Kenyan teacher Joel Shunza Gitali has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for his decades-long efforts to combat tobacco use, particularly among young people.
The award, presented as part of World No Tobacco Day, acknowledges Gitali's role as chairman of the Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance and his advocacy work spanning over 50 years. The WHO selected him from hundreds of global nominees across its 194 member states.
"This award energizes me to continue fighting tobacco addiction among youth," Gitali said. "Civil society groups across Kenya played a crucial role in my nomination, demonstrating strong collaboration in public health efforts."
Gitali's journey began in the 1970s through his mother's work as a Community Health Volunteer, later inspiring him to establish the Social Liberation and Health Promotion Club in 1995. The organization, originally based in Maseno, later relocated to Kakamega to focus on community health initiatives.
His work gained urgency in 1996 when he observed the impact of tobacco addiction on students. "Students struggling with nicotine and drug dependencies face concentration issues, theft, and academic failure," he explained. "They avoid teachers and peers, often feigning illness to escape detection."
The Kenya Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries also received recognition for promoting alternative crops in tobacco-growing regions, aligning with broader public health strategies.
