Panama recognized for anti-smoking efforts

PANAMA. The Panamanian Coalition Against Smoking (Coalicion Panameña Contra el Tabaquismo, COPACET) has won an international prize from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The award ceremony will be held today Monday March 9 in Mumbai, where the President of the foundation, also mayor of New York City, will personally congratulate the president of the COPACET, Doctor Nelyda Gligo.

COPACET promotes a healthy lifestyle without the consumption of tobacco. The Coalition has been behind the law that regulates places where people can and cannot smoke, as well as cigarette publicity. According to Dr. Gligo, law No. 13 of January 20, 2008 is not only a success for Panamanians, but an example for the entire world.

A letter sent by Bloomberg Philanthropies to Dr Gligo last December congratulates her on the recently adopted advertising bans in Panama, stating: “The leadership and guidance provided by Coalicion Panameña Contra el Tabaquismo ensured that this law was as strong and effective as possible. The advertising ban in Panama serves as an example for the rest of the world in enacting and enforcing strong laws that protect citizens from exposure to tobacco industry messaging.”

The law prohibits advertising, promoting, and sponsoring tobacco and its products in any form, including indirect and subliminal messages.

ºThe Bloomberg Awards for Global Tobacco Control were established to recognize government and non-governmental organizations demonstrating excellent progress or achievement in the field.