On May 29, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) honored Joel Shunza Gitali, a Kenyan teacher, with the global medal for his tireless efforts in reducing tobacco use.
Gitali's dedication to combating tobacco use and addiction, particularly among children and adolescents, has been a lifelong endeavor.
According to the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance, Gitali was selected from hundreds of nominations from the 194 WHO member states for this year's World No Tobacco Day Award.
As chairman of the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance, Gitali has been a vocal advocate for tobacco control in Kenya.
Upon receiving the award, Gitali expressed his gratitude to the members of civil society in Kenya who have supported his nomination and worked tirelessly to combat tobacco use.
Gitali's anti-tobacco campaign began when he was a child in the 1970s, inspired by his mother, a Community Health Volunteer. His work as a guidance and counselling teacher in 1996 further solidified his commitment to reducing tobacco use among young people.
The Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries was also commended for offering alternative crops to tobacco-growing regions.
