Tobacco-Free Kids Global

The @CTFKGlobal team led a delegation of civil society representatives from Argentina (FIC Argentina), Bolivia (Fundación Bolivia Saludable), Peru (COLAT), Colombia (Red PaPaz), Costa Rica (RENATA), and Mexico (Salud Justa/Instituto Sur), as well as a representative from CREA, a regional youth advocacy network, to attend the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) regional workshop, Tobacco Taxes in Latin America. The event took place in Mexico City from October 20–22, 2026. Civil society leaders had the opportunity to engage with representatives from Ministries of Health and Finance to support the development of effective tobacco taxation policies that improve public health. PAHO organized the event in collaboration with Economics for Health, the Institute for Global Tobacco Control at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the World Bank, and Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of evidence demonstrating the benefits of tobacco taxation in improving health outcomes and generating much-needed revenue throughout the region. Participants also discussed strategies to address illicit trade and strengthen tax administration. Civil society leaders from Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico shared their experiences and highlighted the role of civil society in advocating for tobacco tax increases. In this photo, civil society leaders promote CREA’s regional tax campaign, Un Impuesto Bien Puesto (A Well-Designed Tax). Through this campaign, young people urge decision-makers to support tobacco taxes, recognizing them as one of the most effective policy measures for reducing tobacco consumption.

We kicked off the opening night of the 2026 Global Young Ambassadors Summit with a bang. Culture Night is a celebration of identities, traditions and stories that make each ambassador unique. From food and fashion to dance and music, the young advocates shared a piece of where they come from and invited others to experience it with them. These moments remind us that a stronger global tobacco control movement is built not only through shared goals but diverse perspectives and the experiences we bring to the table. #2026GlobalYoungAmbassadors #YAS2026 #YouthforTobaccoControl #GetLoud @creared_ @KETCA254 @iyctc_id

Meet the 2026 Global Young Ambassadors for Tobacco Control! Bringing together 31 young professionals across five continents in Istanbul, this year’s cohort is united by a shared commitment to advancing tobacco control and building a healthier future. From local advocacy to national policy change, these professionals are challenging the status quo, amplifying their communities' voices and pushing for a world free from the harms of tobacco and nicotine. Meet the people making it happen.

Last week in Mexico City, @CTFKGlobal co-organized a regional workshop with @pahowho, @VitalStrat, @StopCorpAbuse and @GATC_int. It brought together Ministry of Health officials and civil society from across Latin America to strengthen collaboration ahead of COP12. Participants addressed tobacco industry interference, misleading "harm reduction" narratives and the regulation of nicotine products. They also identified concrete ways civil society can support governments in implementing the WHO #FCTC.

What can stronger tobacco control policies do to protect health in Viet Nam? In a recent televised discussion, Dr. Quang, Senior Policy Advisor at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, shared evidence and policy perspectives on strengthening graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging. Dr. Quang has also helped bring attention to the need for a roadmap toward comprehensive smoke-free environments. Viet Nam’s National Assembly is expected to approve changes to the Tobacco Control Law in the coming weeks. Clear, evidence-based discussion can help people understand what the changes would do and why they matter.