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India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been awarded the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies Award for Global Tobacco Control, recognizing the nation’s outstanding efforts in helping tobacco users quit under the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) policy framework. The award, presented in the ‘O’ category, was announced during a ceremony on June 23 at the World Conference on Tobacco Control in Dublin, Ireland.
Recognition for Comprehensive Tobacco Cessation Efforts
The award celebrates India’s comprehensive approach to tobacco cessation, notably through the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). The NTCP has established more than 675 tobacco cessation centres across district hospitals, delivering 1.35 million counselling sessions in the 2023-24 financial year alone. The National Tobacco Quitline Services (NTQLS), operational since 2016, supports users in 16 Indian languages with around 100 counsellors, handling approximately 42,000 calls monthly. The mandatory display of the quitline number “QUIT TODAY, CALL 1800-11-2356” on tobacco packaging, as per the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, has led to a more than 30% increase in call volumes.
Global and National Impact
India’s recognition comes alongside similar honours for governments and NGOs from Mauritius, Mexico, Montenegro, the Philippines, and Ukraine, each acknowledged for their unique contributions to tobacco control. The award was presented by Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries. Bloomberg praised the leadership and commitment of the awardees, stating, “The global tobacco control movement has helped save tens of millions of lives, making it one of the most successful public health efforts in history”.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General, highlighted the significance of the achievements, noting that these measures were implemented despite challenges such as conflict and industry interference.
Policy Innovations and Future Initiatives
India’s tobacco control strategy includes several pioneering measures:
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Banning e-cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019.
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Mandating anti-tobacco warnings on OTT streaming platforms to protect youth.
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Integrating tobacco cessation with the National TB Elimination Programme and establishing cessation centres in medical and dental colleges.
During the award ceremony, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a $20 million initiative to further support tobacco control in low- and middle-income countries, including India, building on a track record that has saved over 35 million lives and reduced cigarette sales by 820 billion since 2012.
Declining Tobacco Use in India
Tobacco use remains a significant public health challenge in India, claiming 1.3 million lives annually. However, the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) reports a notable decline in tobacco use, from 34.6% in 2009-10 to 28.6% in 2016-17, marking a 17.3% relative reduction1.
“These comprehensive efforts indicate India’s commitment to reduce tobacco use and promote public health. It is an absolute honour to receive on behalf of the Indian government the Bloomberg Philanthropies Award for Global Tobacco Control in the ‘O’ category,” said Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director and Senior Professor of Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from the Economic Times Health and related sources as of June 25, 2025. For the most current details, refer to official statements from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The information provided does not constitute medical or legal advice.
