Health Justice honored for anti-smoking drive

MANILA, Philippines - A Filipino non-governmental organization won the prestigious Bloomberg Awards for Global Tobacco Control during the recent 15th World Conference on Tobacco or Health in Singapore.

Bloomberg philanthropists, led by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have chosen Health Justice Philippines for demonstrating excellent progress or achievement in the implementation of monitoring as required in the MPOWER policies.

The MPOWER strategy, established by the World Health Organization, is composed the six most effective – and proven – tobacco control interventions: monitoring the epidemic and prevention policies, protecting people from secondhand smoke, offering help to people who want to quit, warning about the dangers of tobacco, enforcing bans on advertising, promotion and sponsorship, raising taxes and prices.

“Tobacco kills every day but we are fighting back. Our awardees represent the thousands of heroes who are taking on the fight against tobacco in their countries, regions, and cities every day. We are honoring those who have shown exemplary progress since our efforts commenced in 2007, and we hope their work will inspire to achieve similar success,” said Bloomberg during the ceremony.

The Bloomberg Awards for Global Tobacco Control recognizes governments or non-governmental organizations in low- and middle-income countries that demonstrate excellent progress or achievement in the implementation of the MPOWER strategies.

The award was received by Health Justice president Daniel Tan, who shared the recognition with its partners like the Department of Health, Civil Service Commission, Metro Manila Development Authority, Department of Education, Land Transportation Regulatory Board, and Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance.

According to Health Justice managing director Irene?Reyes, the award further encourages them to scale up campaigns against tobacco.

“It is definitely encouraging and affirming to have international support, especially when working in a country where tobacco grabs the crown from the grips of public health. This award belongs to all developing countries that are relentlessly fighting to break free from the murdering claws of tobacco ….. We will win. Lives and relationships will be saved,” Reyes added.

Other awardees include Turkish National Coalition on Tobacco or Health, Uruguay Ministry of Health, Corporate Accountability International Colombia, Fundacion para la Educacion y el Esarrollo Social, and Egypt’s Ministry of Finance.

Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) senior policy advisory Mary Assunta had also recognized the contributions of Health Justice, a group of doctors, lawyers, economists and other professionals.

“What Health Justice has accomplished is a first in Asia. Their significant contributions to alert and partner with governments in proceeding with the premise that the tobacco industry is not a stakeholder but the problem in efforts to curb tobacco use and to protect the health of the public,” she maintained.