On 31 May, World No Tobacco Day 2022 focuses on the environmental impact of tobacco, giving users an extra reason to quit.
Each year on World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) presents individuals and organizations from across the world with a WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award and World No Tobacco Day awards for their accomplishments in tobacco control. WHO recognizes and commends their achievements, while raising awareness and building support for tobacco control measures globally.
The following individuals and organizations in the Western Pacific Region are among the recipients of this year’s World No Tobacco Day awards.
Tobacco Free Portfolios receives WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award
The Tobacco Free Portfolios (TFP) team received the WHO Director-General Special Recognition Award for their efforts to encourage tobacco-free finance, bringing much attention to the importance of divesting from tobacco. The Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge, founded in 2018 by TFP in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative and other partners, has over 180 signatories from across 21 countries globally. Through TFP’s work, investments valued at US$ 20 billion have shifted away from tobacco companies.
Smoke-free Environment in Tourism Sector, Cambodia
The Smoke-free Environment in Tourism Sector - Cambodia (SFET-Cambodia) has been advocating for and encouraging smoke-free compliance throughout the country. Since the issuance of the Ordinance on Smoke-Free Environment for Managers and Owners of Tourism Businesses and Services in 2016, SFET-Cambodia has monitored and assessed 947 tourism businesses and service premises in 21 provinces in the country, awarding 473 for their smoke-free environments. This sustained recognition programme for smoke-free environments in the tourism sector is a unique example of a multisectoral partnership and advocacy championing health beyond the health sector.
Fiji Cancer Society and Hope Clinic, Fiji
The Fiji Cancer Society (FCS) and Hope Clinic shared an award for their work to establish local evidence related to enhancing accessibility of tobacco cessation services in Fiji. These organizations have also raised awareness among the public about the dangers of tobacco use and industry interference. The Hope Clinic has been instrumental in developing and refining Fiji’s tobacco cessation guidelines, as well as advocating for tobacco control including expanding and strengthening smoke-free public places. The FCS includes brief tobacco cessation interventions in their cancer screening services and provides referrals to the Hope Clinic for patients requiring further support. The important contributions of these organizations have helped to sustain momentum for tobacco control in Fiji.
Ms Kylie Lindorff, Cancer Council New South Wales, Australia
Ms Kylie Lindorff has dedicated over 25 years working as a regional and global leader in tobacco control. As an NGO advocate, Ms Lindorff’s efforts have contributed towards Australia’s plain packaging legislation, prevention of tobacco industry interference, and strict regulation of novel nicotine and tobacco products. Her extensive experience and expert advice have helped numerous countries in promoting and adopting evidence-based tobacco control policies, including effective price and tax measures, targeted anti-tobacco campaigns and plain packaging.