Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. In Dubai, a city known for its commitment to modern healthcare and well-being, achieving this goal is of paramount importance for residents and the overall sustainability of the city.
Healthcare in Dubai:
Dubai boasts a robust healthcare system that offers world-class medical facilities and services to its residents and visitors. The government of Dubai has consistently invested in healthcare infrastructure, attracting top healthcare professionals and cutting-edge technologies to the region. This commitment to healthcare aligns with SDG 3’s vision of ensuring access to quality healthcare services.
Canadian University Dubai’s Role:
The Canadian University Dubai (CUD) recognizes its role in promoting good health and well-being within its campus and in the wider Dubai community. Here’s how CUD is addressing health and well-being:
Campus Initiatives:
Student Health Services: CUD provides students with access to on-campus health services, including medical consultations and counseling. This ensures that students have easy access to healthcare professionals when needed.
Mental Health Support: CUD understands the importance of mental health and offers counseling services to students dealing with stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Promoting mental well-being is a priority.
Health Education: CUD may offer health education programs and workshops on topics like nutrition, exercise, and stress management to promote a healthy lifestyle among students and staff.
Community Engagement:
Health Awareness Campaigns: CUD may organize health awareness campaigns in collaboration with local health authorities and NGOs. These campaigns focus on issues like preventive healthcare, disease management, and healthy living.
Research and Innovation: CUD’s faculty and researchers may engage in healthcare-related research, contributing to advancements in healthcare practices and policies in Dubai and beyond.
Community Health Clinics: CUD might establish partnerships to provide community health clinics or medical outreach programs to underserved populations in Dubai.
Collaboration with Healthcare Institutions: CUD may collaborate with local hospitals and healthcare institutions to provide clinical experience opportunities for students pursuing healthcare-related careers.
In conclusion, Dubai’s commitment to achieving SDG 3 is evident through its world-class healthcare infrastructure and services. The Canadian University Dubai plays an important role in this by promoting good health and well-being within its campus and extending its efforts to the wider community. By providing access to healthcare services, mental health support, health education, and engaging in research and community initiatives, CUD contributes to Dubai’s vision of ensuring that all residents can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. This holistic approach to health and well-being helps create a more resilient and vibrant society in Dubai.
CUD Professor Chairs Health Conference
Marriott Hotel Dubai: Dr. Yassen Al Foteih, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Public Health and Health Sciences Chaired a Conference on Healthcare issues organized by the ‘12th World Congress on Industrial Health, Healthcare and Medical Tourism.’
This World Renowned Organization invited speakers from US, UK, Ireland and the GCC countries to speak on a range of topics concerning Healthcare. Representatives from various Health Authorities throughout the GCC were in attendance to learn about recent developments in healthcare.
Dr. Yassen, a member of the Conference Organizing Committee and keynote speaker talked on the subject of ‘Shisha, the Silent Killer.’ As part of his recent research, Dr. Yassen has discovered the existence of six strains of bacteria found in Shisha which can be harmful to health. He also chaired both plenary sessions in the Conference.
As a follow-up to the Conference Dr. Yassen has been invited to a Health Conference in Japan in November where he will further expand on his theories and speak on the second stage of his studies which will be to try and identify if viruses exist in Shisha which may also be harmful to health.
Dr. Yassen commented that only by getting together at events such as this, could growing concerns about health be addressed. He expressed the hope that by planting ideas in peoples’ minds about issues affecting their personal health could improvements in healthcare be brought about.
Environmental Health Sciences Students Attend Occupational Health Workshop
CEDARS Jebel Ali International Hospital: A group of fourth-year students from the Environmental Health Sciences Department attended a one-day training workshop focused on occupational health safety (OSH).
The session was facilitated by Dr. Adnan Kaddaha, Chairman and Managing Director of CEDARS, who welcomed CUD staff and students and explained the history of the hospital. CEDARS includes one of the largest occupational health departments in the region.
Following the introduction, the students and staff received a detailed summary of the activities that CEDARS staff members are involved in, which includes new prevention strategies for labour inspection, OSH standards and OSH management systems. Students also learned about the planning and performance of inspection and reporting.
The presentations were followed by a hands-on training session for the students.
Speaking after the event, Dr. Yassen Alfoteih, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Health Sciences, explained how occupational diseases lead to adverse health conditions. The occurrence or severity of these health conditions are related to exposure to hazards in the job or work environment. Such hazards can be physical, chemical, ergonomic or psycho-social stress.
Dr. Alfoteih emphasized that such training would enhance student skills and expose them to real-world challenges.
