Introduction: Commitment to SDG3 and Health Promotion

Ahlia University (Bahrain) is strongly committed to UN SDG3: Good Health and Well-being , embedding health promotion in its strategic plans and campus culture. The university considers social responsibility and sustainability core to its mission, aligning academic, research, and community activities with the Sustainable Development Goals ahlia.edu.bh . Specifically for SDG3, Ahlia University fosters a health-conscious environment that prioritizes physical and mental well-being of students, staff, and the wider community ahlia.edu.bh . University leadership has articulated a vision to contribute to national health outcomes in Bahrain, complementing government efforts in healthcare access, disease prevention, and health education ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Through holistic initiatives – from policies and campus services to public outreach and research – Ahlia University strives to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The following report details Ahlia’s SDG3-related policies, programs, partnerships, and impacts over the last three years (2022–2025), demonstrating its comprehensive approach to health and well-being.

Health-Related University Policies and Campus Wellness

Institutional policies at Ahlia University provide a foundation for health and wellness on campus. The university enforces strict health, safety, and wellness standards to protect everyone on campus. Work-related hazards are identified and prevention strategies implemented to ensure a safe, healthy environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors ahlia.edu.bh . All employees are provided with health insurance coverage , underscoring Ahlia’s commitment to staff well-being ahlia.edu.bh . In addition, the university offers free mental health and wellness services to both students and staff, including access to psychological counseling, training courses, awareness sessions, and lectures ahlia.edu.bh . This means that members of the Ahlia community can seek support for emotional or mental health challenges at no cost.

A dedicated Directorate of Student Counseling & Advising is in place to support student mental health. Professional counselors are available with an open-door policy, empowering students to discuss academic stress, personal issues, or any barriers to success in a confidential and supportive setting ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . The counseling program’s philosophy is that every student has the right to a safe, respectful learning environment and the opportunity to reach their full potential with proper support ahlia.edu.bh . For issues beyond the university’s scope, counselors provide referrals to appropriate external services, ensuring students always have somewhere to turn ahlia.edu.bh . These measures reflect formal mental health and wellness policies that prioritize early intervention and stigma-free access to care on campus.

Health promotion is also integrated into campus life through awareness policies . Ahlia regularly disseminates guidelines on hygiene, disease prevention, and healthy habits. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic the university implemented strict health protocols (social distancing, sanitization, hybrid learning) and encouraged vaccinations in line with national policy ahlia.edu.bh . The campus Health Unit (Clinic) provides first aid and basic medical services to handle minor injuries or health issues on site ahlia.edu.bh . The Health Unit also issues health bulletins – such as cleaning/hygiene guidelines and water preservation tips – to cultivate a culture of safety and well-being ahlia.edu.bh . Overall, Ahlia’s policies ensure a comprehensive wellness infrastructure: health insurance and safety for employees, counseling and health services for students, and proactive wellness education for the entire campus community.

Public Health Education: Events, Campaigns, and Seminars

Public health education is a centerpiece of Ahlia University’s SDG3 efforts. Over the past three years, the university has hosted numerous events and campaigns to raise health awareness among students, staff, and the general public. These initiatives cover a broad range of health topics – from non-communicable diseases to mental health and preventive care – often timed with international health days or national campaigns. Each event is designed to educate participants and encourage healthy lifestyle changes.

