A regional tobacco harm reduction advocacy group raised concerns about alleged problems at the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the influence of Bloomberg Philanthropies and recent US criticism.
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), which promotes alternatives to cigarettes such as vapes and nicotine pouches, said it had “deep concerns” about recent events involving the WHO.
CAPHRA questioned the WHO’s global public health policies, pointing to allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the Asia-Pacific region and the influence of Bloomberg Philanthropies, a major funder of anti-tobacco initiatives.
“It’s time to hold the WHO to its mandate and core mission of protecting global health based on science, not ideology,” said Nancy Loucas, CAPHRA executive coordinator.
The group alleged Bloomberg Philanthropies exerts inappropriate influence on policymaking in the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
In the Philippines, CAPHRA cited a 2021 congressional hearing that revealed the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received grants from foreign private organizations funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies to draft regulations for cigarette alternatives.
In Bangladesh, scrutiny surrounded the election of Saima Wazed as WHO regional director for South East Asia (SEARO) in November 2023. Wazed, the daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, faced allegations of improper influence. A Bangladeshi newspaper quoted the director of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as saying corruption was suspected in her appointment.
Pakistan’s government suspended the activities of Tobacco-Free Kids and Vital Strategies, two Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded NGOs, citing violations. The Interior Ministry also requested the State Bank of Pakistan freeze their bank accounts.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health faced allegations of incorporating the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) agenda into a draft regulation on cigarette packaging, raising concerns about foreign intervention. Hikmahanto Juwana, an international law professor at the University of Indonesia (UI), said Indonesia should protect its national sovereignty.
In India, New Delhi halted tobacco-control work by a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded non-profit after it failed to disclose its funding, according to a Reuters report. An official said other foreign-funded organizations would need prior approval for anti-tobacco activities.
The Consumer Choice Center in Vietnam said Bloomberg’s “harmful interference” threatened smoking reduction. A Facebook post showed WHO officials in Vietnam thanking Bloomberg-funded organizations for support on smoking and nicotine products.
“The push from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the WHO represents a form of regulatory colonialism,” the Consumer Choice Center said.
CAPHRA expressed concern ahead of the WHO’s 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the FCTC, scheduled for Nov. 17-22, 2025, in Geneva.
The group noted the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, citing concerns over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and political influence, and said other countries were reassessing their affiliations.
CAPHRA urged Asia-Pacific countries, including the Philippines, to assert independent policies and reject influence from foreign funders.
“At this year’s COP, it is crucial that the Philippines assert its sovereignty against Bloomberg’s influence over the FCTC and advocate for its own policies,” CAPHRA said.
