Greater Manchester has been honoured with a 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Award in recognition of its pioneering efforts to reduce smoking rates and create a smokefree city-region.
Mayor Andy Burnham announced the achievement today, celebrating the region’s success in helping 126,000 people quit smoking through its ambitious Making Smoking History programme.
The award follows Greater Manchester’s record-low smoking rates (now 12.5% of the population, reduced from 18.4% in 2018) and acknowledges its whole-system approach to tobacco cessation. 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—a move backed by 80% of Greater Manchester residents.
With the legislation expected to pass later this year, efforts are already underway to ensure clear communication, staff training, and effective implementation – creating healthier environments for everyone. The new law is designed to protect public health, especially children, and reduce the burden of smoking-related illnesses on the NHS.
The Partnership for Healthy Cities, a prestigious 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.”
Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, and 108th mayor of New York City said
“Noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of all deaths globally, but the good news is: They are preventable.
Cities are leading the way in implementing policies that are protecting public health and saving lives. This year’s winning cities are proving that progress is possible with strong leadership and political will, and we look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.”
