Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) and Kafa (Enough) Society for Control of Smoking and Drugs in Makkah signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch together an initiative entitled, “Our University Is Free of Smoking,” on Monday, 7^th Muharram 1440H. The memorandum was signed by Prof. Abdullah bin Omar Bafil, UQU President, on the one hand and Mr. Abdullah bin Dawoud Al-Fayez, Chairman of the Society, on the other.  The event was held in the office of Prof. Bafil, in the presence of Dr. Yasser bin Suleiman Shosho (UQU Vice-President), Dr. Khalid bin Yusuf Al-Barqawy (Dean of the College of Community Service and Continuing Education), Dr. Hemdan Al-Ghamdi (Supervisor General of the Legal Department), Dr. Mashaal As-Salmy (Head of the Coordination Committee for Control of Smoking and Drugs in UQU), as well as Mr. Ibrahim Al-Hamdan (Director of the Society).

Following the signing, Prof. Bafil hailed such fruitful cooperation with Kafa Society in the domain of awareness against smoking and drugs. He added that this step was within the framework of cooperation between the sectors of the university and the various bodies and sectors. Moreover, he confirmed that the signed MOU would reinforce joint cooperation between the two parties. He added that it would also contribute to the development of community work system according to scientific programs and studies, wishing guidance for everyone.

In turn, Mr. Abdullah Al-Fayez extended deep thanks and appreciation to Prof. Abdullah Bafil for his personal concern with and direct support for such initiatives and agreements. In addition, he stressed that the Society would contribute with UQU to the establishment of practical and educational programs to raise awareness against the dangers of smoking and drugs and activate the theme, “Our University Is Free of Smoking.” He also wished that Allah, the Almighty, would grant everyone support and guidance.

It is worth mentioning that this agreement aims to contribute to the health promotion of UQU affiliates and students. It also aims to render UQU a global model with its announcement of “Our University Is Free of Smoking.” In addition, the MOU contributes to the support of health associations with voluntary memberships, promotion of community work, as well as the support of academic studies and research on the diseases and damages caused by the abuse of smoking and drugs. Another aim of the MOU is to conduct field and statistical surveys of the phenomenon and causes of smoking and drugs. Moreover, and via the MOU, the Colleges of UQU will cooperate to combat smoking and drugs through medical, educational, media, statistical and training domains, and conduct training programs on how to deal with cases in addition to educational programs to raise awareness against the harmful effects of smoking.