Students who attended the workshop said that they looked forward to receiving further training and information on analyzing in-depth safety legislation and OSH regulations, best practices and updated technologies and strategies for healthier and safer workplaces.
For more details about CEDARS Hospital, go to http://www.cedars-jaih.com/
Canadian University Dubai aligns public health programs with UAE 2031 vision
Degrees designed to nurture next generation of changemakers in environment and health
June 20th, 2023, Dubai, UAE: Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has set out to nurture the next generation of environment and health management changemakers, with a revamped curriculum that aims to support the Government’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. The Bachelor of Science in Public Health program has been built to align with the nation’s goals for the coming decade, with two concentrations in the disciplines of Health Administration and Environmental Health Management.
CUD’s BSc in Public Health has received re-accreditation by the Ministry of Education in the UAE, based upon two newly introduced concentrations, specifically supporting the ‘We the UAE 2031’ goals around accelerating growth in the healthcare and sustainability industries. The vision aims to position the UAE among the top 10 countries in the world for healthcare services, and one of the global forces in the environmental agenda. As public health and the environment are pivotal to the sustainability of humanity, graduates of the newly specialized programs have the potential to play a leading role in the future of society, both locally and internationally.
Speaking about the curriculum alignment, Dr. Aseel Takshe, Head of the Department of Public Health at CUD said, “With the UAE Year of Sustainability, the hosting of COP 28 and the nation’s ambitions surrounding medical tourism, the program is fully aligned with the current and future market demand. It is designed to attract ambitious students who aspire to be tomorrow’s public health leaders and a driving force for change. Our aim is to lead the discourse and to nurture the dedicated professionals who will work at the forefront of the public health field in local and global communities.”
Dr. Takshe continued, “We take an applied approach to training students for professional practice in public health management, with several lab-based components that offer hands-on experience of real-world projects, as well as industry-based site visits that provide first-hand knowledge of the working environment. Students can also earn KHDA-accredited certifications on health and environment-related disciplines within the course, to build their professional credentials.”
The first episode of CUD’s new podcast series, ‘Coffee with the Profs,’ focused on the BSc program and the future of public health, both at a national and global level. This podcast series explores the different academic subjects and examines their societal impact. Hosted by Dr. Takshe, the discussion welcomed CUD public health graduates, Maha Talli and Inkara Nazarbekova, who reflected on their education and professional experiences since graduation.
Speaking about her motivation to study the program, Maha said, “Many of the public health issues we face, such as heat illnesses, malnutrition, and communicable diseases occur because of what is happening to the environment; the two subjects are entirely interrelated. We need to improve our focus on public health, understand what is causing these issues and to work towards early detection and prevention, rather than solving problems as they arise. This is why it is important for me and our communities to be a part of contributing to this change.”
Concluding the discussion, Dr. Takshe said, “The issues around health and the environment have always existed, but we do not know when we will reach the tipping point from which we cannot recover. We need to elevate our actions now so that we can be proactive, not reactive, to the challenges that lie ahead. This program is important to the future of this region and society as a whole, to create the changemakers that will make the difference that impacts all of our lives.”
Dubai Health Authority and Canadian University Dubai Collaboration
Students from the School of Public Health & Health Sciences at Canadian University Dubai have heard from Dr. Mazin A. Gadir, Senior Specialist at Dubai Health Authority (DHA), about the organization’s five-year strategic development plan for the City.Dr. Gadir, who represents DHA’s Executive Office for Organizational Transformation, outlined the strategy’s vision, ‘Towards a healthier and happier community’, and revealed the mission to transform Dubai into a leading healthcare destination by fostering innovative and integrated care models, and by enhancing community engagement. Developed to align with the UAE national strategic development plan, Vision 2021, the strategy consists of three key goals: to driven and ensure compliance and accountability through an innovative health governance framework; to protect and improve population health; and to ensure patient happiness by providing world-class healthcare services. Discussing the process for the development of the strategy, Dr. Gadir revealed that input was sought from a broad range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and collected through a variety of channels including one-to-one interviews, workshops, focus groups, virtual and online platforms, and brainstorming workshops. Going on to discuss the values that characterize the strategy and the process of its implementation, Dr. Gadir spoke about the 15 programs and 96 initiatives that have been established under the four headline themes of population and healthy lifestyle, service delivery, smart health, and governance. The presentation concluded with a reflection on all the stakeholders that would be involved in making the strategy a success.
