International Red Cross has called on its American arm to cut ties with tobacco funding as the humanitarian group announces its new global disease prevention program, which includes anti-smoking content.
According to a senior member of the International Red Cross, the main concern of the parental division is the global reputation of the organisation.
Matthias Schmale, under secretary general for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, informed the media on Thursday: "We have been very clear about the potential reputational damage not just for them but for all of us." However, Mr Schmale made it clear that "public condemnation" has not been considered, as the U.S. body is "an important supporter".
While the International Red Cross ceased accepting donations from tobacco companies in 2008, alongside 189 national affiliates, the American affiliate is not alone in the maintenance of a relationship with brand names like Phillip Morris International. Around six other national Red Cross bodies, including Germany and Vietnam, receive tobacco money to fund their activities.
The U.S. Red Cross is one of the biggest charities in America. According to tax records, it has received, alongside its U.S. affiliates, at least US$12 million from a number of tobacco companies, including Altria Group and Reynolds American, since 2001.
Although the International Red Cross is the global representative of the humanitarian group, the structure and guidelines of the Red Cross means that national affiliates are not bound to comply with its instructions. Although Mr Schmale did not go into detail, he said on Thursday that his organisation would continue "to put pressure" on the American Red Cross.