Nepal receives international recognition for tobacco control, special award from WHO

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu: The World Health Organization (WHO) has presented a special award to the Government of Nepal for its significant efforts in controlling tobacco products. The Ministry of Health and Population received this international recognition on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2025.

During a program organized as part of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus presented the award to Nepal’s Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel.

Each year, WHO honors individuals or institutions that have made notable contributions to tobacco control. This year, Nepal was recognized, with the organization praising the government’s policies and their implementation.

Under a major decision led by Minister Paudel, it is now mandatory for tobacco product packaging to display 100% health warning messages on both the front and back sides. This policy is expected to have a significant impact on reducing tobacco consumption. The WHO has described this decision as an extraordinary effort.