Since the 1950s, scientific research has proven the unparalleled harm tobacco causes to human health. From high-income countries and an increasing number of low- and middle-income countries, scientific evidence has accumulated on tobacco use, the harm it causes, and actions needed to discourage its use. Barriers that make it difficult for developing countries to participate include the lack of standardized data and inadequate communication networks, tobacco-control research capacity, and human and financial resources. Despite philanthropic efforts, tobacco control research continues to be underfunded throughout the world. Conflicts of interest in tobacco control research arise repeatedly due to the shortage of nonprofit and public-sector research funding. When tobacco companies invest resources in research, they often expect to play a role in designing, conducting, and reporting study results. To maintain the integrity of scientific research and to avoid the appearance of bias, an increasing number of researchers and institutions are unwilling to accept money from the tobacco industry. Among research funding agencies, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and members of the Association of European Cancer Leagues prohibit grants to researchers who have received support from the tobacco industry.

United States of America: Population-level tobacco control interventions benefit disadvantaged groups and have the potential to reduce persistent health inequalities.

Europe: Countries with more developed tobacco control policies have higher quit ratios than countries with less developed tobacco control policies.

Italy: Smoking bans significantly reduce exposure to fine and ultrafine particles in hospitality venues.

Russian Federation: Smoking among men and women increased markedly during the transition to a market economy.

Hong Kong: Household secondhand smoke exposure in early infancy increases severe infectious morbidity requiring hospital admission.

Indonesia: Paternal smoking diverts money from basic necessities and adversely affects child health; tobacco control can improve child survival.

Latin America, Asia, and Africa: Pregnant women’s tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure are current or emerging problems in several low- and middle-income nations, jeopardizing ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health.