Dear John, 

This year has been a challenging one for public health, with the United States and some other countries reducing their commitment to lifesaving programs and policies. In the face of these challenges, the work of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and our Global Health Advocacy Incubator has been more critical than ever.

Thanks to support from advocates like you, I am proud and grateful to report we made incredible progress this year in advancing policies that protect kids, improve health and save lives.

Here’s a snapshot of the many things we accomplished together in the U.S. and around the world.

In the U.S., we had significant victories at the federal, state and local levels in advancing strong policies to drive down tobacco use, especially among kids:

Denver voters upheld a ban on flavored tobacco sales. By a resounding 70% to 30% margin, Denver voters in November upheld the city’s law ending sales of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-cigarettes and menthol cigarettes. We helped lead the coalition of over 70 public health and other organizations that championed the law.

Indiana and Maine increased tobacco taxes. Tobacco tax increases are a highly effective strategy for reducing tobacco use, especially among kids. This year, we supported successful efforts to increase the cigarette tax by $2 per pack in Indiana and $1.50 per pack in Maine, along with increases on other tobacco products.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the FDA’s marketing denials of flavored e-cigarettes. In a unanimous 9-0 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the FDA’s marketing denials for e-cigarette products with obviously kid-friendly flavors like peachy strawberry, milk and cookies, and iced lemonade. We led public health partners in filing amicus briefs supporting the FDA’s decisions.

Around the world, we contributed to significant tobacco control successes:

Georgia increased taxes on cigarettes, e-cigarette liquids and heated tobacco products. This action will reduce tobacco use and generate significant revenue for government priorities.  

Kenya introduced bold new health warnings on tobacco products after four years of sustained advocacy by us and our partners. The warnings cover 50% of the front and 80% of the back of tobacco packs and include rotating images and health messages. The policy covers a full range of products, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches – making Kenya the first country in its region to regulate emerging tobacco products. 

Mexico's Supreme Court upheld the country’s law requiring smoke-free environments. We provided legal support to defend Mexico's regulations against more than 2,000 lawsuits leading up to this victory. We also supported defense of the ban on point-of-sale tobacco advertising through amicus briefs and judicial engagement. 

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

Uganda’s newly adopted Safe School Zones Guide sets the stage for nationwide change – requiring safer road design, lower speeds around schools, and assessments to identify and address dangerous hot spots. This breakthrough will protect 22.2 million school-aged children.

Ceará, Brazil, passed a statewide law prohibiting the provision, sale and advertising of ultra-processed products in schools. Nearly 1.8 million children and adolescents will benefit from healthier food environments in schools.

In the U.S., President Trump signed legislation that strengthens community-level efforts to end the U.S. overdose crisis. The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 renews grant programs that address substance use disorders, overdose and mental health. This action strengthens lifesaving systems that provide vital treatment access and support long-term recovery for nearly 50 million people living with substance use disorder.

As you can see, we achieved so much in 2025. In 2026, we'll 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, and happy holidays!

With gratitude,