World No Tobacco Day 2010 observed

 ‘WNTD Award’ handed over to Health Advisor to the PM

 The World No-Tobacco Day was observed all over Bangladesh, as in other countries on May 31, 2010.  This year the theme of the day was "Gender and tobacco with an emphasis on marketing to women" underscoring the need for controlling the tobacco among women. Various Government and non-government organizations and civil societies held rallies, discussions, seminars, and other advocacy programmes in observance of the day.

On the day, Professor Dr Syed Modasser Ali, Honourable Advisor to the Prime Minister, Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh, has been conferred with the prestigious World No Tobacco Day Award 2010 by the World Health Organization. This award was handed over to Professor Ali by Dr Frank Paulin, Acting WHO Representative to Bangladesh in a ceremonial observance of the Day, organized jointly by WHO country Office and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Each year the World Health Organization confers individuals or organizations with World No Tobacco Day Awards in each of the six WHO Regions for their contribution in the area of tobacco control. Professor Ali is the proud recipient of this year’s award in recognition of his commitment and sincere efforts to control smokeless tobacco use in women. The award includes a memento and a certificate of appreciation from the Director General, WHO.

Chief guest of the ceremony Professor AFM Ruhal Haque, Minister for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare stressed on the importance of strengthening tobacco control activities and for enforcement of Tobacco Control Act. He highlighted the government’s current efforts for amending the Tobacco Control Act and for imposing higher tax on tobacco products. Professor Haque applauded WHO for their continued support in controlling both smokeless and smoking tobacco use in the country. He appreciated their contribution in developing material for inclusion of tobacco related information in school curriculum, development of tobacco taxation simulation model and for their contribution and guidance in policy formulation for prevention and control of tobacco use.

Recipient of the award Advisor Professor Dr Syed Modasser Ali touched an important point saying the Government of Bangladesh has taken initiatives to amend the existing Tobacco Control Law imposing restriction on smokeless tobacco products to curb its consumption particularly among the rural women of Bangladesh. He appreciated the efforts of the World Health Organization for their support in extending tobacco control activities through the community health clinics.