CUD in Collaboration with Al Zahra Hospital and Dubai Health Authority Panel Discussion Focused on New DRG Health Care Model
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences hosted a panel discussion focusing on the refined Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) insurance payment model. In order to increase competitiveness in health care, Dubai Health Authority is planning to introduce a DRG, which would help build stronger relationships within the health care industry in Dubai. DRG, an internationally-vetted insurance billing system that will be implemented in Dubai in 2018, ensures transparent billing and easier payment processes to help avoid excess payments and overbilling. It will be adopted by all health care facilities in Dubai by 2020. At the moment, if a patient undergoes a particular surgery, the final bill varies widely from hospital to hospital. But with DRG, there will be a fixed fee for every procedure. The discussion, featuring speakers from Claims Care, Al Zahra Hospital and Dubai Health Authority, focused on the impact of DRG on the health care industry in Dubai and recommended best practices to ensure a successful implementation.
CUD Hosts Panel Discussion Focused on New DRG Health Care Model
The Department of Environmental Health Sciences hosted a panel discussion focusing on the refined Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) insurance payment model.
In order to increase competitiveness in health care, Dubai Health Authority is planning to introduce a DRG, which would help build stronger relationships within the health care industry in Dubai.
DRG, an internationally-vetted insurance billing system that will be implemented in Dubai in 2018, ensures transparent billing and easier payment processes to help avoid excess payments and overbilling. It will be adopted by all health care facilities in Dubai by 2020.
At the moment, if a patient undergoes a particular surgery, the final bill varies widely from hospital to hospital. But with DRG, there will be a fixed fee for every procedure.
The discussion, featuring speakers from Claims Care, Al Zahra Hospital and Dubai Health Authority, focused on the impact of DRG on the health care industry in Dubai and recommended best practices to ensure a successful implementation.
Canadian University Dubai (CUD) in Collaboration with Dubai-based clinic Health
Call and its general manager, Ousama Alnazzal, has hosted a day-long event dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing among everyone on campus. Several trained professionals attended the event, including certified Obesity Medicine specialist, Dr. Charles F. Cheatham. The specialists from Health Call provided a full health examination for curious students, which included Smokerlyzer tests, blood sugar tests, and cholesterol tests. The students were also provided with a full height, weight, and waistline analysis. Many of the attendees among students and staff were also given a generous variety of vouchers, in addition to the free consultations. Taking place at the same time as CUD’s Student Club Signup event, the whole day ran smoothly thanks to the organizers, the Student Council, whose members were present throughout. The experts and managers from Health Call attracted quite an audience of curious students who were more than happy with the advice that they were given. The students who attended agreed that the event was a great success.
Personal Counseling
Canadian University Dubai recognizes the incredible pressure on today’s student. These pressures can become overwhelming for some students and could lead in some cases to conditions that can jeopardize students’ academic success. The aim of the University is to prevent students from either feeling alone, or feeling unable to seek help for their problems.
The student counselor has professional experience and training in order to assist students, whether the issues are emotional, psychological, social or physical. All counseling is done on an individual basis and is strictly confidential. Students will be provided with all the assistance they need and, if necessary, will be referred to outside medical professionals to ensure they get the appropriate help.
At the Canadian University Dubai (CUD), we recognize the importance of mental health and well-being in our academic community. To support both students and staff, we offer accessible and confidential mental health support services through our Personal Counseling Center. During the first visit, our experienced counselors provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their concerns and needs. Depending on the assessment, the counselor may recommend a follow-up visit or even refer individuals to the university psychologist for further specialized care.
These services are provided free of charge, emphasizing our commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment where the mental health of our CUD family is a top priority.
CUD Summer Camp Day 3 Highlights!
Thank you to all participants who attended the Psychology and Business Workshops. It was interesting analyzing psychologist attributes and brainstorming business ideas!
#CUDubai #SummerCamp #psychology #business #management #creativeindustries
Canadian University Dubai promotes student happiness with Wellness Wednesdays
Student-led initiative inspires self-awareness and personal well-being
June 26th, 2023, Dubai, UAE: An initiative led by students at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is promoting a culture of happiness and positivity on campus, through a range of weekly activities that aim to inspire self-awareness, personal reflection, and mental and physical well-being. Led by the university’s student Wellness Society, the Wellness Wednesdays program encourages participants to focus on self-care amid the growing pressures young people are facing in daily life.
Bringing together students from across all four faculties, Wellness Wednesdays aims to raise awareness about mental health, while providing an outlet for participants to develop new skills and meet new people. Explaining the background to the initiative, President of the CUD Wellness Society, and Psychology student, Vaishnavi Varma said, “We noticed that when students returned to offline learning after the pandemic, many of them were struggling with making new friends and interacting with their peers, in addition to the usual study-related stresses of deadlines and exams.”
