UNFPA-supported Y-PEER volunteers joined the advocacy campaign for a healthy lifestyle with interactive sessions and a flashmob at the Ashgabat Park on Sunday 1st May 2016.

"Let’s Say No to Tobacco Together" was the slogan of the public event, organized by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry with World Health Organization.

Y-PEER volunteers engaged the park guests into interactive quizzes, games and mini-sessions on importance of healthy living with prizes and lots of fun.  Event participants ranged from children, adolescents to parents, all of whom equipped their knowledge on adolescent reproductive health and rights, truth about bad habits and gender equality through Y-PEER edutainment activities. 

The highlight of the anti-tobacco public event was the flashmob performed by Y-PEER volunteers in promotion of healthy living among young people of Turkmenistan. 

Y-PEER is an international network of young people from more than 50 countries interested in promoting health living among their peers.  Y-PEER Turkmenistan was launched in 2007 with support of UNFPA, and Y-PEER Youth centers were launched in Ashgabat and Mary in 2011.  

The Y-PEER centers are popular among youth, because here young people raise their knowledge on the issues of adolescent reproductive health, HIV/AIDS/STI prevention, gender equality, drug abuse, family planning and other issues related to healthy lifestyle through peer-to-peer education, including the use of theatre based performances. Additionally, young people can discuss sensitive issues with a gynecologist and psychologist on UNFPA supported TEEN Hotline.