SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being in the UAE
Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. In the UAE, the government prioritizes health and wellness as key components of its national agenda, implementing a range of initiatives to support physical, mental, and sexual health.
Government Initiatives for Health
Universal Healthcare Access: The UAE has established a comprehensive healthcare system that provides access to quality healthcare services for all residents. The government funds health services through both public and private sectors, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
Public Health Campaigns: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) conducts regular health awareness campaigns focused on preventing diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging regular health check-ups. Topics include nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease prevention.
Mental Health Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of mental health, the UAE government has launched various programs aimed at promoting mental well-being. These include awareness campaigns, counseling services, and integration of mental health services into primary healthcare settings.
Sexual Health Education: The government supports sexual health initiatives, focusing on education, awareness, and access to services. Programs are designed to inform the public about safe practices, reproductive health, and the importance of consent.
Health Technology and Innovation: The UAE invests in healthcare technology, enhancing telemedicine services and digital health platforms to improve patient access and care management. This innovation is particularly beneficial in remote areas and during health emergencies.
SDG 3 at Al Ain University
Al Ain University (AAU) is committed to advancing SDG 3 through various educational and community-focused initiatives:
Health Sciences Programs: AAU offers diverse programs in health sciences, including nursing, pharmacy, and public health. These programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the healthcare sector and improve community health outcomes.
Research on Health Issues: The university conducts research aimed at addressing local and regional health challenges, including studies on chronic diseases, mental health, and public health policies. This research informs best practices and contributes to the development of effective health interventions.
Community Engagement: AAU actively engages in community service initiatives that promote health awareness. The university organizes health camps, workshops, and seminars to educate the public about various health topics, including mental and sexual health.
Mental Health Support: Al Ain University prioritizes mental health by providing resources and support for students. Counseling services are available, and the university promotes a culture of mental well-being through various initiatives and events.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: AAU collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations to enhance health education and research. These partnerships aim to create a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being.
Conclusion
The UAE's commitment to SDG 3 reflects a comprehensive approach to health that includes physical, mental, and sexual well-being. The government's initiatives, combined with the efforts of institutions like Al Ain University, play a crucial role in fostering a healthier society. By focusing on education, research, and community engagement, AAU contributes significantly to the goal of ensuring good health and well-being for all.
Tripartite Collaboration Between Al Ain University, Gulf Medical University, and Dubai Pharmacy to Standardize the Pharmacy Graduation Exam
In a landmark move to enhance the quality of pharmacy education across the UAE, the College of Pharmacy at Al Ain University has teamed up with Dubai Pharmacy College and Gulf Medical University to launch a unified exit exam initiative. This collaboration aims to standardize the assessment of pharmacy graduates, ensuring they meet high professional standards and are well-prepared for their careers in healthcare.
This collaboration aims to standardize the assessment of pharmacy graduates, ensuring they meet high professional standards and are well-prepared for their careers in healthcare.
This initiative is crucial as it aligns pharmacy education with global best practices, ensuring that all graduates possess the necessary competencies for professional success. By standardizing exit exams, the initiative addresses the need for consistent and rigorous evaluation of pharmacy students, enhancing their readiness and employability in both local and international markets.
Central to this initiative are the efforts of the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), whose advocacy for best practices in programmatic assessment has been a driving force. The CAA's support and encouragement have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition, highlighting their commitment to elevating educational outcomes and setting new benchmarks for pharmacy education in the UAE. Moreover, such an initiative lays the groundwork for the eventual establishment of a common national exit exam for pharmacy graduates in the UAE, setting a standardized competency benchmark across the country.
Prof. Mohammad Ghattas, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Al Ain University, commented: "This unified exit exam is a significant step forward in ensuring that our pharmacy graduates are evaluated with the highest standards. Our goals with this initiative are to learn from each other, benchmark our curriculums, maintain the areas of strength, and improve on weaknesses. We believe this experience will also encourage other institutions to join us in adopting these good practices.”
Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Dean Dubai College of Pharmacy commented: This project is the first step towards having a unified exit exam across the UAE. It serves to ensure that all pharmacy graduates in the country exhibit the UAE Professional Competencies for pharmacy graduates. It will also serve to bring all pharmacy academicians together to engage in wider discussions related to advancing pharmacy education and practice. I am extremely proud of this partnership with Al Ain University and Gulf Medical University.
