The 3rd International Central Black Sea Disabled and Elderly Health Congress has commenced in Samsun this year. Organized in collaboration between Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Havza Vocational School and Havza Care Rehabilitation and Family Counseling Center, the congress's opening ceremony took place at the Havza Municipality Cultural Center.

The Head of the Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly at the Ministry of Family and Social Services, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Elibol, emphasized the importance of the academic aspect of health for the elderly and disabled in his speech.

Elibol pointed out that the population is aging and stated, "The main reasons for this are the extension of the average lifespan and the decrease in birth problems. Studies related to aging and disability are essentially studies for ourselves, as we are all potential candidates to be elderly and disabled. I believe that every discussion at the congress will increase awareness from both a scientific and social perspective and open up new horizons for studies in this field."

Deputy Chief Physician of OMU Faculty of Medicine Hospital, Prof. Dr. İlker İlhanlı, also stressed the importance of the elderly and disabled, noting that society becomes older as the average human lifespan increases.

The congress was attended by Havza District Governor Mustafa Ayvat, Havza Mayor Murat İkiz, OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, and academicians from 8 countries.