unwavering commitment to public health by announcing his continued support of US $220 million to the global fight against tobacco use, bringing his total support to over US $600 million.
The announcement was made during Mr. Bloomberg’s remarks at the 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Singapore where it was hailed by the enthusiastic delegates. The announcement means that funding for the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use will be continued for at least four more years.
The Bloomberg Initiative has supported the implementation of effective tobacco control policies in low and moderate income countries, thereby protecting some of the world’s most vulnerable people from the death and disease caused by tobacco addiction. These policies are specified in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the world’s
first public health treaty and include:
- Banning smoking in public places and workplaces;
- Requiring warning labels on all tobacco products;
- Banning tobacco advertising; and
- Adopting tax policies that significantly increase the price of tobacco
Since the Bloomberg Initiative began in 2006, effective tobacco control policies have been implemented in 30 countries,covering 1.3 billion people and saving 3.7 million lives.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies works primarily to advance five areas globally: the Arts, Education, the Environment, Government Innovation and Public Health. The Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use is focused on reducing the public health impact of tobacco use globally by implementing proven tobacco control policies in low- and middle-income countries where 80% of tobacco-related deaths occur. For more information please visit www.mikebloomberg.com
About ASH
Action on Smoking and Health works to reduce the disease, damage and death caused by tobacco through advocacy, legal action and its network of international partners. For more than 40 years, it has fought for smoking bans, tobacco taxes and other measures proven to reduce tobacco consumption and save lives.
Media Contact:
Laurent Huber, Executive Director, ASH
Phone: +1 202.352.3284
Fax: +1 202.289.7166
media@ash.org