Citywide social event “Say No to smoking” was held in Kremenchug in framework of the World Tobacco Day. The event became a true manifestation of joint efforts by the city government and a whole range of Kremenchuk NGOs.
On 31 May 2014, the anti-tobacco campaign events were aimed primarily at youth and children's audiences. UNFPA Representative for Ukraine Ms. Nuzhat Ehsan took part in the event opening ceremony.
The social events included performances of the children ensembles, clown groups, children pictures contests, young artists exhibitions, and work by volunteer groups to disseminate information about the risks of smoking offering the pedestrians to exchange cigarettes for candies. The event featured a special activity – a mass bike ride that gathered over 400 participants of all ages.
In her opening address, UNFPA Representative mentioned, in particular, that approximately 1 person dies every 6 seconds due to tobacco around the world. “The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly 6 million people a year. Ukraine is on the 7th place among all countries in the world by smoking prevalence. In 2013 – 21.3% of population of Ukraine smoked. UNFPA in Ukraine, along with other UN agencies, is trying to raise awareness, especially among young people, on the adverse effects of smoking. We are working with central and local authorities and youth NGOs on safe behavior promotion and formation of healthy lifestyle among youth”, stressed Ms. Ehsan.
She also had meetings with Deputy Mayor of Kremenchug city Mr. Vitaliy Maletsky and Head of the Department of Family, Children and Youth of Kremenchug City Council Ms. Olga Usanova and Director of Kremenchug Center for International Relations and Economic Development " Kremenchug Invest " Mr. Andriy Melnyk. During the meeting the parties discussed further prospects of strengthening cooperation between UNFPA and Kremenchuk city.
