Gianella Severini of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Awarded Top Honor by the World Health Organization
Statement of Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kid
Washington, D.C. – The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is thrilled that Gianella Severini, an Argentina-based lawyer and long-time consultant of Tobacco-Free Kids, will receive the 2024 World No Tobacco Day Award from the World Health Organization (WHO). The award rightly recognizes Severini’s contributions to tobacco control and public health in Latin America and around the world. Severini will be presented with the award at a ceremony in Buenos Aires organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) on May 30, 2024.
Each year, WHO recognizes individuals or organizations in each of the six WHO regions for their accomplishments in tobacco control. Severini received a degree in Global Health Law from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She has advised governments and civil society organizations in dozens of countries around the world to advocate for strong public health policies meant to save lives and safeguard public health across the globe.
During her time at Tobacco-Free Kids, Severini has helped advocates respond to legal challenges from the world’s largest multi-national tobacco companies and navigate the complexities of regulating addictive products targeting children in Latin America and around the world.
Severini is recognized by her colleagues in the U.S. and around the world as a tireless advocate and a shining example of the drive and vision needed to create change at a global level. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is thrilled to see her work recognized by the WHO and joins in celebrating her outstanding contributions to tobacco control, public health and to our organization.
More information about the World No Tobacco Day Awards.