WHO to award Turkey's Erdogan for his fight against tobacco

Erdogan will be given WHO's special award, the Director-General Special Recognition Award, for his anti-smoking efforts, WHO official Toker Erguder said.

In July 2009, Turkish government introduced a law that made it illegal to light up in all enclosed areas including bars, cafes and restaurants across the country. Despite calls to ease the law, Prime Minister Erdogan, known for his anti-tobacco stance, has not taken a step backwards.

Erguder said Erdogan was chosen for his determinant stance and his pioneer role that made Turkey one of the leading countries in global tobacco control activities.

Turkey, Britain and Ireland are the only three countries in Europe which have 100 percent smoke-free airspace, Erguder said.

Every year, WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of the six WHO regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. This recognition takes the form of Director-General Special Recognition Awards and World No Tobacco Day Awards.


/World Bulletin/