As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the health and cultural awareness of its students and staff, the College of Administration and Economics at the University of Karbala – Department of Business Administration – organized a cultural seminar entitled “Smoking: Harms, Disadvantages, and Prevention.”
A distinguished group of the college’s specialized professors participated as speakers in the seminar, including:
- Professor Dr. Saleh Mahdi Al-Hasnawi
- Assistant Professor Dr. Doreen Benjamin Hormuz
- Assistant Professor Dr. Amjad Hamid Ismail
The seminar addressed the major health risks caused by smoking, both for smokers themselves and for the surrounding community and environment. Special focus was given to chronic and serious diseases associated with smoking, such as cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and other severe respiratory illnesses.
The speakers also discussed the psychological and social aspects that contribute to smoking addiction, presenting effective prevention strategies and methods, and emphasizing the role of educational and health institutions in curbing the spread of this phenomenon, especially among youth and students.
During his lecture, Professor Dr. Saleh Mahdi Al-Hasnawi emphasized the importance of promoting a culture of smoking cessation and the role of continuous awareness campaigns in building a healthy generation conscious of the dangers of this harmful habit.
Dr. Doreen Benjamin Hormuz focused on the negative effects of passive (secondhand) smoking on children and families, calling for the adoption of stricter policies and laws to protect public health.
Meanwhile, Dr. Amjad Hamid Ismail discussed the economic aspects related to smoking, highlighting the financial losses borne by individuals and the state due to the costs of treating and caring for diseases caused by smoking.
The seminar witnessed a large attendance of students and faculty members, and the discussions were enriched by the audience’s questions and contributions, reflecting a strong interest in the topic.
At the end of the seminar, participants recommended intensifying awareness campaigns within universities and educational institutions and encouraging students to adopt a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle.
