Partnership Between "Education" and "Health" to Protect Generations from Smoking
The Ministries of Health and Education strengthen cooperation to protect students from smoking.
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
- National surveys to measure the prevalence of smoking among school students
- Expanding awareness of the risks of tobacco and nicotine within curricula and activities
- Implementing the Health-Enhancing Schools initiative and supporting prevention and smoking cessation efforts
The Ministry of Health is moving to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry of Education to embed a culture of smoking prevention within schools and educational institutions, as part of national efforts to promote public health and prevent harmful health behaviors, thereby helping to protect students from the risks of smoking, tobacco products, nicotine, and nicotine delivery systems, and supporting the provision of a healthy, safe, and smoke-free educational environment.
This direction is based on Law No. 15 of 1995 concerning the Fight Against Smoking, and in accordance with the recommendations of the Standing Committee of the National Program to Combat Smoking, given that the law entrusts the Ministry of Health with the responsibility of protecting public health and curbing the spread of smoking. The Ministry of Health aims to expand areas of cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Education, thereby enhancing prevention and health awareness efforts in educational institutions.
The Ministry of Health has requested that the Ministry of Education direct relevant parties to enhance awareness of the risks of smoking, tobacco products, nicotine, or nicotine delivery systems, by incorporating these topics into curricula, activities, and awareness programs aimed at students. This will help raise their health awareness and strengthen their ability to make sound health choices.
The cooperation also includes implementing national surveys and studies on the prevalence of smoking among school students, which will support the provision of accurate data and indicators that contribute to evidence-based planning and help develop preventive programs and policies tailored to the actual needs of students and the school community.
The initiative further includes cooperation in implementing smoking bans within schools and educational facilities, and strengthening compliance with providing smoke-free educational environments. This supports the protection of students and staff in educational institutions from the health effects associated with smoking and exposure to tobacco and nicotine products.
Additionally, the cooperation with the School Health Administration at the Ministry of Health aims to implement the Health-Enhancing Schools initiative, which includes strengthening smoking prevention and cessation programs, alongside providing awareness and health counseling services for students and school staff. This enhances the school’s role in supporting health, prevention, and early intervention regarding unhealthy behaviors.
The cooperation also involves supporting joint initiatives and events aimed at protecting children and youth from using tobacco, nicotine, or nicotine delivery systems, and strengthening awareness and preventive messages directed at them. This helps establish a sustainable health culture and reinforces institutional partnership between the Ministries of Health and Education in the field of prevention and public health protection.
