The organization ASH , Action and Smoking and Health, has been investigating the Tobacco Industry Interference Index for the USA since 2019. What has been investigated is the extent to which Article 5.3 of the Tobacco Control Convention is followed, to keep tobacco companies out of public health policy.
In the index, 100 is the highest score you can get. This means the tobacco industry has a very large influence. The United States gets 89 points. This places it at the bottom of the 100 countries surveyed, at number 98, in the latest report . It is its worst ranking to date.
Some highlights from the report:
Indicator 4 , Unnecessary Interaction: Philip Morris International (PMI) has a formal partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to combat illicit trade and train law enforcement agencies in tobacco control.
Indicator 3 , benefits to the tobacco industry: The closure of the CDC Office on Smoking and Health in April 2025, which meant the end of support for smoking cessation lines, the highly successful “Tips from Former Smokers” campaign, and prevention initiatives targeting youth.
“The tobacco industry’s strategy has not changed – profit first, health last. The US’s declining rating reflects that reality,” said Nichelle Gray-Lkhagvadorj, lead author of the index and director of engagement and special programs at Action on Smoking and Health.
– Protecting public health means keeping the tobacco industry out of political decisions, period, she says.
Footnote:
The United States has signed but not ratified the Tobacco Convention, although previous governments have claimed to be fully compliant with the life-saving measures in this treaty, according to ASH.
Source: Tobacco Industry Interference Reaches New Heights in US
