“Population Against Tobacco Abuse” Recognized as Leading Health NGO at National NGO Day Ceremony
Tehran – The Population Against Tobacco Abuse (PATA) was honored as the “Top Health-Focused Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)” during a ceremony marking National NGO and Social Participation Day, hosted by the Iran University of Medical Sciences.
The event, held on Sunday, August 17, brought together government officials, academic leaders, and representatives from 36 prominent NGOs. Notable attendees included Ali Rabiei, the President’s Social Assistant; Zeinab Nasiri, Advisor on Social Affairs to the Minister of Health; Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Advisor to the Minister of Health on Public Participation and Philanthropy; Nader Tavakoli, President of the Iran University of Medical Sciences; and Saeed Jafari, Head of the Health Charity Council. Representing the Population Against Tobacco Abuse were Fatemeh Azimbeig, an expert from the Tobacco Control Research Center, and Farideh Khodadadi, the organization’s Public Relations Manager.
Empowering Civil Society
In his address, Ali Rabiei emphasized the vital role of civil society and NGOs as a bridge between the healthcare system and the public’s needs. He underscored a shift in the government’s perspective, moving away from a regulatory, “control-based” approach toward one focused on capacity-building and partnership.
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei highlighted the government’s efforts to streamline support for charitable organizations. “Over the past year, we identified over 60 challenges faced by NGOs. After thorough evaluation and prioritization, these were consolidated into 17 key issues, for which we have developed targeted solutions—ranging from legislative amendments to regulatory reforms,” he stated.
Zeinab Nasiri reiterated the Minister of Health’s commitment to meaningful NGO engagement, noting that the participation of social organizations must go beyond symbolic gestures to include active involvement in problem-solving, decision-making, and policy formulation.
Strategic Partnerships in Healthcare
Nader Tavakoli, President of the Iran University of Medical Sciences, lauded the critical role NGOs play during crises and reaffirmed that social participation is a core strategy for the university.
Echoing this sentiment, Saeed Jafari called for a paradigm shift in how NGOs are viewed. “We must move beyond treating NGOs as mere executive tools and embrace them as ‘strategic partners’ in the healthcare system,” Jafari asserted, urging for their deeper inclusion in high-level decision-making processes.
Recognition of Excellence
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to exemplary NGOs in the health sector. The Population Against Tobacco Abuse was officially recognized as the top-performing NGO in the health category, with representatives Fatemeh Azimbeig and Farideh Khodadadi receiving the commemorative plaque on behalf of the organization.
The event concluded with a unified call for strengthening the position of civil society, fostering social participation, and leveraging the power of public engagement to improve national health outcomes.
