On 17th of May 2007 from 1100 to 1200 AM was organized a presentation ceremony of the campaign “DON’T SAY NO to your health, future and prosperity!” in the International Press Center, conducted by the “ELS” Independent Research Center with support of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Youth and Sport, IREX Internet Access and Training Program (IATP).
The aim of this campaign conducted from the 1st of May to 31st of May dedicated to the International Anti Tobacco Day is propagation of healthy life style, research of reasons of gaining habits dangerous for life and ways of getting rid of them.
Participants of the press conference were representatives of the Ministry of Health Mr. Azad Hajiyev (Director of the Hemotology and Transphysiology Scientific Research Institute) and Ms. Samaya Mammadova (Deputy Chairwoman of press service), representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Ms. Narmina Baghirova (chief of department), representatives of IREX Internet Access and Training Program in Azerbaijan Mr. Botur Gasimov (IREX/IATP program coordinator) and Ms. Gunel Gurbanova (IATP project coordinator), representatives of the “ELS” Independent Research Center, representative of Ombudsman Apparatus Mr. Mugalib Mahmudov (chief consultant), World Health Organization Coordinator in Azerbaijan Mr. Elkhan Gasimov and many other mass media and TV representatives. Generally 41 persons were participating at the conference.
During the conference detailed information was presented about the activities considered to be conducted within the campaign by the chairwoman of the “ELS” Independent Research Center Ms. Irada Yagubova (Internet – forum, media bridge, debates, polls, action of dissemination of posters against tobacco).
Besides, the results of poll on the topic “How to avoid youth from smoking?” conducted by the volunteers of the “ELS” Independent Research Center was presented to the participants of the conference. Analyzing the results of the poll, the chairwoman of the “ELS” Independent Research Center Ms. Irada Yagubova had specially emphasized the role of mass media in formation of youth’s mind.
Afterwards on speeches carried on by the representative of the Ministry of Health Mr. Azad Hajiyev and representative of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Ms. Narmina Baghirova was mentioned interest of both ministries to the propagation of healthy lifestyle among the public, especially among youth and told about forms of support provided by them to this project.
Giving a speech in the conference the representative of IREX Internet Access and Training Program in Azerbaijan Mr. Botur Gasimov presented information about the activity of IATP program in Azerbaijan and about their contribution to anti – tobacco campaign. Besides, there was told about the International Internet forum titled “Youth for smoking: pro or contra?” conducted from 4th to 31st of May on the IATP web site http://forum.iatp.net.
The presentation ceremony had concluded with dissemination of posters against tobacco and materials prepared based on the poll conducted within the project.
