Dubai Medical University (DMU) advanced SDG 3 through community prevention campaigns, inclusive health education, and capacity-building for the future health workforce. Activities spanned non-communicable disease (NCD) screening, women’s health, neurological health, substance-use awareness, and emergency readiness—delivered with strong student involvement and clinical partners.

Breast Cancer Awareness Lecture at the Arab Unity School (Link)

The DMCG Community Engagement Unit partnered with Arab Unity School to deliver age-appropriate breast-cancer education. Dr. Hiba Faiz presented Introduction to Breast Cancer to Grades 7–8, using an explanatory video to build foundational health literacy. For Grades 9–11, Dr. Ruth Cockerill led Understanding Breast Health & Early Detection, covering warning signs, screening pathways, and a mannequin-based self-examination demonstration to reduce stigma and build practical skills. The session was coordinated with support from Dr. Rawan Ahmed.

The program advances NCD prevention (Target 3.4) by improving early-detection knowledge among adolescents and supports UHC (Target 3.8) through clear signposting to screening and trusted information.

Strong student engagement across grades; positive school feedback; a scalable model for annual repetition with brief pre/post knowledge checks.

Empowering Pink - DMCG Volunteers at Pink Caravan Initiative (Link)

Dubai Medical College for Girls (DMCG) volunteers, coordinated by the Community Engagement Unit, supported the UAE’s Pink Caravan breast-cancer awareness and early-detection campaign at Global Village. Over two days, more than a dozen students—supervised by Faculty members engaged a wide cross-section of visitors, distributed educational brochures, guided crowd flow, and drew people into conversations about regular check-ups, mammography, and self-examination. The Global Village setting enabled outreach to diverse age groups and communities, amplifying key prevention messages and signposting to screening services. The collaboration highlighted how student energy and faculty guidance can turn public events into effective health-literacy platforms that support early detection and reduce stigma. Participants reported strong engagement and appreciation for clear, practical information and demonstrations. As breast cancer remains a major global health challenge, this partnership showed the value of sustained university–community action to encourage proactive care and support those affected. Building on this success, DMCG aims to repeat and expand similar initiatives, including simple referral tracking to estimate screening uptake and follow-through.

• Thyroid Wellness Fair (Link)

The Community Engagement Unit (CEU) of Dubai Medical College for Girls (DMCG) delivered a thyroid health awareness program at Amity University, combining evidence-based education with interactive engagement.

Dr. Sarah Alam, Specialist Endocrinologist, Canadian Specialist Hospital, provided an authoritative talk on thyroid disorders, risk factors, symptoms, screening, and treatment pathways.

An opening dramatization to introduce thyroid health concepts and common myths. Practical guidance on early recognition, when to seek care, and adherence to treatment. Game stalls and a task challenge to reinforce key messages and encourage participation. The event was organized by eight DMCG students—Tasnim Mustafa, Fathimah Hana Naushad, Shameema Alam, Alaa Abdeen, Fathimatul Henna, Fathima Samreen, Arisha Khan, and Fadia Amjard—under the leadership of Dr. Nujood AlShirawi. The aim of the event is to improved health literacy on thyroid conditions, early detection, and care pathways. The initiative effectively blended education and outreach, demonstrating a scalable model for campus-based health promotion.

• Epilepsy Awareness Event (Link)

Batch 34, in partnership with the Community Engagement Unit, hosted a campus-wide Epilepsy Awareness Event that blended education, empathy, and practical skills. Dr. Hamda Ahmad Albastaki, an epileptologist and neurologist, unpacked epilepsy types, common triggers, treatment options, and the supports patients need. A guest then offered a powerful first-person account of living with epilepsy, confronting stigma and daily challenges while sharing effective coping strategies. Students observed a live demonstration of seizure first aid—protecting the head, timing the episode, clearing hazards, using the recovery position, and avoiding restraint or inserting objects—followed by an interactive quiz that corrected myths and sparked open dialogue. The core message was clear: epilepsy is manageable; early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and informed bystanders save lives, and stigma recedes when communities act with knowledge and compassion. Strong student participation and Q&A improved literacy on seizure recognition and immediate response, and the organizers committed to repeat sessions and distribute concise first-aid guidance.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS) TRAINING for Dubai Pharmacy College Staff and Students by the Occupational Health (Link)

On February 23rd 2024 a Basic Life Support training session was conducted for faculty, Staff and Students. This initiative is part of spreading the culture of preparedness and community care. By empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in emergency situations, we’re not only enhancing safety within our campus walls but also extending a helping hand to our surrounding community. Every trained individual becomes a beacon of hope and support, ready to make a difference when it matters most. Together, we’re not just learning CPR and first aid – we’re building a stronger community.

Dubai Medical & Pharmacy Colleges for Girls Partner with Emirates Health Services to Offer Free Flu Vaccination to the Community (Link)

On November 13, 2024, Dubai Medical College for Girls and Dubai Pharmacy College for Girls, in collaboration with Emirates Health Services (EHS), launched a proactive flu vaccination drive aimed at enhancing campus and community immunity. The initiative provided free flu vaccines to students, faculty, staff, and their families, underscoring a commitment to health and well-being that extends beyond campus boundaries.This outreach was further expanded to benefit the staff of the Saeed Ahmed Lootah Foundation and Dubai Islamic School, fostering a broader impact within the community.We are proud to lead this vital health initiative, promoting a culture of preventive care, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the EHS team for their dedicated support in ensuring the success of this event.