An awareness event titled "Let’s Combat Harmful Habits Together" was organized by the Student Youth Organization (SYO) of Baku State University (BSU).

Nigar Huseynova, Chair of the SYO at the Faculty of Biology, spoke about the detrimental effects of tobacco products on human health. She emphasized that teenagers and young adults make up the majority of those addicted to this harmful habit. She noted that the negative impact of tobacco often becomes evident years later due to the cumulative effect of nicotine. According to research, individuals who quit smoking before the age of 30 can extend their lives by approximately 10 years. Tobacco addiction is both a medical and social issue, requiring action on both fronts. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is crucial in the fight against smoking. Public awareness should be raised through media campaigns, including informative videos on social networks and mass media. Parents also play a key role in educating their children about the dangers of tobacco. Health institutions, in particular, bear a significant responsibility in this fight. Currently, tobacco control centers are also operating to support these efforts.

Therapist Gunay Allahverdiyeva also addressed students, informing them about the harmful effects of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol. She highlighted that each year, around six million people worldwide die due to tobacco-related diseases. A burning cigarette produces over 4,000 chemical compounds, including more than 40 known carcinogens. Smoking significantly increases the risk of various diseases, including lung cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancers of the rectum, uterus, kidneys, pancreas, gallbladder, esophagus, larynx, oral cavity, pharynx, and stomach. The lifespan of most smokers is shortened by 15 to 20 years.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where students posed questions to the speakers and engaged in discussions on the topic.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being