The College of Engineering at the University of Kirkuk Organizes an Awareness Seminar on the Dangers of Smoking and Mechanisms for Its Prevention in Collaboration with Community Police

Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Imran Jamal Hassan, President of the University of Kirkuk, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Chelang Akram Omar, Dean of the College of Engineering, the Women’s Affairs Unit, in collaboration with the Continuing Education Division and the Ministry of Interior – Community Police Department, organized an awareness seminar titled "The Dangers of Smoking and Ways to Combat It". The seminar took place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the main hall of the Mechanical Engineering Department.

The seminar was presented by Legal Officer Raed Ghanem Ibrahim Ali from the Minister’s Office – Public Relations and Media Department – Community Police Section in Kirkuk. It covered several key topics, including:

1. The health risks of smoking and its negative effects on the respiratory system, heart, and blood vessels, as well as its link to chronic diseases such as cancer.
2. The social and psychological impacts of smoking, how it influences individual behavior—especially among youth—and its role in promoting negative behaviors in society.
3. The main reasons behind smoking, particularly among teenagers, including social pressures, imitation, and misleading advertisements.
4. Legal and legislative efforts by official authorities to combat smoking through law enforcement, designated no-smoking areas, and raising public awareness about its dangers.
5. The role of community police in awareness and education, spreading a culture of quitting smoking through direct engagement with citizens and organizing awareness campaigns targeting schools, universities, and institutions.

The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion session, where practical advice and guidelines were provided on how to quit smoking and the importance of psychological and social support for those wishing to quit. The event emphasized the need to promote legal and health awareness among community members to curb smoking and enhance public health due to its direct impact on individuals and society.

The seminar was attended by faculty members, students, and health and awareness advocates, who praised the valuable information presented and commended the organizers for their efforts in holding this important event.