Prof. Muhammad Al-Shorbagy, Dean College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University commented: “The unified exit exam is a pivotal advancement in standardizing pharmacy education across the UAE. This initiative ensures our graduates meet the highest professional standards, enhancing their readiness for the healthcare sector. It also underscores our commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement among the leading pharmacy colleges”.
AAU concludes the First International Conference on Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Al Ain University concluded the First International Conference of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, which lasted for two days, from 18 to 19th of January 2023, at Abu Dhabi campus. More than 170 researchers and participants attended the conference, and more than 100 research papers from 40 academic and non-academic institutions were reviewed from 20 different countries.
The conference discussed research related to various fields of health and medical sciences and addressed proposals and innovative solutions to serve the community and meet its needs through scientific research and workshops presented by a group of speakers, researchers, specialists, professors, pharmacists, nutrition experts, trainees and students. The conference addressed several domains, most notably: Clinical Pharmacology, and Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Drug Design and Discovery, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology and Nutrition and Food Science. The conference included keynote addresses madeby: Prof. Marc von Etzstein - Professor of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Executive Director of the Glycomics Institute, University of Griffiths, Queensland, Australia, and Professor Jonathan Laing - Professor of Public Health, University of Sunderland, UK.
On the sidelines of the conference, a competition was organized for graduate students, which aimed to give them the opportunity to present their scientific research and share their knowledge. In this competition, 26 students from various universities from inside and outside the UAE participated, and 9 winners were selected by an experienced jury. Three of the winners were from Al Ain University: Abdullah Abu Hajal (Al Ain Campus) got the first place in the category of ‘Best Poster’ in terms of ‘Best Scientific Quality’, Molhm Sakkal (Al Ain Campus) got the first place in the category of ‘Best Presenter’, and Nour Samani from Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) got the second place in the category of ‘Best Design’.
While the remaining six prizes went to: Aisha Al-Mutairi from the Emirates Health Services Corporation/first place in the category of ‘Best Design’, Aseel Al-Jawabri from the UAE University / second place in the category of the ‘Best Poster’ in terms of scientific quality, Aseel Siddiq from Trinity College Dublin/second place in the category of ‘Best Presentation’, Maram Abbas from the Dubai College of Pharmacy /third place in the category of the ‘Best Poster’, Maryam Dabbous/third place in the category of the ‘Best Design’, and Hisham Al-Ashmouni from the Gulf Medical University/third place in the category of ‘Best Presentation’.
Community Engagement Office
This office aims to strengthen the University’s ties with the community and to help advance it in all aspects so as to cater for the various needs and requirements. The University also exerts all effort to establish its place in the local community to enhance the society’s realization of AAU’s significance as an academic institution well- deserving of the community’s support to achieve its goal of providing the nation with a mature, intellectual generation that will serve the community in all aspects. The activities which help accomplish these goals include, but are not restricted to:
• Offering high school top scoring students scholarships.
• Delivering seminars and workshops for various institutions such as schools and colleges.
• Contacting other universities to exchange experience and student activities.
• Taking part in events organizations hold such as awareness campaigns.
• Preparing for national events in line with the nation’s celebrations.
• Organizing awareness campaigns for numerous issues of relevance and importance to the whole community such as breast cancer, smoking, and safe driving.
• Arranging different visits to social organizations such as orphanages, and special needs’ centers.
Al-Hilal Student Club Participates in the "Sustainability of Gardens" Initiative
Al-Hilal Student Club, under the Deanship of Student Affairs/ Al Ain Campus, recently participated in an initiative called "Sustainability of Gardens," in collaboration with Al Ain Municipality.
The event was attended by a large number of Al Ain residents, and the participating club members educated them about the club's goals and its role in promoting sustainability as a contribution to 2023 being declared the Year of Sustainability in the United Arab Emirates.
Al Ain University launches a humanitarian initiative under the slogan "We are with you"
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University - Abu Dhabi Campus - launched a humanitarian initiative under the slogan "We are with you", Where they visited the children who have cancer and they get treated at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
This visit came within the framework of the university's keenness to promote the concepts of tolerance and humanity in the university environment and share these values âÂÃÃÂÂÃÂÂÃÃÂÂÃÂâÂÃÃÂÂÃÂÂÃÃÂÂÃÂwith local community institutions, in addition to providing psychological and moral support to sick children, bringing joy to their hearts, and spreading hope for healing in them.
