Prof Elif Dağli, head of the Turkish National Coalition on Tobacco and Health (SSUK) was awarded one of the Bloomberg Awards for Global Tobacco Control, recognising progress in the implementation of MPOWER measures. Prof Dağli received the Protect award in recognition of the SSUK's role in increasing tobacco taxation in Turkey. They have since continued to monitor the implementation of the tobacco control legislation there.
The Turkish National Coalition on Tobacco and Health has received two grants from The Union under the Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use (BI) and has been widely recognised for its contributions to Turkey's successful tobacco control efforts.
"I am over the clouds and I am extremely pleased", said Prof Dağli of the award. "This is one of the best things to happen this year, and everyone in Turkey will be so motivated by it."
Prof Dağli also received the 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Network of Women Against Tobacco (INWAT) for her outstanding contributions to the promotion of tobacco-free lives for women.
Dr Yussuf Saloojee, Executive Director of the National Council Against Smoking, South Africa, was also honoured, winning the Luther L Terry award for outstanding individual leadership. Accepting the award, Dr. Saloojee said, "Partnerships are the key to success. One needs political will, good relevant data, NGO activism and public support. I therefore accept this award on behalf of all the many partners who have contributed to success in South Africa". The National Council Against Smoking (NCAS) is also a Union grantee under the Bloomberg Initiative and has been working as the lead on tobacco control activities in South Africa.
Former BI grantee Dr Mira Aghi of India was also honoured. She received the Luther L Terry Award for Outstanding Community Service. The Luther L Terry awards are presented at each WCTOH by the American Cancer Society.
The above photo is a courtesy from Geoffrey T. Fong.