The Government of Gibraltar has been formally recognised for their work on tobacco control by the UK Health Security Agency Overseas Team. 

The award was present to the Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Carter, at the annual UK  Overseas Territory Conference in Miami on 23rd May.  

A statement from the Government follows below:

Gibraltar was one of only 2 countries to receive this recognition for their work on tobacco control  and the extension of the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.  The WHO FCTC asserts the importance of demand reduction as well as supply issues, and its  implementation follows a Global Strategy to Accelerate Tobacco Control. 

Gibraltar has undertaken significant work in the Public Health sphere of tobacco control over the  last 12 months, including the establishment of a National Focal Point, whilst the Gibraltar Health  Authority has renewed and refreshed its approach to supporting smoking cessation.  

The Director of Public Health, Dr Helen Carter, said: ‘Smokers are 7 times more likely to  successfully quit if they receive professional support. If you want to talk to somebody about  smoking cessation, please contact the GHA Smoking Cessation Service on 200 52441. You can now  have direct access to the service via any GHA member of staff.’ 

Minister for Public Health, the Hon John Cortes, said: ‘I’m delighted that Gibraltar’s work on  smoking cessation has been recognised internationally. Gibraltar is proud of its holistic, cross departmental efforts on tobacco control.’