Greater Manchester wins global award for efforts to reduce smoking rates

Greater Manchester has been honoured with a 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Award in recognition of its success in reducing smoking rates and efforts towards a smokefree city-region.

The city-region’s Making Smoking History programme has seen smoking rates reach record lows, with smokers representing just 12.5% of the population, down from 18.4% in 2018, with a whole-system approach to tobacco. A key part of this success has been the region’s commitment to smokefree spaces, with hospitals and voluntary outdoor community areas already working towards becoming smokefree ahead of proposed national legislation banning smoking outside hospitals and schools.

The Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of 74 cities dedicated to improving health, presented the award at its annual Summit in Paris with international recognition, cementing Greater Manchester as a leader in tobacco control and setting a powerful example for cities worldwide.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Co-Chair of the Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board hailed the recognition as a milestone moment for Greater Manchester:

“Our work on Smokefree Spaces and Smokefree Hospitals is a sector-first, creating an environment where smoking is no longer the norm. This isn’t just about reducing smoking rates—it’s about transforming lives, communities, and the entire city-region.

“It’s fantastic to see our efforts recognised on the global stage. This award reflects the dedication of our partners, communities, and residents in making a real, lasting difference. Over the next six years, we will continue to drive forward our Making Smoking History strategy—helping more people quit, preventing children from starting, and creating smokefree spaces that protect public health and promote healthier futures for all.”