Dr Omi recognized the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations for their action at national and local levels to create smoke-free environments. World No Tobacco Awards in the Western Pacific Region went to:
* Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, Head Office of Health, for supporting smoking cessation services for its soldiers and initiating smoke-free policies within military workplaces and campuses.
* Dr. Wang Ke-an, Director and Founder, and Dr. Wang Chen, Current Director, Think Tank Research Center for Health Development, in China for their collaborative ongoing work on smoke-free policies, including providing research evidence on the need for national smoking bans to China’s most senior legislative advisory institution and advocacy for a nationwide campaign for smoke-free hospitals.
* Dr Setsu Seo, Honorable Chair, and Dr Jun Sono, Vice-Chair, No Smoke Hyogo, in Japan for spearheading national and grassroots smoke-free environments initiatives.
* Palau Tobacco Control Program for its work and strong advocacy on smoke-free policies and national tobacco control legislation.
* Mr Jejomar Binay, Mayor of Makati City in the Philippines, for successful implementation of a model, comprehensive smoke-free policy in Makati City, the central business district of metro Manila.
* Mr Felix P. Camacho, Governor, and Michael W. Cruz, MD, Lt. Governor, in Guam for their leadership in establishing the Natasha Protection Act, a comprehensive law banning smoking in all enclosed public places, as well as providing cessation support for all government employees who wish to quit smoking.
