**********************************************************
The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, has reiterated that the Government will continue to strengthen resources aimed at tobacco control and the reduction of smoking to further protect public health.
Dr Chow made the remarks at today's (May 29) "World No Tobacco Day 2011 - Regional Launching and Award Ceremony" organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Hong Kong. During the ceremony, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Shin Young-soo, presented the World No Tobacco Day Director-General's Special Recognition Award to Dr Chow to commend Hong Kong's accomplishments in tobacco control.
Dr Chow expressed his gratitude to the WHO for its recognition of Hong Kong's efforts in tobacco control, adding that it was an honour for him to receive the award.
Dr Chow said, "The award has been earned by various sectors working dedicatedly in carrying out tobacco control policies and measures over the years. These include the medical sector, the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, Legislative Council members, the academic sector, non-governmental organisations, members of the public and certain government departments."
The WHO declared May 31 as World No Tobacco Day with the aim of raising awareness among people around the world of the harmful effects of tobacco use and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Every year, the WHO recognises individuals or organisations in each of the six WHO regions for their accomplishments in the area of tobacco control. This recognition takes the form of the World No Tobacco Day Director-General's Special Recognition Award and the World No Tobacco Day Award.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is the theme of this year's World No Tobacco Day. The Framework is the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the WHO, and provides new legal dimensions for international co-operation in tobacco control. It represents a signal achievement in the advancement of public health. World No Tobacco Day 2011 is designed to highlight the treaty's overall importance.
Ends/Sunday, May 29, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:57
NNNN
