World No Tobacco Day 2025: Recognizing Global Leaders in Tobacco Control
World No Tobacco Day 2025 marks a significant milestone in the global fight against tobacco use, highlighting the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to reducing tobacco-related harm. This year’s awards, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), celebrate the achievements of leaders from across the six WHO regions. These accolades underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in promoting public health and curbing the impact of tobacco.
Key Awards and Recognitions
Among the notable recognitions this year is the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Awards, which honor outstanding contributions to tobacco control. In addition, the World No Tobacco Day Awards recognize the efforts of individuals and groups who have made significant strides in this critical area. One of the unique features of this year’s awards is the inclusion of a WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Certificate, which acknowledges exceptional work in the field.
Notable Recipients from the Maldives and Mauritius
Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Mauritius have been recognized for their leadership in tobacco control initiatives. Their efforts have contributed to the development of policies and programs aimed at reducing tobacco use and protecting public health.
Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control
The Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC) has received a Special Recognition Certificate for its role in advancing tobacco control through research, policy development, and advocacy. The GGTC’s work has been instrumental in shaping international standards and promoting transparency in tobacco regulation.
African Region: Pioneering Tobacco Control Efforts
The African Region has seen several notable recipients. The Programme National de Lutte contre le Tabagisme, l’Alcoolisme, la Toxicomanie et les autres Addictions (PNLTA) in Côte d’Ivoire has been recognized for its comprehensive approach to tobacco and addiction prevention. Dr. Brou Dieudonne Koffi of ROCTACI has played a key role in coordinating tobacco control efforts across the region. Labram Massawudu Musah of Ghana, Elvina Majiwa of Kenya, and Charity Aienobe-Asekharen of Nigeria have also been honored for their contributions to public health initiatives.
Region of the Americas: Collaborative Efforts in Tobacco Regulation
Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) in Brazil and Lisa Lu of International Youth Tobacco Control in the United States have been recognized for their work in strengthening tobacco regulations and promoting youth awareness. The shared award between Brazil’s Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Health highlights the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in tobacco control. Deni Choinière of Canada and Clifton Curtis (in memoriam) have also been honored for their contributions to tobacco policy and legal frameworks.
Eastern Mediterranean Region: Promoting Health and Policy Change
Dr. Seyed Morteza Khatami of Iran, Mr. Lhassane Hallou of Morocco, and the Hamad Medical Corporation Tobacco Control Centre in Qatar have been recognized for their efforts in promoting health initiatives and policy reforms. These initiatives have been crucial in reducing tobacco use and improving public health outcomes in the region.
European Region: Leadership in Tobacco Control
Dr. Lena Nanushyan of Armenia, Dr. Franz Pietsch of Austria, Mr. Frank Vandenbroucke of Belgium, Professor Constantine Vardavas of Greece, and Dr. Shukhrat Shukurov of Uzbekistan have been honored for their leadership in tobacco control. Their work has contributed to the development of effective policies and programs that protect public health across the region.
South-East Asia Region: Strengthening Tobacco Control Efforts
Leaders from South-East Asia, including the National Board of Revenue in Bangladesh, the State Tobacco Control Cell in India, and the Ministry of Health in Nepal, have been recognized for their efforts in strengthening tobacco control measures. Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt of Thailand has also been honored for his work in promoting tobacco regulation and public health initiatives.
Western Pacific Region: Advancing Public Health Initiatives
Professor Emily Banks of Australia, Te Marae Ora of the Cook Islands, the Philippine College of Chest Physicians, and Ms. Dao Hong Lan of Vietnam have been recognized for their contributions to public health and tobacco control. The shared award in Malaysia highlights the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders in advancing tobacco control policies.
These awards reflect the global commitment to tobacco control and the critical role of individuals and organizations in promoting public health. The recognition of these leaders underscores the importance of continued efforts in the fight against tobacco-related diseases and the need for ongoing collaboration among governments, organizations, and communities.