Foundation for A Smoke-Free World Inc

The organization aims to reduce tobacco use and improve public health by funding novel research in smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction, transforming the tobacco industry, and supporting alternative livelihoods for smallholder tobacco farmers. Specifically, FSFW aims to reduce barriers to quitting and switching, strengthen understanding and research capacity in tobacco harm reduction, drive industry transformation for public health benefit, and support the development of a diversified agricultural sector in Malawi. The Foundation's overall goal is to improve public health by reducing the incidence of smoking and other toxic forms of tobacco use.

Strategies used to reach these goals:
The Foundation's strategic plan outlines several strategies to achieve their goals, including:
1. Supporting Research: The Foundation aims to support non-duplicative and novel research to improve the understanding of tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation. They plan to support research on topics such as the effectiveness of reduced-risk products, the impact of tobacco use, and the perceptions and misperceptions about nicotine.
2. Communication: The Foundation plans to communicate the results of its research through various channels, including academic journals, conferences, and media outlets. They will work to correct misinformation and disinformation about tobacco harm reduction and raise awareness about the benefits of reduced-risk products.
3. Transforming the Industry: The Foundation aims to transform the tobacco industry by promoting competition, differentiation, and constructive engagement. They plan to do this through initiatives like the Tobacco Transformation Index, which rates and ranks tobacco companies based on their commitment to reduced-risk products and other criteria.
4. Supporting Smallholder Farmers: The Foundation plans to support smallholder tobacco farmers in Malawi and other countries by promoting diversification and sustainable livelihoods. They will support programs that help farmers transition to other crops and provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
5. Partnership: The Foundation plans to work with partners in the public and private sectors to achieve their goals. They will collaborate with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and others to promote research, communicate the results, transform the industry, and support smallholder farmers.

The Foundation possesses several key capabilities and resources to help achieve its mission of ending smoking and tobacco use. The Foundation has a team of experts with experience in scientific research, public health, and tobacco control, who can provide guidance on research strategy and design. It also has established partnerships with academic institutions, NGOs, and other stakeholders to conduct research and implement programs to end smoking and tobacco use.
The Foundation's communication and outreach capabilities are also strong, with a focus on disseminating research findings, educating the public, and engaging other stakeholders. The organization has developed innovative tools and platforms to support its mission, such as the Tobacco Transformation Index and the Agricultural Transformation Initiative. These resources enable the Foundation to have a significant impact on the tobacco industry and to promote tobacco harm reduction and smoking cessation on a global scale.

Since its inception in 2017, the Foundation has made significant strides in advancing its mission to accelerate global progress towards a smoke-free world. In terms of research, the Foundation has established partnerships with leading scientific and academic institutions around the world, and has funded a wide range of studies focused on smoking cessation and tobacco harm reduction. These studies have contributed to our understanding of the risks associated with traditional tobacco products and the potential benefits of reduced-risk products (RRPs). The Foundation has also been active in supporting initiatives to reduce the harms associated with tobacco use, including efforts to reduce smoking rates among marginalized and underserved populations.
In addition to its research efforts, the Foundation has played an important role in promoting transparency and accountability in the tobacco industry. Its Tobacco Transformation Index has become a widely recognized tool for measuring the progress made by tobacco companies in transitioning to less harmful products and practices.
The Foundation has also worked to promote sustainable alternatives to tobacco farming, particularly in Malawi, one of the world’s most tobacco-dependent economies. Its grantmaking in Malawi has supported programs and initiatives aimed at helping smallholder farmers diversify their crops and achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Despite facing significant challenges, the Foundation has remained committed to its goal of creating a world free from the harms of smoking and tobacco use. Its efforts to promote harm reduction and reduce the prevalence of traditional tobacco products have the potential to save millions of lives in the coming years.