Dear John, 

Thanks to support from advocates like you, we made remarkable progress this year in the United States and around the world to protect children, advance health equity and save lives.

Here’s a snapshot of what we accomplished together.

In the U.S., we worked to protect young people and targeted communities from the harms of flavored tobacco products and to hold the tobacco industry accountable:

Youth use of tobacco products fell to record lows. Just 1.7% of high schoolers now smoke cigarettes, compared to about 36% when we were created in 1996. And e-cigarette use among high schoolers fell from 27.5% in 2019 to 7.8% in 2024. These declines are the result of multiple policy victories we have led and are a testament to the impact of our movement.

The U.S. is closer than ever to having graphic health warnings on cigarette packs and ads. The Supreme Court refused to hear a tobacco industry challenge to the graphic warnings, leaving in place a lower court ruling that upheld them. We fought to include the warnings requirement in the 2009 Tobacco Control Act and have worked to make them a reality ever since.

With our support, the Navajo Nation and Maryland significantly raised tobacco taxes – one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use. The Navajo Nation raised its cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack and taxed other commercial tobacco products, a move that will improve health and save lives in a population with high rates of tobacco use. Maryland increased its cigarette tax by $1.25 and increased taxes on e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Globally, we achieved significant milestones:

Ukraine implemented a ban on flavored tobacco products, including all flavored cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and e-cigarette liquids. Our grantees led by Life Advocacy Center provided legal drafting and technical expertise to decision makers – and ran media campaigns to build support.

Nigeria created a dedicated budget for the Tobacco Control Fund for the first time ever – and increased funding by 400%! This big win is a direct result of our partners’ efforts since 2019 to build support with the ministers of finance, budget and health. 

Indonesia issued much-needed regulations on tobacco products, including e-cigarettes: banning indoor smoking and vaping, increasing the size of health warnings, stopping sales near schools, restricting internet advertising, and more. This was a hard-won victory for our local partners in a country that has some of the world’s highest smoking rates and where the tobacco industry is incredibly strong.

Our Global Health Advocacy Incubator supported policy victories to address other public health challenges and save lives around the world:

Uganda allocated $15.4 million for epidemic preparedness during the coming year. These funds will help prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera, mpox, Ebola and Marburg virus.

Vietnam passed the Road Traffic Safety and Order Law and the Law of Roads. These laws include important measures to advance road safety, including provisions on speed, helmet and seat belt use, drunk driving, and – for the first time in national law – child restraint systems.

Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services prohibited sugary drinks during official meetings within the Ministry. This move recognizes the harmful effects of sugary drinks as major contributors to rising noncommunicable disease rates, and it serves as a model in public health.

As you can see, we achieved so much in 2024. In 2025, we will continue to tackle the world’s most pressing public health challenges and redouble our efforts to create a healthier and more equitable future for all.

During this end-of-year giving season, I hope you can help us build on this progress by making a gift to support the lifesaving work of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and our Global Health Advocacy Incubator.

Thank you for being on this journey with us.

With gratitude,