Facilities
14.1 Recreational Facilities
The University offers recreational and sports zones for both male and female students.
The facilities are:
- Sports and Gymnasium
There are qualified gymnasium trainers and health professionals who supervise the students on all sports facilities. The following facilities are available on campus: 
In addition, students can play tennis, volley ball, basketball, handball, and football. Great attention has been given to coordinating timings for male and female students to ensure the facilities are available to the largest number of students.
Sports and Gymnasium
There are qualified gymnasium trainers and health careers who supervise the students on all sports facilities. The following facilities are available on campus:
|
Facility |
Area/Number |
|
|
|
Al Ain |
Abu Dhabi |
|
Multi-sports Hall |
822 Sq m |
- |
|
Fitness Hall |
127 Sq m |
320 Sq m |
|
Outdoor fields |
- |
1 |
|
Bodybuilding Hall |
1 |
2 |
|
Aerobics Classrooms |
1 |
1 |
|
Chest-building Hall |
1 |
2 |
|
Treadmills |
3 |
4 |
|
Bicycles |
3 |
4 |
|
Tennis Table |
2 |
1 |
|
Baby Foot Table |
1 |
2 |
In addition to, tennis, volley ball, basketball, handball, and football. Great attention has been given to coordinating timings for male and female students to ensure the facilities are available to the largest number of students.
Al Ain University Sports Academy
Open Fitness Day under the slogan “Your Fitness is Sustainability”. Green
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus), in cooperation with the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, organized an Open Fitness Day under the slogan “Your Fitness is Sustainability,” which constituted an important event to encourage students to engage in sports activity and adopt healthy habits.
The events included a variety of sports activities such as resistance exercises and group exercises. There were also stations available to measure the level of fitness and weight, and there was an opportunity to meet some nutrition experts and trainers to get advice on a healthy diet and exercise appropriate for each individual.
Students in the Fitness and Health subject enjoyed the opportunity to interact with other students and exchange experiences on how to improve physical fitness and adopt a healthy lifestyle, and encourage students to actively participate in sporting events, which contributes to strengthening team spirit and enhancing public health.
This experience was a valuable addition to student life and showed a positive response from the students who expressed their gratitude for organizing such events that enhance their health and fitness.
The Health Committee
This Committee is responsible for raising public awareness on students’ health, and its aims to:
1. arrange health related activities in global occasions
2. attend and participate in health events
Health Care Unit.
The University’s clinic provides primary health services, nursing care in addition to handling simple emergencies. In case of critical situations, a student would be transported to the nearest hospital by ambulance so that a specialized doctor would ascertain the situation and complete the necessary tests.
Also, the clinic provides general guidelines and continuing health education for students as healthy food, attention to personal hygiene and how to get enough rest and sleep to achieve greater academic results. The University Clinic arranges lectures on various awareness programs, in cooperation with the Student Activities Unit and external health institutions. Additionally, it participates in many global health events and celebrations.
One of the main services provided by the Health Care Unit is the health insurance service for students. The unit issues health insurance cards for the students whose residency is issued by the University. In order to get a health insurance, students must submit the following documentation:
1. A valid ‘To whom it may concern’ certificate issued from AAU.
2. One personal photo.
3. A copy of the Emirates ID.
4. A copy of valid passport.
5. A copy of valid visa.
"Pink Day" for Breast Cancer Awareness
In conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Student Affairs Deanship at Al Ain Campus, in collaboration with the College of Pharmacy, organized several events under the slogan 'Pink Day.' Students from the College of Pharmacy participated by creating informative posters and publications that highlighted important aspects of breast cancer, including its symptoms, causes, and the significance of early detection.
Moreover, TruLife Hospital and Elegance Medical Center were also invited to the event. They distributed informational brochures and gifts to women and students. Additionally, a nutrition specialist was present to provide various insights into processed and canned foods and their impact on cancer, especially breast cancer.
