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Health & Wellbeing

UOWA Health & Wellbeing Outreach: Local and International Initiatives

The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa (UOWA) is committed to promoting health and wellbeing through education, community engagement, and partnerships with local, national, and international institutions. These initiatives encompass physical and mental health, hygiene, nutrition, disease prevention, and professional development for students and staff.

Local / National Initiatives

1. Institutional and Community Health Partnerships

• Collaboration with Karbala Health Directorate:
  A delegation from the Karbala Health Directorate visited UOWA to discuss joint scientific, academic, and research initiatives. The delegation toured UOWA’s medical facilities and the National Center for Medical Competency Assessment, strengthening knowledge exchange and local health capacities.
• Humanitarian Pediatric Heart Health Initiative:
  The College of Medicine, in partnership with Al-Rahma Organization, launched a program providing advanced screenings for heart disease among orphaned children from the Imam Al-Ridha Charitable Foundation. This initiative enhances the health and wellbeing of vulnerable children in Karbala.
• Breast Cancer Awareness Seminar:
  In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the College of Medicine, in collaboration with Khadija Al-Kubra Oncology Center, conducted a seminar on early detection, risk factors, and preventive measures, targeting female students and staff.

2. Emergency Medicine & Crowd Health Training

• Advanced First Aid / BLS Workshop:
  UOWA, alongside the Regional Emergency Medicine Center, hosted a workshop on advanced first aid (BLS), attended by representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Health and regional medical offices. Students and staff received practical training on mass casualty and crowd medicine management.
• International Workshop on Mass Casualty & Crowd Medicine Management:
  The College of Medicine hosted Iraq’s first international workshop on managing mass casualty incidents, in collaboration with WHO Academic. International experts and local health authorities participated, enhancing UOWA’s training capacity for large-scale events.
• Medical Services for Pilgrims:
  Students provided healthcare support during religious events in Karbala, demonstrating practical student engagement in public health initiatives.

3. Academic Health Lectures & Knowledge Exchange

• Hypertension Lecture – Green University Week 2024:
  During UOWA’s Green University Week, Dr Ali Nakfi (University of Hull, UK) and a cardiovascular specialist from Castle Hill Hospital, UK, delivered a lecture on the latest developments in hypertension, connecting global research to local health priorities.
• Global Water Crisis Workshop:
  An online workshop led by Assistant Professor Dr Tahseen Abdulrahman Al-Badri explored global and local water scarcity, linking environmental sustainability to public health and hygiene awareness.

4. On-Campus Health & Wellbeing Culture

UOWA promotes a culture of health consciousness through awareness campaigns, student-led initiatives, and educational programs. These programs encourage staff and students to adopt healthy habits, manage stress, and practice preventive healthcare as part of daily campus life.

5. Staff Mental Health Support

The university provides counseling services and workshops addressing mental health and psycho-social wellbeing, fostering a supportive environment for faculty and staff.

International Initiatives

1. Partnerships with Global Health Institutions

• WHO Collaboration:
  UOWA partnered with the World Health Organization to organize a workshop on crowd medicine, enhancing the capabilities of medical students and professionals in managing mass casualty situations.
• International Internships:
  Medical students participated in internships at the Serbian Clinical Center University, providing clinical experience and international exposure.
• Scientific Cooperation with Emirati Medical University:
  A partnership was established to develop joint programs in nursing and facilitate student and faculty exchanges, enhancing clinical training and professional development.

2. Global Conferences & Knowledge Exchange

• International Cardiovascular Conference:
  UOWA hosted experts from multiple countries to share advances in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing).
• Regional & International Workshops:
  Participation in global forums and conferences enabled knowledge transfer, collaborative research, and exposure to innovative health solutions, strengthening UOWA’s role as a knowledge partner in regional and international health initiatives.

Through its integrated approach to education, community engagement, and global collaboration, UOWA reaffirms its commitment to fostering a healthier, more resilient society. By combining practical outreach, evidence-based research, and capacity-building initiatives, the university not only enhances the wellbeing of its students and staff but also extends its impact to local communities and beyond. These sustained efforts reflect UOWA’s dedication to advancing public health, promoting preventive care, and supporting sustainable health outcomes in line with its broader mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.