Global Action Community Newsletter
Advancing science to help people who smoke quit.
At Global Action to End Smoking, our mission is to end combustible cigarette use by supporting scientific research and sharing research findings.
We do this primarily by funding research on how to best help people who smoke quit and funding research on how individuals, communities, and policies can assist or hinder these efforts. We’re currently focusing on two main categories of work: 1) Health and Science Research and 2) Cessation Education.
So far, we’ve awarded more than 175 grants to institutions that support the work of more than 100 scientists, covering 46 countries on four continents. Our grantees’ work is independent; we have no say on the final outcome of our grants. We are committed to the integrity of the science we support.
This work often covers areas of scientific research that would otherwise never be possible. Other organizations that fund science, like federal governments, frequently have stipulations that prohibit their grantees from adapting to the rapidly-evolving nicotine landscape. Some prohibit the study of nicotine and tobacco entirely.
Submit a question on the latest quitting research, and we may answer it in an upcoming newsletter.
We’re now looking for new research proposals that will continue to advance the end of the global smoking epidemic.
Specifically, we’re looking for large- and small-scale projects that will assess different ways that people can quit smoking, correct misperceptions about nicotine, or educate groups on concepts like the nicotine continuum of risk. We’re prioritizing work focused in low- or middle-income countries because historically, most smoking cessation strategies have centered on people living in high-income countries. We are also interested in funding research that focuses on people who are facing additional challenges to improving their health.
Grant proposals undergo several rounds of review by program staff, independent third-parties, and the Board of Directors. Assessment is based on relevance of the project objective, rigor of the approach, ethical considerations, and experience of the project team.
There is no influence, involvement, or participation from the tobacco industry or any commercial entity in our grant evaluation process. This commitment to scientific integrity is stated in our bylaws.
Applicants whose proposals are selected receive funding to implement their ideas, along with regular check-ins by Global Action staff, and reporting requirements to ensure progress stays on track.
The next round of applications must be submitted by January 17, 2025. There will be three other opportunities to submit later in the year. We’re excited to keep sharing updates with you as the science continues to advance.
All my best,
Cole Burbidge MD, MBA
Director, Programs
Global Action to End Smoking
By the Numbers
Combustible tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death
GLOBAL ACTION IN THE NEWS
Global Action attends U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard arguments in the case of Food and Drug Administration v. Wages and White Lion Investments, LLC, regarding the agency’s regulation of e-cigarettes.
Members of the Global Action team and an external legal counsel attended oral arguments for this case on Dec. 2. In September, Global Action filed an amicus brief outlining the stakes this case will have for public health. Our brief is the only one that appeared before SCOTUS in favor of neither party.
“The court’s decision is going to launch this new phase, because one way or another, it’s going to be issuing a decision and conveying where it stands on how [e-cigarettes] should be managed,” Cliff Douglas, the CEO of Global Action to End Smoking, told Bloomberg Law reporter Nyah Phengsitthy. “These issues are going to be front and center in the new administration.”
Read the full story on Bloomberg Law here. Listen to Carter Phillips, the lead author of our neutral amicus brief, discuss the stakes in this podcast.
Tobacco and health around the world
Country snapshot: South Africa
The smoking rate in South Africa is 18.2%, which accounts for approximately 7 million adults. An increasing number of people who smoke in South Africa have expressed interest in safer alternatives to cigarettes.
South Africa ranks as the 23rd country globally and the 1st in the WHO African Region in terms of number of tobacco users.
In 2021, tobacco was the 8th highest risk factor driving the most deaths and disability combined in South Africa.
In South Africa, tobacco was responsible for an estimated 32.4 thousand deaths, which is about 10% of total deaths.
In 2021, 2.2% of people in South Africa (3.8% males and 0.7% females) aged 15 years and older were current e-cigarette users.
For references and to view other country profiles, visit our pages on
Thank you for your support
Celebrate Life, Honor Loved Ones: A Holiday Giving Opportunity
This holiday season, honor someone special by making a gift to Global Action to End Smoking. Whether it’s acknowledging the courage of someone choosing health and a smoke-free life or in memory of someone we’ve lost to smoking-related illnesses, your donation helps us create a world where fewer lives are negatively impacted by smoking.
Every gift makes a lasting impact in the fight against smoking while supporting people who are striving to create a healthier life for themselves and their families. Share the gift of health and hope this holiday season.
Thank you for your support in the fight against smoking.
Get to Know Global Action
Global Action has awarded more than 175 grants to institutions that support the work of over 100 scientists, covering 46 countries on four continents.
Our organization is an independent, U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) grantmaking organization whose mission is to end combustible tobacco use, which remains the leading preventable cause of death globally. Through September 2023, Global Action received charitable gifts from PMI Global Services Inc. Global Action does not seek or accept funding from companies that produce tobacco or non-medicinal nicotine products.
To learn more about our work, visit our website.
Disclaimer: This newsletter does not provide medical advice. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in this newsletter are for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. No material in this newsletter is intended to be a substitute for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician or other qualified health care provider. Always seek the advice of your licensed physician or other qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition or with any questions you may have regarding treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read in this newsletter. No physician-patient relationship is created by this newsletter. Global Action doesn’t make representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.