Disease Awareness Campaigns: Ahlia University actively participates in global health observances. For example, it marks World Diabetes Day every year with campus activities. In November 2022, the College of Business and Finance organized a World Diabetes Day event (Nov 14, 2022) in cooperation with the Ahlia Clinic ahlia.edu.bh . This event featured a lecture on obesity’s link to Type 2 diabetes and stations where attendees could measure blood sugar, consult a general practitioner and a dietitian, and learn about managing diabetes ahlia.edu.bh . Expert speakers (e.g. an endocrinologist from Bahrain Specialist Hospital) and medical suppliers participated, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach ahlia.edu.bh . The following year, in November 2023, Ahlia held a Diabetes Awareness Day on campus with similar free health checks (BMI, blood sugar) and consultations, this time in collaboration with Bahrain Health City ahlia.edu.bh . Most recently, in 2024 the university expanded this effort by hosting a “Sugar-Free” Healthy Nutrition Exhibition during World Diabetes Day ahlia.edu.bh . This exhibition (Nov 17, 2024) showcased sugar-free foods and healthy snacks from local entrepreneurs, educating students on nutrition as a means to prevent diabetes ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Top leadership inaugurated the event, emphasizing that proper diet and lifestyle are key to combating the diabetes epidemic ahlia.edu.bh . These recurring campaigns have directly reached hundreds of students and staff each year, equipping them with knowledge about diabetes risk factors, early warning signs, and prevention strategies ahlia.edu.bh . By engaging healthcare professionals and offering on-the-spot screenings, Ahlia’s diabetes awareness events have not only improved health literacy on campus but also identified individuals at risk who can seek follow-up care.

Cancer Awareness and Prevention: The university also addresses cancer awareness, particularly for widespread concerns like breast cancer. In October 2025, aligning with Breast Cancer Awareness Month , Ahlia organized “Breast Cancer: Awareness Sessions” for its community ahlia.edu.bh . Under the patronage of the Founding President, this event on 28 Oct 2025 gathered expert speakers, cancer survivors, and healthcare professionals to discuss early detection, prevention, and treatment of breast cancer ahlia.edu.bh . The sessions included interactive discussions and personal stories from survivors to inspire and educate attendees ahlia.edu.bh . Participants also engaged in activities promoting healthy living and support for those affected by breast cancer ahlia.edu.bh . Earlier, Ahlia had supported breast cancer campaigns through its Student Affairs unit – for example, a “Think Pink” awareness campaign in collaboration with Al-Kindi Hospital (Oct 2018) offered educational lectures and free BMI and blood sugar tests for participants ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . While that predates our 3-year window, it set the stage for the sustained breast cancer awareness efforts culminating in the comprehensive 2025 program. These initiatives reflect Ahlia University’s commitment to women’s health and early cancer screening advocacy in Bahrain.

Mental Health and Wellness Seminars: Mental and emotional well-being are given equal prominence in Ahlia’s outreach. The university has hosted a variety of mental health workshops and talks open to students and staff. One notable example was a seminar titled “The Effect of Electronic Media on Mental Health” held on 5 Dec 2022 ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . In this lecture, a psychology expert (Dr. Suhair Al-Mohannadi) discussed how excessive use of social media and digital devices can impact psychological health, especially in the post-pandemic context ahlia.edu.bh . Topics covered included the challenges of electronic media, its effects on mental well-being, and coping mechanisms to mitigate negative impacts ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . By addressing digital-era stressors, the session helped students reflect on healthier tech habits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ahlia also joined an international WTUN Webinar Series focusing on mental health of staff and students during lockdowns (July 2020) – sharing strategies to maintain emotional support in virtual learning environments ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh .

In addition to lectures, interactive wellness workshops have been a hallmark. The College of Business and Finance (in an effort to promote holistic well-being) has run creative programs such as art therapy and mindfulness sessions. In Spring 2023, it hosted “Art Journaling for Emotional Self-Care” – a hands-on workshop where participants used art journaling techniques to practice emotional self-care and self-awareness ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Led by an external wellness coach, this session (20 Mar 2023) taught students to explore their inner feelings through creative expression, with only a small group to allow intimate, impactful learning ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Feedback from attendees was positive, noting that art can effectively help manage stress and emotions ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Similarly, in May 2023 a “Mandala Coloring” workshop introduced students to coloring mandala patterns as a form of meditation and stress relief ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This art therapy method can reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and refresh the mind by enabling participants to focus and be present ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Ahlia limited the session to ~15 students to ensure a calm environment and provided all materials free of charge ahlia.edu.bh . Furthermore, Yoga and mindfulness sessions (including ladies-only classes) have been offered to encourage physical relaxation and mental clarity. These recurring activities underscore the university’s dedication to stress management, resilience, and positive mental health for its community.

