UICC affiliates honoured with World No Tobacco Day Awards for leadership in tobacco control

In Malaysia, Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, a UICC Young Leader 2019–2020 and Managing Director of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia, a UICC member organisation, was recognised for his pivotal role in uniting government, political, and civil society stakeholders to pass Malaysia’s first standalone tobacco control law, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024. Under his leadership, the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) has driven regulatory advocacy, community awareness programmes, health professional training, and the coordination of nationwide quit services and enforcement activities. 

“The WNTD Award was special for Malaysia because it recognised the contributions of all Malaysians – embodied through the joint award to government ministries via the Ministry of Health; the political angle reflecting the stewardship and consistent support of the Minister in his individual and professional capacity; and the work of civil society reflecting the work we have collectively for safeguarding the health of our people from the harms of tobacco. Together, our actions were successful – and together we are able to achieve better health for all!” 
– Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Managing Director of the National Cancer Society of Malaysia 

Elvina Majiwa, Executive Director of Health Conscious Africa, and a member of the Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition – established through a joint initiative between UICC and Cancer Research UK (CRUK) – has led effective youth-centred advocacy in Kenya through community mentoring, digital advocacy, and direct engagement with policymakers. Majiwa has mobilised young people and civil society to counter the aggressive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry, leading to strengthened policies such as the inclusion of graphic health warnings on nicotine pouches and vapes. 

“I’m extremely humbled by the recognition. It has validated the tobacco control work that the youth have been doing across Africa. This award isn’t just mine – it belongs to every young person who has joined the tobacco control movement.” 
– Elvina Majiwa, Executive Director of Health Conscious Africa 

Both awardees have expressed hope that this recognition will further elevate public awareness and inspire stronger regional collaborations. Murallitharan intends to leverage the momentum to bolster implementation of Malaysia’s new tobacco law and deepen civil society’s role in national health policymaking. Majiwa plans to continue amplifying the voices of youth advocates across Africa and supporting emerging leaders in the tobacco control movement.