25 July 2008 09:10
Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, and New York Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, are pledging $US375 million into a global effort to cut smoking.
The billionaire philanthropists, who are said to have a combined worth exceeding $70 billion, said the money would help efforts in developing countries where tobacco use is highest.
The $US250 million from Mr Bloomberg and $US125 million from Mr Gates will support projects that raise tobacco taxes, help smokers quit, ban tobacco advertising and protect non-smokers from exposure to smoke. It will also assist in efforts to track tobacco use and better educate people on tobacco control strategies.
"Bill and I want to highlight the enormity of this problem and catalyse a global movement of governments and civil society to stop the tobacco epidemic," Mr Bloomberg said.
"Tobacco-caused diseases have emerged as one of the greatest health challenges facing developing countries," explained Mr Gates.
"The good news is, we know what it takes to save millions of lives, and where efforts exist, they are working."
There are currently more than 1 billion smokers worldwide.
Source: theaustralian.news.com.au