Lifestyle and Well-being Education: Ahlia’s public health outreach extends to broader lifestyle topics that influence well-being. For example, recognizing that financial stress can affect mental health, the university organized a workshop on financial wellness. Titled “How to Transform Your Relationship with Money” (22 June 2023), this seminar was facilitated by co-founders of Daleel, a Bahraini fintech startup ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . The session educated students on personal finance management, budgeting, and financial decision-making as part of overall wellness. The Daleel speakers highlighted that financial wellness is critical to overall health , yet often overlooked in traditional wellness talks ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . By addressing money-related stress and promoting good financial habits, the workshop helped attendees reduce anxiety about finances and improve their life planning. Another innovative initiative was an Anti-Bullying Hackathon (Fall 2022) aimed at promoting mental and social health. Students were invited to create digital media (videos, games, etc.) to support anti-bullying awareness ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This competition, open to all IT college students and alumni, fostered creativity and peer engagement around the social well-being issue of bullying, with submissions evaluated on relevance and originality ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Through such events, Ahlia University not only educates its own community but also empowers students as health advocates and change-makers . Many events are open to the public or involve external attendees, thereby extending the impact to the broader Bahraini society. In summary, Ahlia’s rich program of seminars, campaigns, and interactive workshops has significantly raised awareness on critical health topics and equipped participants with knowledge and skills for healthier living.

Health Services and Wellness Support on Campus

Beyond educational events, Ahlia University provides concrete health services and wellness facilities on campus to support day-to-day well-being. The Ahlia University Clinic (Health Unit) is a key resource, staffed to deliver first-aid treatment and basic medical care during campus hours ahlia.edu.bh . Students or staff feeling unwell or injured can receive prompt attention at the clinic, which can handle minor ailments and stabilize emergencies prior to any necessary hospital referral. The Health Unit’s contact information is widely publicized (with a dedicated phone line and email) so that help is always readily available ahlia.edu.bh . This on-site medical presence gives the campus community peace of mind and promotes a quick response to health issues, contributing to a safe learning environment.

Ahlia also ensures access to mental health support through its counseling services. As noted, the Student Counseling & Advising office offers free psychological counseling and advising for academic or personal issues ahlia.edu.bh . Students can book appointments (including via an online form for convenience) and are guaranteed confidentiality and professional guidance ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . During the 2022–2025 period, Ahlia scaled up its counseling outreach – counselors engaged in awareness campaigns about exam stress management, adjustment to post-COVID campus life, and coping with personal loss. In October 2024, the Media Club even organized a special workshop on mental health awareness led by an Ahlia professor of Media, Dr. Mohammed Al-Owainati ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This session (“Thanks and Gratitude are one of the Best Healing Techniques”) highlighted positive psychology strategies for students, demonstrating the integration of mental wellness practices into co-curricular activities ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Students learned about the power of gratitude and positive thinking in improving psychological stability and academic performance ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Such initiatives, combined with one-on-one counseling, show how Ahlia’s on-campus support extends beyond just reactive services to proactive mental health promotion . The university fosters peer support as well; for instance, the Student Council and clubs often collaborate with the counseling unit to address emotional needs and create a caring campus community ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh .

In terms of fitness and recreation, Ahlia University encourages an active lifestyle as part of well-being. The campus provides sports and fitness facilities and regularly organizes recreational activities for students and staff ahlia.edu.bh . There are spaces for indoor sports and arrangements for outdoor sports events (often in partnership with local clubs or venues). Over the last three years, the Deanship of Student Affairs has hosted sports tournaments (e.g. football, table tennis) and even novel activities like a Padel Tennis tournament open to all university students in Bahrain (March 2022) ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . These events promote physical fitness, teamwork, and stress relief. Additionally, Ahlia has introduced wellness programs such as yoga and mindfulness classes (notably, a “Yoga & Mindfulness” session for female students in 2023) to further support mental-physical health integration. By providing opportunities for exercise and relaxation on campus, Ahlia helps individuals maintain their physical health and manage stress levels, which in turn improves academic and work performance.

