ADIC Sri Lanka Receives the WHO World No Tobacco Day Award 2024 at the National event commemorating World No Tobacco Day, Marking a Significant Milestone in Tobacco Prevention – 7th June 2024.
Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) appreciates the outstanding contribution of individuals and organizations in the field of tobacco control across its six regions, through the prestigious World No Tobacco Day Awards. This year, from the WHO South-East Asia region, the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), Sri Lanka has been awarded the World No Tobacco Day Award, which marks a milestone in ADIC’s journey in tobacco prevention.
On June 7, 2024, ADIC received the award from Hon Heath Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana at the national event commemorating World No Tobacco Day 2024 held at Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatre, Colombo. The event was organized by the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with various stakeholders from both the health and non-health sectors.
The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests including Hon Heath Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, Dr. Seetha Arambepola – State Minister of Health, Dr. P. G. Mahipala – Secretary of Health, Dr. Alaka Singh – WHO Representative to Sri Lanka, Dr. Alan Ludowyke – Chairman of NATA, Dr Samindi Samarakoon – NCD Director and Health ministry officials.
World No Tobacco Day is a global campaign initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) each year, on the 31st of May, to inform the public about the dangers of tobacco use, the strategies of tobacco companies, efforts of WHO in fighting the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations. This year’s theme, ‘Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,’ emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard children and youth, as the tobacco industry predominantly targets this vulnerable demographic as replacements for the declining customer base.
ADIC’s efforts mainly focus on demand and supply reduction of tobacco, and advocacy for effective policy developments in the country in line with recommendations by the WHO and have significantly contributed to the tobacco control movement in Sri Lanka over the years. Through a health promotion approach, policy advocacy, community awareness, and research studies, ADIC has laid the groundwork and developed its initiatives over the years to facilitate tobacco control, leading to rewarding results within communities and the country as a whole. ADIC strategies further highlight the importance of individuals identifying the harm of tobacco use, while developing their skills and knowledge to claim their rights violated by tobacco use, through our interventions.
ADIC success is not an individual effort, but rather, a result of valuable relationships built with communities, volunteers, and all other stakeholders, who have been a part of ADIC’s journey for many years. Therefore, we make this an opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to achieving this invaluable outcome in the field of tobacco prevention. We join hands to share this victory with every individual, to stand stronger for a better tomorrow through further safeguarding the people of our nation from tobacco harm and the subtle strategies of the tobacco industry