In 2025, the Prime Minister of Cambodia announced a historic ban against the latest source of nicotine addiction among young people – e-cigarettes and similar products. The sub-decree prohibits the use, sale, production, manufacturing and even export of electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and shisha.
Behind this policy are many leaders who choose to advocate for the health of the Cambodian people, even in the face of tobacco industry interference.
One of them is His Excellency Dr Touch Chanthy.
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Dr Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia, hands over the World No Tobacco Day 2026 Award to H.E. Dr Touch Chanthy. © WHO / Puthealin Sok
On this year’s World No Tobacco Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized his immense contribution to the national policies by awarding him the World No Tobacco Day 2026 Award.
The award honors individuals and organizations from each of the six WHO regions for their outstanding contributions to tobacco control.
As Permanent Member of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council at the Office of the Council of Ministers, H.E. Dr Touch Chanty has spent more than 15 years supporting the Cambodia's tobacco control law and advocating for stricter measures on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and shisha.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award. It reflects the collective efforts of a dedicated team who work tirelessly to put public health before commercial interests and to confront the harm caused by tobacco products. I hope it inspires all of us to continue serving with integrity and compassion for the benefit of present and future generations.”
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H.E. Dr Touch Chanthy discusses with Dr Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia. © WHO / Puthealin Sok
H.E. Dr Touch Chanthy has consistently challenged misleading claims about the economic benefits of tobacco and redirected attention to its true cost for Cambodia: an estimated 15,000 lives and US$663 million lost every year due to tobacco use.
WHO commends his commitment and perseverance in advocating for public health and ensuring that tobacco control efforts remain aligned with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In Cambodia, WHO also works with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to reinforce the country’s ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
With leaders like H.E. Dr Touch Chanthy, Cambodia continues to strengthen its stance which prioritizes protecting public health from the dangers of tobacco and other nicotine products. His leadership demonstrated that when leadership is strong, policy delivers, ultimately making it easier for people to make healthy lifestyle choices.