Dr. Esteve Fernández and Dr. Armando Peruga , members of the Tobacco Control Unit of the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), have been recognized for their professional career in the fight against smoking within the framework of the 20th anniversary of the citizen organization Nofumadores.org .
L’acte de commemoració, celebrat el 8 de maig de 2026 a Madrid, va reunir representants institucionals, professionals de la salut i activistes per celebrar dues dècades de treball en favor d’una societat lliure de fum. Els guardons entregats per Nofumadores.org posen en relleu la tasca sostinguda al llarg dels anys d’aquests professionals, que han estat actors clau en l’impuls de polítiques de salut pública i en la recerca sobre l’impacte del tabaquisme.
In the case of Dr. Esteve Fernández , his work as director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Control and as head of the ICO Cancer Prevention and Control Programme has been fundamental to advancing scientific evidence and the implementation of effective measures to reduce tobacco consumption. For his part, Dr. Armando Peruga , with an extensive international career also linked to global tobacco control programmes, has contributed to the analysis of public policies and the defence of stricter regulatory frameworks in the face of the influence of the tobacco industry.
On the occasion of its anniversary, Nofumadores.org wanted to recognize the role of all those people who have made the advances achieved in recent decades possible. Among these, the streamlining of legislation on consumption in public spaces, the increase in social awareness and the protection of new generations from nicotine addiction stand out.
During the event, it was also highlighted that, despite progress, tobacco control remains a priority public health challenge. The emergence of new products, such as vapers, as well as industry strategies to maintain consumption, make it necessary to strengthen preventive policies and institutional surveillance.