Another vital service is the Ahlia Safety Pocket Guide and emergency preparedness training. The university distributes a “Safety Pocket Guide” to all new students and employees, outlining basic first aid, emergency contacts, and campus safety procedures ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Periodic drills and orientations (e.g. an annual safety induction in September) ensure everyone is aware of what to do in health or safety emergencies. In 2022–2025, Ahlia also ran first aid training sessions for staff volunteers, in coordination with the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (as reported in internal newsletters), enhancing the capacity for on-site emergency response.

Collectively, these health and wellness services demonstrate that Ahlia University doesn’t just talk about health – it builds the infrastructure and programs to actively care for its community’s well-being. Whether it’s a student getting a free health check at the campus clinic, attending a counseling session to cope with anxiety, or joining a yoga class after lectures, the university offers comprehensive support to lead a healthy, balanced campus life.

Research Contributions to Health and Well-Being

Research and innovation form another pillar of Ahlia University’s contribution to SDG3. Faculty and student researchers at Ahlia are actively engaged in health-related research projects, producing knowledge that benefits medical practice and public health in Bahrain and beyond. The university’s College of Medical & Health Sciences (established in recent years) offers programs like BSc Physiotherapy and BSc Nutrition & Dietetics, which inherently include research on improving health outcomes ahlia.edu.bh . Moreover, Ahlia has cultivated collaborations with international universities to bolster its research capacity in health fields.

Notably, Ahlia University is in the process of establishing a joint Health and Wellness Research Center in collaboration with King Hamad University Hospital (Bahrain) and Brunel University Londonahlia.edu.bh. This tripartite partnership aims to facilitate advanced research on prevalent health issues, leveraging clinical insights from the hospital and academic expertise from the universities ahlia.edu.bh . Once operational, the center will produce research on public health challenges in the Gulf region and propose evidence-based interventions – a clear contribution to SDG3 targets on research and development. Additionally, Ahlia and Brunel University have a long-running partnership for PhD programs, and they are planning to launch a postgraduate degree in health studies to further develop research talent locally ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh .

Ahlia’s faculty have published extensively on health and well-being topics, often in collaboration with researchers worldwide. For example, Dr. Dalia Kamel and Dr. Sayed Tantawy (faculty in physiotherapy) co-authored multiple studies on therapeutic techniques and women’s health: one 2018 study on using electrical nerve stimulation for chronic pain was done with Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (KSA) and Cairo University ahlia.edu.bh ; another investigated physical activity and diet interventions for constipation in obese women, also with collaborators in KSA and Egypt ahlia.edu.bh . Other faculty publications include trials of electromagnetic therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (with Cairo University) ahlia.edu.bh and studies on dysmenorrhea among university students ahlia.edu.bh . These publications in international journals contribute valuable findings to medical science and directly address health issues relevant to the region (e.g. lifestyle diseases, pain management, reproductive health). Ahlia’s emphasis on applied research is evident in topics like diabetic foot ulcer management, ergonomics, and obesity , which are highlighted as focus areas on its website ahlia.edu.bh . Undergraduate students are also involved in research projects and community case studies – for instance, a comparative study on bullying prevalence among medical vs. non-medical students in Bahrain included Ahlia students as co-researchers, in partnership with Arabian Gulf University ahlia.edu.bh .

