NCAS Executive Director Recognised by WHO Through 2026 World No Tobacco Day Awards

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised Professor Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf among the recipients of the 2026 World No Tobacco Day Awards for the WHO African Region.

Professor Ayo-Yusuf serves as Executive Director of the National Council Against Smoking and is widely recognised for his longstanding contributions to tobacco control research, public health advocacy, health systems strengthening, and policy development in South Africa and across the African region.

The annual WHO World No Tobacco Day Awards honour individuals and organisations from across WHO regions for outstanding contributions to advancing tobacco control and protecting public health. Also recognised from SA was Professor Catherine O. Egbe for her contributions to tobacco control research and public health.

The 2026 World No Tobacco Day theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” focuses on growing concerns around the tobacco and nicotine industry’s continued targeting of young people through flavours, digital marketing, attractive product designs, and emerging nicotine products.

This recognition reflects the important role played by African researchers, advocates, institutions, and public health leaders in advancing evidence-based tobacco control measures and protecting current and future generations from tobacco-related harm.

WHO announced the 2026 award recipients on 19 May 2026, recognising public health leaders, ministries, researchers, institutions, and civil society organisations from across all WHO regions.