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7 July 2026, Aden, Yemen  Efforts to strengthen tobacco control in Yemen met with international recognition during the 2026 World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) campaign.Held under the World Health Organization (WHO) global theme Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction, the campaign highlighted the need to expose deceptive tobacco industry tactics that target children and young people through flavoured products, e-cigarettes, synthetic nicotine, nicotine salts and digital marketing.A highlight of the campaign was the announcement of the 2026 World No Tobacco Day awards during which Dr Shayea Mohsen Al-Zindani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Yemen, was recognized by WHO for his outstanding commitment to advancing tobacco control and protecting public health. With the announcement, Yemen joined other award-winning countries from the Eastern Mediterranean Region, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, Libya, Pakistan and Tunisia, reflecting the Region's collective commitment to reducing the burden of disease caused by tobacco use.The National Tobacco Control Programme, of the Ministry of Public Health and Population in collaboration with  WHO, organized a high-level national roundtable in Aden bringing together decision-makers, government institutions, health experts, media representatives, youth leaders and development partners to strengthen multisectoral action against tobacco and emerging nicotine products. Discussions focused on the growing threat posed by the tobacco industry’s aggressive marketing strategies targeting children and adolescents. The need for stronger legislation, its effective enforcement, increased public awareness and coordinated action across the health, education, media, sports and community sectors were all underlined.“Every child deserves to grow up free from tobacco and nicotine addiction,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Yemen Dr Syed Jaffar Hussain. "Protecting future generations requires strong leadership, effective legislation, sustained public awareness and collective action across government and society."The roundtable concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to reinforce tobacco control measures, strengthen institutional collaborations and promote healthier environments to protect future generations from the health, social and economic harms of tobacco use.The campaign underlined Yemen's determination to implement evidence-based tobacco control policies and support WHO's global efforts to reduce tobacco-related diseases and premature deaths and safeguard the health and well-being of communities across the country.Media contactsWHO Yemen CommunicationsEmail: mediayemen@who.intAbout WHOFounded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting health, keeping the world safe and serving the vulnerable. WHO leads global efforts to expand universal health coverage, coordinate responses to health emergencies and advance well-being for all.