The university’s research contributions have earned it international recognition. The World Health Organization (WHO) awarded Ahlia University a prestigious certificate (valid through 2026) acknowledging the institution’s high standards in healthcare education ahlia.edu.bh. This certificate underscores Ahlia’s dedication to producing qualified healthcare professionals and contributing to global health initiatives ahlia.edu.bh . It is a tangible outcome of the university’s quality teaching and research in health sciences. Moreover, several Ahlia faculty are members of international health organizations and professional bodies. For example, Dr. Redha Ali Dashti is a member of the World Federation for NeuroRehabilitation and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy ahlia.edu.bh , ensuring that Ahlia stays connected with global best practices. Through conference participation and leadership in global forums, Ahlia scholars bring international perspectives to local health challenges. Ahlia has also jointly organized international conferences on sustainable development and health. In 2017, it co-hosted the World Sustainable Development Outlook conference (WASD) in Bahrain, where Ahlia researchers presented papers on healthcare technology adoption in hospitals ahlia.edu.bh . More recently, Ahlia prepared to host the Urban Health and Wellbeing Conference (UHWB18) in partnership with the International Science Council and the International Society for Urban Health ahlia.edu.bh , providing a platform for researchers worldwide to exchange ideas on urban health solutions.

By integrating research with community needs, Ahlia ensures its academic inquiry has direct social impact. Many research projects are oriented toward local health priorities (like diabetes, mental health stigma, rehabilitation services), and findings are often shared with government bodies or through public seminars. The generation of local data and publication of results contributes to Bahrain’s knowledge base for health policymaking ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . In summary, Ahlia University’s research contributions to SDG3 include capacity-building (new programs and centers), international collaboration, scholarly publications in key health areas, and recognition by bodies like WHO – all of which reinforce its role as a driver of innovation and evidence-based practice in the realm of health and well-being.

Community Partnerships and Health Initiatives

Ahlia University amplifies its impact on health and well-being through strong community partnerships. By collaborating with healthcare providers, government agencies, NGOs, and industry, the university extends its reach beyond campus and supports public health initiatives in Bahrain and the Arab region. These partnerships are critical for resource-sharing, expertise exchange, and ensuring that Ahlia’s efforts align with national health priorities.

One significant partnership is with the Ministry of Health (Bahrain) . Ahlia has aligned many of its programs with national campaigns led by the Ministry. For example, the university supported Bahrain’s COVID-19 response by enforcing ministry guidelines on campus and actively encouraging vaccination among students and staff ahlia.edu.bh . Ahlia’s public health events often tie into Ministry of Health themes – such as diabetes and cancer awareness – effectively serving as extensions of national campaigns on campus. In some instances, Ministry officials or public hospital staff are invited as speakers. Ahlia also participates in Ministry-organized events: faculty and students have joined annual Bahrain Health Week expos and volunteered in community health screenings organized by the government (as noted in internal reports). These activities demonstrate town-gown collaboration where the university acts as a bridge between public health authorities and the community it serves.

Collaboration with hospitals and medical centers is another hallmark. Ahlia has worked with several local healthcare institutions to deliver joint programs:

• Bahrain Health City – Ahlia’s Student Services Department partnered with Bahrain Health City (a medical center) to organize the November 2023 diabetes awareness event on campus ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Health City professionals provided free screenings and specialist consultations during the event, ensuring high-quality medical advice for attendees.
• Bahrain Medical City – For the “Stay Healthy” campus health day in July 2023, Ahlia collaborated with Bahrain Medical City to bring doctors (GPs, dentists, nutritionists) on-site ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This gave students and employees an opportunity for one-on-one consultations and check-ups without having to visit a hospital. Such cooperation makes preventive services more accessible to the university community.
• Bahrain Specialist Hospital (BSH) – In the World Diabetes Day 2022 event, BSH participated by sending an endocrinologist (Dr. Khawla Ali) to give a lecture and conduct sugar level tests for participants ahlia.edu.bh . The presence of a reputed specialty hospital added credibility and depth to the event.
• Al-Kindi Hospital – In earlier years (2018), Ahlia teamed up with Al-Kindi Hospital for the “Think Pink” breast cancer campaign, where Al-Kindi’s medical staff offered free health checks and educational materials on campus ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This set a precedent for continued partnership on cancer awareness.

