The Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use was launched in August 2006 by US$125 million gift from Michael R. Bloomberg, financier, philanthropist and Mayor of the City of New York. The funds were allocated to five partners designated to carry out different aspects of the initiative: World Lung Foundation, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the World Health Organization.

 

In 2006, The Union was invited by the World Lung Foundation to co-manage the Bloomberg Initiative grants programme with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, as well as provide technical assistance, capacity building and training, and, develop partnerships for tobacco control.

 

The Tobacco Control Department also produces a number of resources, including fact sheets, guides and developing training material for tobacco control management and technical courses.

 

In 2008, Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates joined the campaign against tobacco use, and he and Mr Bloomberg pledged a total $500 million over five years.