An open health day for breast cancer awareness
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) organized an open health day, in cooperation with Reem Hospital, coinciding with World Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The health day included various free examinations and medical consultations provided by Dr. Jumana Abu Draie, who explained to the students the importance of early detection of breast cancer as it is the best prevention, and explained the mechanism of self-examination for breast cancer.
She also talked about cases in which women should consult a doctor, stressing the importance of radiological examination, or what is known as mammogram examination, for women over the age of 40, and women who have a family history of the disease, whether it is a mother, sister, or daughter.
Psychological and Social Counseling Office
This office is responsible for following up with students in non-academic problems and providing them with appropriate solutions, including psychological and social problems that they may encounter through their University life. This office also provides individual and group counseling to students while maintaining the highest degree of confidentiality. This office helps new students to overcome the difficulties they may face in their first academic year at the University. To accomplish these goals, AAU ensuring the availability of specialized counsellors who provide personal assistance to students.
An event in celebration of World Mental Health Day
Conciding with the Year of Sustainability, and in alignment with the goals of COP 28, the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, in collaboration with the Deanship of Student Affairs (Al Ain campus), organized a health event under the slogan: "A Peaceful Mind in a Clean Environment," in celebration of World Mental Health Day.
The event included an informative workshop on mental health and its relationship to climate change, as well as the methods to maintain mental health through music and meditation sessions. It also featured a short play highlighting the importance of consulting mental health professionals when needed and encouraging open discussions about mental health. Additionally, there was a mental health exhibition with recreational activities and awareness messages.
A health initiative titled "We Care"
The Deanship of Student Affairs (Psychological and Social Counseling Office) and the College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi campus), in collaboration with Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, organized a health initiative titled "We Care."
The initiative included various screenings such as blood pressure and diabetes tests, as well as measurements of weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI). Additionally, medical consultations related to physical therapy and healthy nutrition were provided.
The initiative also featured an awareness lecture titled "Towards Achieving Mental Health," presented by Ms. Noha Al-Haj, a clinical psychologist. The specialist discussed cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), an approach in psychology based on behavioral and cognitive theories used to treat various conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The speaker covered the definition of this therapeutic model, the steps for its implementation and application, and provided examples of negative thoughts that individuals might have, which can be replaced with adaptive thoughts. The session included role-playing, demonstrating the application of this therapeutic model to an individual suffering from a disorder.
AAU No Smoking Policy
AAU is committed to providing a smoke-free environment to protect the health and comfort of members of the university community from the adverse effects of tobacco smoke. This policy shall be implemented by the following rules and regulations, which may be changed from time to time.
Rules and Regulations
- There shall be no smoking of tobacco products within any building or facility owned or operated by the University, except as provided below.
- Smoking is permitted in the outdoor areas of the university premises.
- While all other buildings and facilities on University property are smoke free, it should be particularly noted, there shall be no smoking in:
a. conference rooms, classrooms, laboratories or lecture halls; or in auditoriums;
b. offices;
c. libraries and bookstores;
d. cafeterias and food and beverage service areas;
e. storage or warehouse areas, and anywhere that hazardous sub stances are found;
f. corridors, lobbies, entries or stairways;
g. Sports or recreational areas
Smoking
Al Ain University is a smoke-free environment, so as to ensure an overall healthy environment to all mebers. This policy is applied according to the following rules:
- No smoking inside any building owned or operated by the University, particularly in the following areas:
• lecture halls, conference rooms, laboratories and amphitheaters.
• Offices.
• Libraries and book stores.
• Cafeteria and vending areas.
• Stores, warehouses and whereabouts of any hazardous materials.
• Corridors and lounges
• Recreational and sports zones.
- Smoking is allowed outside University buildings.
- If the student does not comply with the University’s smoking policy, he will be subjected to one of the following penalties:
• Receiving a level one disciplinary warning along with withdrawing any grants or financial assistance offered in the semester in which the offense is committed; whether this grant is an academic excellence grant or a humanitarian aid grant. The student’s guardian is informed with this decision in person.
• Withdrawing of one or more courses of the semester in which the offense is committed based on the courses’ date of registration. The student’s guardian is informed with this decision in person.
• Cancelling the final exam of one or more courses of the semester in which the offense is committed; according to the courses’ order in the exam timetable, as well as receiving a ‘Fail’ grade in the course(s). The student’s guardian is informed with this decision in person.