She continued, “We know that well-being can impact academic performance, so we wanted to do something to provide time-out for students to focus on themselves and to connect with one another. Wellness Wednesdays provides the opportunity for students to meet in a relaxed environment where they can socialize, collaborate, de-stress, and also support one another.”
The weekly gathering presents a diverse range of experiences for students to get involved in, from painting and candle-making to meditation and physical activities. The program works in partnership with other university societies to stage dedicated events around occasions such as Sports Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, and also collaborates with local businesses to help students connect with the community.
A regular at Wellness Wednesdays is student Yasmeen Khadri, who said, “The events are great to join because they provide me with a dedicated time for self-care and help to promote my overall well-being. I love to enjoy simple activities like painting and jewellery making, which help to reduce my stress and foster my personal growth. It’s a valuable opportunity for me to prioritize my wellness, connect with a supportive community, and engage in activities that bring me joy and relaxation.”
Speaking about the impact of the initiative, Vaishnavi said, “It has been fulfilling to see how students immerse themselves in the experiences and bring forward their own ideas for activities and opportunities to collaborate. It is also heartwarming to see students come along each week, build their confidence and create new friendships that might otherwise never have happened.”
Maryam Farahmand, Student Life Officer at CUD, concluded, “We know how important it is to dedicate time to well-being and relaxation, and the Wellness Society took the initiative to establish a weekly program that encourages and enables students to schedule this as a regular commitment. The fact that this is a student-led activity means we have seen a high level of engagement and excellent feedback on the positive impact this has for participants.”
Student Health Clinic
The overall goal of this policy is to achieve the quality standards, improve patient safety and promote healthy outcomes with the use of the key elements of the CUD Health Center which abides by the DHA guidelines and policies.
Free basic medical services are provided for students at Canadian University Dubai Medical Centre. Two qualified nurses are available on campus, and a fully qualified medical doctor is available once per week for consultations and follow-ups.
Nurse Roles:
- Provide first aid and medical care for minor acute illness and injuries
- Advocate for health and wellbeing of the CUD community
- Health promotion, education, early detection, and intervention
- Providing high-quality care by establishing rapport
- Providing comprehensive care, by being health counselor to students, staff, and faculty
Health Issues
Minor problems are treated at Canadian University Dubai Health Centre. Students will be referred to health providers for more serious problems requiring treatment. In addition, one counselor is available at Canadian University Dubai to provide support and guidance for students experiencing stress, conflicts, and other personal problems.
Hours of Operation
Canadian University Dubai’s Health Centre will be open during university hours. Services are available on a walk-in-basis or by appointment to students with a valid Student ID Card.CostsHealth services are free of charge at Canadian University Dubai Health Centre. The health centre will assist students to obtain the Government Medical Health Card that is necessary for students to have access to government medical services. In case of critical illness or emergency, students will be transferred to a hospital. Information on private medical insurance plans will be provided to students who would like additional medical insurance coverage in private health institutions
Costs
Health services are free of charge at Canadian University Dubai Health Centre. The health centre will assist students to obtain the Government Medical Health Card that is necessary for students to have access to government medical services. In case of critical illness or emergency, students will be transferred to a hospital. Information on private medical insurance plans will be provided to students who would like additional medical insurance coverage in private health institutions
CUD Joins Cancer Awareness Campaign
Canadian university Dubai (CUD) has joined the campaign to increase public knowledge and understanding of cancer and related illnesses with a week-long program of events to mark Cancer Awareness Week 2017.
Faculty and students have come together in both educational and recreational activities to learn more about cancer symptoms, prevention and cure, and to show their support for those affected by the disease.
The week opened with a Pink Day, where the campus took on a rose-coloured theme in tribute of the traditional colour associated with breast cancer movement. Day one of the campaign also saw the launch of an interactive exhition by the CUD Art Club, aiming to encourage students from across the University to use their creativity to produce inspirational message of hope.
On day two, the Friends of Cancer Patients took to the University’s Red Theatre to host an information and Q&A session on the broad range of guidance and support services on offer from the charity. Students, faculty and staff heard about the organization’s various campaigns to promote cancer awareness, which began with the Pink Caravan initiative in 2011.
Physicians from Dubai’s medical city were on hand on day three to provide free health checks for CUD students, faculty and staff, while Dr. Yassen Al Foteih, Program Chair in the School of Public Health & Health Sciences, delivered a workshop on the realities of asthma and lung cancer in the UAE.
CUD’s Cancer Awareness Week, which runs from 12th – 18th February, is set to conclude with the participation of more than 70 CUD representatives in the Dubai edition of the Terry Fox Run, an annual event to raise funds for cancer research. The University will also welcome Judith Fox, Terry’s younger sister, at a workshop to tell her brother’s inspirational story.