Tackling the global tobacco epidemic

Tobacco use is responsible for more than 8 million deaths annually and is currently the leading cause of preventable deaths globally. It’s linked to at least 15 different cancers including lung, mouth, and oesophagus, and is one of the largest causes of cancer in the world.  

Recognising the global burden of cancer caused by tobacco, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international evidence-based treaty to decrease tobacco use around the world.

However, progress in tobacco control policy and the implementation of the framework has not been equal. As high-income countries successfully introduce tobacco control policies, LMICs have become a target for an industry that seeks to maintain its profits. It’s known that 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion smokers live in LMICs  and one tobacco company sells 70% of its products in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.   

Strong tobacco control policies, especially taxation policies are proven to reduce tobacco consumption. The increase of excise taxes normally means higher tobacco prices; and is one of the most effective tobacco control tools to stop people from smoking or ever taking it up. Our programmes look at the way we can boost these policy efforts in LMICs.  

Since 2015 through our International Cancer Prevention (ICP) Programme we have funded policy research and advocacy programmes to support Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) to implement the FCTC.  We work with many different types of organisations including universities, civil society, and think tanks; building on their existing expertise and providing them with the resources needed so they are able to advocate for implementation of strengthened tobacco taxation policies.

Where we work

We have supported work in more than 30 LMICs, with some of our current programmes in Ghana, Argentina, and Sri Lanka. One of our latest programmes The Cancer Prevention Programme: Strengthening Tobacco Control in East Africa is supporting the development a coalition of organisations Kenya and Uganda to advocate for better tobacco taxation policies.

Our partnerships include:

Global Alliance for Tobacco Control – we support the increase of capacity, awareness, and engagement of GATC members to advocate for the inclusion of FCTC in national level tobacco control policies.

KIVU International, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka and Nepal Development Research Centre - we have supported a “coalition-based” approach to achieving tobacco control policy change which includes: context-specific, policy relevant research; developing influencing strategies and establishing coalitions; and continued practical capacity strengthening for key local partners.

University of Cape Town’s WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub on Tobacco Taxation -   We support work with LMIC governments on the implementation of Article 6 (tax and price measures) of the FCTC through targeted workshops and training, direct technical assistance, and by producing appropriate tools and resources.