QNA
Geneva
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has received the World Health Organization Award for World No Tobacco Day (WNTD Award) in recognition of its efforts in cooperation with the relevant authorities in the State of Qatar to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 a smoke-free tournament. The ministry implemented strict measures to combat smoking inside and outside stadiums and fan areas during the tournament.
Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari and several of Their Excellencies health ministers and senior officials participating in the meetings of the World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland, attended the award ceremony.
MoPH Head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Department, Dr Kholoud Ateeq Al Mutawa, received the award from WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, in the event accompanying the Assembly meetings, organized by the State of Qatar, entitled "Building a legacy for sports and health after major sporting events.”
In a statement, Dr Al Mutawa said that the award comes as a culmination of MOPH and the concerned authorities’ efforts to make the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 activities smoke-free by applying strict anti-smoking measures inside and outside the stadiums, especially in the fan areas to ensure the guests could enjoy the tournament in a smoke-free air. Acomplete ban on smoking during the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021 was also implemented.