​PREMIER LEANCA GETS AWARD FOR FIGHTING SMOKING

Prime Minister Iurie Leanca has been given the highest award of the World Health Organization (WHO) for achievements in the field of tobacco control. The premium, which consists of a medal and a diploma, was handed over to Leanca by the WHO Regional Director Zsuzsanna Jakab.

According to the Government press service, Leanca said that this award is the recognition of Chisinau’s efforts in this field.

According to the Premier, propaganda of a healthy life style is one of the priority tasks for Moldova’s authorities.

“It is important to use the experience and practices of Western countries in the field of healthcare, as the European integration means, also, a healthy lifestyle”, stressed he.

Leanca is one of 37 holders of this award in the world: representatives of governments, institutions or organizations, which achieved success in combating smoking. In Europe, there are only 5 people, who received this award.

Each year, the World Health Organization gives awards to personalities from all over the world, who took an active part in fighting against smoking. The premium has been awarded since 1988.

In December 2013, Leanca’s Government took decision to prohibit smoking in enclosed and semi-enclosed public places, on the work places and in public transport.

Besides, Iurie Leanca started campaign against smoking. Premier appeared in a video, where he calls people to quit smoking, warning about the harm, caused by tobacco. He draws the public attention to the fact that Moldova is on the fourth place in Europe in terms of the number of smokers.