As a result of the evaluation carried out by the Gaziantep Provincial Directorate of Health on topics such as plans, policies and activities on health-related matters, arrangements on nutrition and physical activity, and the provision of health services, Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU) became entitled to receive the “Nutrition-Friendly and Physical Activity-Supporting Workplace” certificate.
The certificate presentation ceremony, held in the HKU Rectorate Senate Hall, was attended by HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli, Gaziantep Provincial Director of Health Dr. Beytullah Şahin, HKU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Lütfi Yola, HKU Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Kezban Bayramlar, HKU Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Prof. Dr. Yasemin Beyhan, Programme Coordinator Lecturer Mehmet Uz, Gaziantep Head of Public Health Services Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mikail Özdemir, Non-Communicable Diseases Unit Manager Specialist Dietitian Merve Eyinacar, and Dietitians Ebru Annaç and Seda Yüzbaşıoğlu.
Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, HKU Rector Prof. Dr. Türkay Dereli underlined that, as an institution, they attach great importance to ‘health and quality of life’ and said: “According to the results of the 2024 World University Impact Rankings, announced a short while ago by THE (Times Higher Education), our university was placed in the 1001+ band worldwide in the ‘Good Health and Well-being’ category among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This certificate we are entitled to receive actually means that this ranking is confirmed by another achievement. It is exciting and a source of pride to be the first institution in our province and region to be entitled to receive this certificate. The certificate we received with the goal of ‘healthy and quality living’ has also increased our responsibilities in this regard. We will continue to support our students and staff by developing new projects on healthy nutrition and physical activity. We thank everyone who contributed to the certificate.”
Gaziantep Provincial Director of Health Dr. Beytullah Şahin, in his speech at the ceremony, said: “Under the ‘Healthy Nutrition and Active Life Programme’ and the ‘Action Plan for the Prevention of Adult and Childhood Obesity and Physical Activity’ implemented by the Ministry of Health, the aim is to create active environments and to promote and spread healthy living. To this end, the opinions and suggestions gathered in workshops held with the participation of academics and relevant institutions and organisations have been a guide for improving health in workplaces. Thanks to the ‘Nutrition-Friendly and Physical Activity-Supporting Workplace Implementation Guide’ prepared by our General Directorate of Public Health, it has become possible to create an environment that supports healthy living behaviours in workplaces. I believe this guide will contribute to workplaces, and I congratulate Hasan Kalyoncu University for the sensitivity it has shown in this regard. I believe this success of Hasan Kalyoncu University will set an example for other institutions as well. This certificate is a reward for the efforts of Hasan Kalyoncu University to instil healthy living awareness not only in students but also in its employees. I hope this practice will spread throughout Gaziantep.”
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the certificate and a group photograph.
