KATHMANDU: The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Nepal for its outstanding contribution to tobacco control.
On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025, Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population received the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Award.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the award to Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel during a program held in Geneva as part of the 79th session of the World Health Assembly.
Each year, WHO honors individuals and institutions for exceptional efforts in tobacco control. This year, Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population was selected for its impactful initiatives.
One key policy highlighted was Minister Poudel’s decision to implement 100% health warnings on both the front and back of tobacco product packaging—a measure the WHO praised as a major step forward in public health.
The organization described Nepal’s decision as an “extraordinary contribution” to global tobacco control.
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