Bill Gates to snuff out smoking
2008-07-24 08:10
New York - Microsoft founder Bill Gates and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg are pooling their piles of money and pouring $375m into a global effort to cut smoking.
The two philanthropists - who have a combined worth of more than $70bn - say the new effort will target developing countries where tobacco use is highest.
Their foundations said on Wednesday that the $250m from Bloomberg and $125m from Gates will support projects that increase tobacco taxes, help smokers quit and protect non-smokers from exposure to smoke.
It also will aid efforts to track tobacco use and better understand tobacco control strategies.
Bloomberg began a worldwide anti-tobacco campaign in 2006, started with $125m.
- AP