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AKARTA: The World Health Organization (WHO) has given an award to the late health minister Endang Rahayu Sedyaningsih for her leadership and contribution to health development efforts in controlling tobacco consumption in Indonesia.

In a ceremony held at the Health Ministry on Wednesday, WHO representative in Indonesia Khanchit Limpakarnjanarat presented the 2012 World No Tobacco Day Award, signed by WHO director general Dr. Margaret Chan.

“We acknowledge with respect the commitment, wisdom and consistency of the Health Ministry’s policies on defending public health during her leadership,” he said during the ceremony attended by acting Health Minister Ali Ghufron Mukti and senior health officials, as well as Endang’s husband Makentur Reany Mamahit.

According to the WHO, tobacco consumption has been increasing in many countries, including Indonesia.

The awareness and commitment of many countries in overcoming tobacco-related health concerns have continued to grow as more studies have shown the severe impact of tobacco on human health.