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SDG 03: Good Health and Wellbeing

2023/2024

Gulf Medical University (GMU) continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) by promoting health and well-being through a wide range of impactful initiatives. In the 2023/2024 period, GMU expanded its role as a leading advocate for health, launching community outreach programs, public health education initiatives, and international health campaigns. These efforts have had a measurable impact on improving health outcomes within the UAE and beyond.

  

Health Screening Program at Emirates School, Ajman


In collaboration with Thumbay University Hospital and the College of Dentistry, GMU conducted a comprehensive health screening at the Emirates School Establishment in Ajman, as part of the World Day for Occupational Health and Safety.

  • Focus Areas: The screening addressed key health issues including obesity, hypertension, oral health, diabetes, and lifestyle factors. This initiative provided critical health services while offering GMU’s medical students practical exposure in clinical care.


Health Awareness Campaigns


Al Qarayen School, Ajman: GMU organized a health awareness campaign targeting both school staff and parents, offering free health assessments, including BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar, and dental checks. The campaign reinforced GMU’s mission to support public health education.

Dubai Center for Special Needs: GMU’s College of Dentistry, in partnership with Curaden Academy, facilitated an interactive oral hygiene education session tailored to students with special needs, while also educating their caretakers. This initiative emphasized inclusion and addressed the specific health needs of this community.


Community Health Screenings


Ministry of Community Development: GMU’s Department of Community Medicine led a health screening campaign targeting older adults and children with mental challenges. The program focused on detecting risk factors and promoting early intervention strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.


Ajman Museum Dental Screenings: In collaboration with Athar and Curaden, GMU’s College of Dentistry provided free dental checkups to over 1,000 patients. Senior dental students led these efforts, furthering their clinical experience while benefiting the local community.


Public Health Engagement


BinSina Pharmacy, Mall of the Emirates: GMU PharmD students engaged with the public in a proactive blood pressure screening and patient-centered care project. This initiative raised public awareness on the importance of regular health monitoring and preventive care.

Mega Medical & Dental Camp: Hosted at Thumbay University Hospital, this event offered a range of free medical and dental services. BSN students played a crucial role in delivering health assessments, including vital sign checks and blood glucose testing, and received certificates recognizing their contribution to community health.



Health Promotion for Workers


Emirates Security Camp Health Check-up: GMU faculty and students hosted a health screening event for workers, offering BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar tests, and dental assessments. The program ensured that workers needing further medical evaluation were referred to Thumbay University Hospital for follow-up care.


Health Campaigns for Special Causes


Cervical Cancer Awareness: In collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), GMU’s College of Pharmacy raised awareness on cervical cancer prevention and early detection, with a focus on promoting colposcopy as a vital screening tool.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: GMU’s Pharmacy Students Association (GPSA) spearheaded educational workshops and health screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative underscored the importance of early detection and empowered community members to take control of their health (Link).


First Aid Training for School Bus Drivers


In collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), GMU hosted a First Aid Awareness Training session for 60 bus drivers from India International School, Sharjah. The training equipped drivers with vital first aid skills, ensuring they are prepared to manage emergencies and injuries involving school children (link).


Educational Initiatives


GMU continues to offer innovative programs such as the Master in Public Health and Master in Environmental Health & Toxicology, focusing on solving local and regional health challenges. These programs encourage students to conduct research on toxicology, environmental health, and community health risks, preparing them to address emerging health issues.



Community Outreach and Campaigns


Autism Awareness Campaigns: GMU’s BSN students launched an interactive autism awareness campaign, engaging with special needs centers across the region. This program aimed to increase understanding and support for individuals with autism while raising awareness about early intervention strategies (Link).


Obesity Awareness at Dulsco: GMU organized health screenings for BMI, blood pressure, and blood sugar among Dulsco workers. The campaign encouraged physical fitness through fun activities and provided education on obesity prevention and healthy lifestyles (Link).


Health Campaigns in Corporate Settings


GMU’s College of Nursing led multiple health campaigns within corporate settings, such as Al Madina Medical Centre and Thumbay Builders, addressing prevalent health issues like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and the importance of hand hygiene. These campaigns helped employees take proactive steps towards maintaining their health and well-being. (Link).


Sports Health and Physiotherapy


Celebrity Cricket League Physiotherapy Support: GMU’s physiotherapy students provided sports first aid and physiotherapy services to athletes during the Celebrity Cricket League at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This hands-on experience offered students a valuable opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world sports setting (Link).


Workplace Wellness Initiatives


Thumbay Builders Hand Hygiene Day: GMU’s College of Nursing and College of Medicine organized a hand hygiene awareness event for Thumbay Builders staff, highlighting the importance of infection prevention in the workplace. This initiative is part of GMU’s larger effort to promote wellness and health literacy in corporate environments (Link).

 


Gulf Medical University’s commitment to SDG 3 is evident through its comprehensive health promotion programs, community health screenings, and public health initiatives. These efforts have had a direct and positive impact on the well-being of various populations, from students to workers, and have reinforced GMU’s position as a key player in advancing health education and disease prevention. Through continued innovation and collaboration, GMU strives to enhance public health outcomes and support sustainable development in the UAE and beyond.

 



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