U.S. agencies spend $42 million in research and surveillance for tobacco control 

A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office finds that American agencies spent nearly $42 million for global tobacco control efforts in recent years. The GAO reviewed federal spending between 2015 and 2018 and found that U.S. funding for tobacco control — most of which came from HHS agencies — largely went toward research and surveillance efforts. Tobacco use kills more than three times the number of people worldwide than tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/AIDS combined, the report states. Although the WHO has outlined concrete measures to curb tobacco use including higher taxes on cigarettes, it also considers rigorous surveillance to be an important part of tobacco control efforts. The report did not make any recommendations on other funding allocations for tobacco control.

Clarification: The item yesterday on major medical groups calling for action on gun violence was unclear about the description of a loophole the groups want closed. Current law prohibits those with a history of domestic violence against spouses and parents from purchasing guns, but leaves open a loophole for those with a history of such violence against partners and other family members.