31 MAY 2019

Roundtable on "Make every day No-Tobacco Day" held with participation of art figures and mass media representatives

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated around the world every year on May 31. The main purpose of the events organized every year by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan is to inform public on health risks associated with tobacco use and carry out effective propagation campaigns for the purpose of preventing this harmful habit.
On May 31 2019, Public Health and Reforms Center of the Ministry of Health organized a roundtable on "Make every day No-Tobacco Day" with participation of famous literature, culture and art figures, mass media representatives at Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts.
Opening an event, pro-rector of Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts Gulshan Kangarli emphasized that, state care is provided to young people in our country and healthy development, education and moral education of new generation are always in the focus of attention.
Head of the Project coordination department of  Public Health and Reform Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan (PHRC) Sabina Babazade noted that, a series of awareness-raising events constantly are held in educational institutions aimed at protecting public health, reducing impact of tobacco waste on the environment. “As in previous years, Public Health and Reforms the Center of the Ministry of Health has organized a series of public events in 2019 for the purpose of strengthening awareness campaigns on tobacco control. Propagation campaign on theme “Həyatınızı külə yox, gülə çevirin!” (“Make your life better, without ashes”), flash mob titled “Sağlam gələcək naminə tütünçəkmədən uzaq olun!” (“Stop smoking for a healthy future!”) were organized at Fountains Square.  In addition, PHRC launched “Tütündən imtina et” (“Quit smoking”) mobile application with support of Azerbaijan Office of the World Health Organization (WHO),” she added.

Head of Azerbaijan Office of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Hande Harmanci gave information on history of May 31 - World No Tobacco Day and this year’s theme "Tobacco and lung health”.

According to the head of Public health department of PHRC Tofig Musayev, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year. “So, adoption of the Law “On Restriction of the Use of Tobacco Products” is an important step on protection the health of population,” he said.

Speaking at the meeting, the head of the sector of Social legislation department of Milli Majlis Adil Valiyev gave information on the state's support in tobacco control, as well as significant prospects.

Head of the of Health communication department of PHRC Laura Guliyeva emphasized the important role of mutual co-operation on the fight against tobacco and other harmful habits.

Outstanding culture figures - People's artists Zamig Aliyev, Ilham Namiq Kamal, Honored artists - Azad Shukurov, Fehruz Sakhavat and Aliagha Sadiyev, singer Javid Hussein, young producer Umid Abbas talked about health risks associated with tobacco use and its impacts to creativity, shared their personal experiences with the participants, called young generation to avoid harmful habits.

In addition, fruitful discussion and effective exchange of views was conducted among famous literature, culture and art figures, health experts and mass media representatives.

You can see the photos from the event here.

The full text of the news is available in Azerbaijani language.