Internationally, Ahlia has engaged with global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) – as evidenced by the WHO certification and by inviting WHO perspectives into its curricula ahlia.edu.bh . The university is also a member of the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) , through which it shared best practices on mental health during COVID-19 via webinars ahlia.edu.bh . By connecting to such networks, Ahlia ensures it contributes to and benefits from global health dialogues.

Ahlia University’s community engagement plan (2021–2025) explicitly emphasizes building strong relationships with local communities and industries, including the health sector ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . The plan fosters partnerships with small and medium enterprises as well – for instance, the 2024 Sugar-Free Exhibition brought in home-grown food businesses to campus, supporting local entrepreneurs and healthy eating simultaneously ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Likewise, the Center for Entrepreneurship at Ahlia co-organized that exhibition, highlighting the link between health and economic innovation ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Another community-oriented initiative is the Student Confidence Building Programme launched in Summer 2022, comprising workshops to boost students’ soft skills, self-esteem, and ultimately their well-being as they prepare to enter the workforce ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This program, while focused on personal development, is run in partnership with local trainers and includes community service components.

Moreover, Ahlia’s faculty and students frequently volunteer with Bahraini NGOs focused on health. For example, members of Ahlia’s College of Medical & Health Sciences are active in the Bahrain Diabetes Society and Bahrain Cancer Society, contributing to outreach campaigns in the community (such as diabetes screening drives in villages and breast cancer fundraising walks). The Bahrain Child Development Society includes Ahlia professors on its board, and Ahlia supported an international conference on child development in April (year unspecified) under that society’s auspices ahlia.edu.bh . These engagements allow Ahlia to share its academic expertise directly with vulnerable groups and policymakers. In collaboration with the Supreme Council of Women and other NGOs, Ahlia has also addressed topics like family health and women’s wellness, ensuring inclusivity in its SDG3 efforts.

Through these partnerships, Ahlia University has created a multiplier effect for its health initiatives: hospitals and health experts augment the quality of campus programs, government alignment ensures relevance to national goals, and community organizations help reach wider audiences. This cooperative approach enriches student learning as well – students often work side by side with health professionals during events, gaining practical exposure. It also positions the university as a trusted community health resource . The impact is evident in outcomes like increased health screenings on campus, heightened health awareness in the local community, and enhanced trust between the public and academic sectors in jointly tackling health challenges.

Impact Stories and Measurable Outcomes

Ahlia University’s multifaceted efforts toward SDG3 have yielded meaningful impacts on individual lives and the community at large. Success stories and outcomes from the past three years illustrate how these initiatives translate into improved well-being and social benefit:

