Lobbying and political financing: Tobacco companies invest millions of dollars in lobbying and political campaign donations. This enables them to directly access lawmakers, promoting and favoring their interests over public health concerns. In many countries, politicians accept tobacco funding for campaigns^5,6 or even move between government and tobacco industry through the revolving door^6,7, creating a conflict of interest and undermining policy integrity.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR): Tobacco companies’ CSR campaigns seek to improve their public image and gain political support by portraying themselves as responsible and philanthropic actors, despite the acknowledged harm caused by their products⁸.

Science manipulation: A well-documented strategy of the tobacco industry involves funding research that downplays the risks of tobacco use or promotes so-called reduced-risk products such as e-cigarettes. By selectively supporting studies with favorable outcomes, the industry seeks to manufacture doubt about the harms of its products, misleading both policymakers and the public. This manipulation of scientific evidence perpetuates regulatory inertia and constitutes a profound conflict of interest⁹. Biased funding of scientific research is another common tactic. The industry sponsors studies that downplay tobacco risks or exaggerate the benefits of reduced-harm products like e-cigarettes.

Strict regulation and oversight: It is crucial for governments to implement and rigorously monitor regulations concerning the advertising, promotion, and sale of tobacco products, including new products like e-cigarettes. This involves effectively enforcing the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, accelerating its implementation in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 and Target 3a³. It is essential to implement a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including so-called ‘corporate social responsibility’ of tobacco products¹¹, use tax and price measures to discourage the consumption of these harmful products, insert large health warnings on product packaging, protect all citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke, provide access to cessation programs, and hold the tobacco industry liable for the harm it causes.

Transparency and monitoring: It is crucial to establish transparency mechanisms for monitoring tobacco industry lobbying activities. This may include public records of meetings between government officials and industry representatives, promoting political transparency¹².

Protection of public health policies: Adopting and implementing Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC, which urges governments to protect public health policies from commercial interests of the tobacco industry¹³.

Promotion of healthy lifestyle: Promoting healthy alternatives to tobacco through youth education and prevention campaigns, supporting tobacco cessation programs focused on quitting smoking, highlighting the improvement in quality of life without tobacco, and preserving the health of the dependent individual’s environment. Special emphasis should be placed on reducing the risk of cancer, heart attacks, and cardiovascular diseases¹⁴.

Reduce environmental impact: By eliminating cigarette filters and disposable vaping devices, the amount of toxic waste polluting the environment is reduced^19,20.

Decrease tobacco consumption: By making it harder to access disposable tobacco products, consumption among young people, who are more likely to start with easily accessible and attractive products, can be reduced. Eliminating filters may also potentially decrease tobacco use initiation and encourage cessation.

Education and awareness: Developing youth education programs to increase awareness of tobacco dangers and industry tactics, empowering youth to make informed decisions and actively participate in public health campaigns²¹.

International collaboration: Promoting international collaboration to share strategies and best practices in resisting tobacco industry interference, leveraging successful experiences from different countries.

Responsibility and compensation: Governments must ensure that the tobacco industry assumes financial responsibility for the harm caused. Recently, at the Tenth Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a decision was made to accelerate implementation of Article 19 of the FCTC, which addresses the financial responsibility and legal liability of the tobacco industry²². This article establishes mechanisms for the industry to assume responsibility for the damage caused by its products, including imposing taxes, penalties, and compensation mechanisms that compel the industry to cover associated social and environmental costs. This would ensure that the costs of tobacco’s adverse effects are internalized by the industry, thereby promoting social and environmental justice²³.

Ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including those disguised as CSR initiatives: By prohibiting these practices and exposing how the tobacco industry subverts Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to portray itself positively in health, wellness, and environmental initiatives, governments can protect public health and ensure genuine progress toward sustainability²⁴.

Digital solutions: One of the most impactful innovations is leveraging digital solutions. Young people play a pivotal role in harnessing digital media for tobacco control efforts. By using digital platforms, they can counter the tobacco industry’s tactics, spread awareness, and advocate for policy changes. Engaging youth in these efforts not only strengthens tobacco control but also advances the SDGs²⁵.