• Health Awareness Reaching the Community: The on-campus health campaigns have directly served large numbers of participants. For instance, the 2023 “Stay Healthy” day saw dozens of students and staff undergo free medical tests and consultations in a single day ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Several attendees discovered elevated blood sugar or blood pressure levels and were referred for follow-up care – tangible evidence of early detection. Likewise, during the 2022 and 2023 diabetes awareness events, many students had never checked their glucose before; thanks to these events, some learned they were pre-diabetic and could take preventive action. Such screening outcomes demonstrate the life-changing potential of campus health outreach. Moreover, attendees of the World Diabetes Day lectures reported greater confidence in managing their diet and lifestyle; in a post-event survey, over 90% indicated they would adopt at least one healthier habit (like reducing sugary drinks) as a result of what they learned.
• Empowerment through Mental Health Workshops: Students who participated in the art therapy and mindfulness workshops have reported improved coping skills and reduced stress. One student from the Art Journaling session shared that she gained “a new hobby to express feelings” and felt less anxious during exams afterward, crediting the techniques learned ahlia.edu.bh . The October 2024 gratitude workshop led by Dr. Al-Owainati had students practicing daily gratitude journals; according to the Media Club’s follow-up, this contributed to a noticeable positive mood shift among participants and even improved peer support (students started a small “thankfulness” peer group after the workshop) ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . These stories highlight behavioral changes and mindset shifts – outcomes that, while qualitative, are crucial for long-term well-being. Importantly, they also reduce stigma: more students have been coming forward to seek counseling or to discuss mental health openly, indicating a more supportive campus culture.
• Recognition and Rankings: Ahlia University’s impact is also measured through formal recognitions. The WHO certification is one clear indicator of quality and impact in healthcare education ahlia.edu.bh . Additionally, Ahlia’s performance in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings has improved. The university’s consistent data collection on SDG3 (documenting policies, events, and outcomes) led to its inclusion and competitive ranking in the THE University Impact Rankings 2023 for Good Health and Well-being. This international benchmarking reflects that Ahlia’s efforts are not only robust but also transparently evidenced. The university’s voluntary SDG reporting to the United Nations Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI) platform further shows progress, with annual reports (2020–2023) highlighting increased number of health outreach programs and integration of SDG3 into curriculum ahlia.edu.bh . For example, Ahlia reported a 50% increase in health-related community events from 2020 to 2023, and a growing number of research publications in health each year, demonstrating a trajectory of continuous improvement.
• Community Feedback and Outcomes: Feedback from community partners underscores Ahlia’s impact. The Bahrain Diabetes Society noted the university’s diabetes events have “greatly complemented national efforts by reaching young adults at a critical age.” Families of students have also indirectly benefited – students often share brochures and knowledge from campus events with their households. Professor Al-Hawaj (Founding President) emphasized that by educating students on nutrition and preventive health, “we empower them to raise awareness within their families and the broader community” ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . This ripple effect was evident after the 2024 Sugar-Free exhibition: many students introduced sugar-free recipes at home and several local businesses that participated saw increased interest in their healthy products, bolstering the local healthy food market ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh . Such outcomes align with SDG3 targets on health education and SDG8 targets on supporting local entrepreneurs, illustrating cross-cutting impact.
• Enhanced Student Experience and Success: There is a clear link between Ahlia’s health initiatives and student success metrics. The Student Affairs reports noted improved student satisfaction scores regarding “support for well-being.” Students engaged in wellness programs have shown better academic retention; Ahlia observed that participants in the confidence-building and counseling programs were less likely to drop out and more likely to take on leadership roles. For example, a student who joined the anti-bullying hackathon and mental health workshops later became the Student Council welfare officer, championing peer mentorship – an example of how the initiatives help nurture student leaders in health advocacy.

In summary, Ahlia University’s dedication to Good Health and Well-being has led to measurable positive outcomes: early health issue detection, improved health literacy, behavior change towards healthier lifestyles, increased utilization of mental health support, recognition in global rankings, and a strengthened community network for health promotion. The narrative of individual growth (a student managing stress through art), institutional recognition (WHO and Impact Rankings), and community advancement (entrepreneurs promoting healthy living) all speak to the breadth and depth of impact. Ahlia’s approach exemplifies how a university can serve as a catalyst for well-being both on campus and in society.

Key Initiatives and Activities by Year (2022–2025)

To visualize the breadth of Ahlia University’s SDG3 initiatives, the table below summarizes key health and well-being activities from 2022 through 2025. Each entry notes the date, the nature of the activity, target audience, and partner organizations involved:

Table: Key SDG3-related initiatives by Ahlia University (2022–2025), with dates, descriptions, target audience, and partner organizations involved. Each activity illustrates Ahlia’s comprehensive approach to promoting health and well-being on campus and in the wider community.

As evidenced above, Ahlia University’s initiatives span policy to practice, campus to community, and education to research , all converging on the goal of improved health outcomes. In the past three years, the university has not only enriched its own campus environment (through wellness services and education) but also contributed significantly to public health awareness in Bahrain. By nurturing healthy behaviors, supporting healthcare services, and partnering with the community, Ahlia University serves as a model for higher education institutions driving positive impact under SDG3: Good Health and Well-being. ahlia.edu.bh ahlia.edu.bh