SDG 3: GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Ahlia University firmly recognizes that the health and wellbeing of its community are fundamental pillars for achieving academic excellence, sustainable development, and social prosperity. In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 — Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages — the university has integrated health promotion, mental wellness, and preventive care as essential components of its institutional strategy. The university’s commitment extends beyond compliance with health and safety regulations; it seeks to foster a holistic environment that supports both physical and psychological wellbeing among students, faculty, and staff. Through its on-campus health clinic, continuous awareness campaigns, mental health counselling services, and partnerships with national health authorities, Ahlia University ensures accessible, inclusive, and high-quality health services for all members of its community. Moreover, AU actively promotes a culture of wellness through education, research, and community engagement. Health-related topics are embedded across various programs, encouraging students to develop a lifelong awareness of healthy lifestyles, social responsibility, and sustainability. By cultivating an environment where wellbeing is valued as a shared responsibility, Ahlia University contributes not only to SDG 3 but also to the broader vision of building a resilient and healthy society within the Kingdom of Bahrain and beyond.

3.3.1 Does your university as a body have current collaborations with local or global health institutions to improve health & wellbeing outcomes?

Local Collaboration

Bahrain Health City

Diabetes Awareness

https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/events/diabetes-awareness/

In collaboration with Bahrain Health City, the Director of Student Services & Activities is organizing the “Diabetes Awareness”, on Sunday 19th of November 2023 from 11:00 am till 02:00 pm at the Food Court. The program will include the following activities:

• Free medical tests (weight, blood sugar, BMI)
• Consultation with a dental specialist.
• Consultation with a nutritionist.
• Consultation with Audiologist and speech pathologist.

Stay Healthy

ahlia.edu.bh/events/stay-healthy/

The Student Services and Activities Department, in collaboration with Bahrain Medical City, is organizing a comprehensive health education day for the staff and students of Ahlia University on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM in the mezzanine. This event aims to promote health awareness and provide valuable medical services to enhance the well-being of the university community. During this event, doctors and specialists from Bahrain Medical City will be present on campus. They will offer medical consultations and examinations to students and staff. The program will include the following activities:

• Free medical tests (weight, blood sugar, BMI)
• Consultation with a dental specialist.
• Consultation with a nutritionist.

Collaboration with Al-Kindi Hospital

In collaboration with Al-Kindi Hospital, the Director of Student Services & Activities organized the ’Think Pink’ Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign at the theater hall. The aim of this event was to support the effort in raising breast cancer awareness, education, and care. The program included the following activities:

• Awareness Lecture.
• Free medical tests (weight, blood sugar, BMI)
• Consultation with a nutritionist

Health Services Collaborations

Ahlia University’s health service collaborations are primarily designed to safeguard the holistic well-being of its student body and staff. In cooperation with diverse health service institutions, the University develops specialized healthcare programs that address both physical and mental health needs. Moreover, its partnership with Bahrain Health City substantially enhances access to high-quality medical services, providing students with holistic, patient-centered care. This strategic collaboration ensures the availability of specialized consultations, round-the-clock emergency services, and advanced healthcare supported by state-of-the-art technology and professional expertise. Through these alliances, Ahlia University facilitates access to quality medical services, specialized consultations, and preventive programs, thereby fostering a university environment that prioritizes student health and well-being.

Internships

Clinical education courses take place at a number of external sites (see list of affiliated hospitals & centres) and are structured, credited, documented and assessed according to the norms and standards of the University for Clinical Courses. Clinical training experience are embedded in clinical courses. Students are placed into 2 major governmental hospitals (under the Ministry of Health (MOH) & Ministry of Defense), primary health centers (under the MOH), 5 private hospitals (one of it is specialised hospital) and two private clinics. Students in final year will be also gaining experience visiting community-based centres in both pediatric and geriatric settings. Each multi-section clinical course has a course coordinator, course instructor and Clinical assistant(s) all of whom are licensed physiotherapists/medical practitioners and act as mentors to the students. The coordinators and instructors are either full time or part-time faculty members under the management of the Department Chairperson. Furthermore, Clinical Education has been detailed in a Clinical Education Manual and Clinical Training and Education Logbook which includes policies & procedures and assessment methods.

Student Activities and Services support students

The Directorate of Students Activities and Services in the Deanship of Student Affairs assists non-Bahraini students towards finding an appropriate accommodation throughout the duration of their study programme. Ahlia University constantly monitors the student’s accommodation in order to make sure the student is safe and comfortable. Student activities are an important aspect of the student’s university life, providing the student with a lot of benefits and enjoyment. These activities strengthen the students' association with their university and fellow students. Further, these activities provide opportunities for students to develop their hobbies and interests, which will polish their personalities and help them utilize their free time wisely. All students have the right to participate in such activities which are normally coordinated and advertised by the Directorate of Students Activities and Services, within in the Deanship of Student Affairs. The Student Council plays a major role in deciding the types of activities, and their coordination.

Other activities include:

• Sports activities and students’ participation in athletics teams
• Cultural activities such as poetry competitions.
• MUN participation.
• Symposium on petroleum information
• Workshop in Bahrain Parliamentary Training Centre about Kingdom of Bahrain Elections.
• Social Events (Dessert Camping, Charity, Visiting elderly home and Iftaar Saem in Holy Ramadhan).
• Health Awareness Campaigns (Think Pink Cancer Awareness, Blood Donation campaign).

Health institutions affiliating with AU

Medical Insurance

All Academic and Administrative staff of Ahlia University has medical insurance coverage. The medical insurance is renewed on a yearly basis and the employees have the option of adding their dependents to be members in the insurance pool. In such a case the employee is responsible to pay for their dependents.

National Collaboration

Ministry of Health

With the support of the Ministry of Health, telemedicine services have been launched in Bahrain’s primary health centers through video-based consultation technology. This initiative aims to expand access to medical advice and healthcare support by enabling virtual consultations between patients and healthcare professionals. Through this national initiative, Ahlia University community members — including students, faculty, and staff — are able to access telemedicine services in participating health centers. The collaboration reflects the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health and higher education institutions, such as Ahlia University, to promote health and well-being through digital innovation and to ensure equitable access to healthcare services.

HIS Projects

Ahlia University has collaborated in academic and research activities related to improvements in Hospital Information Systems (HIS) within healthcare institutions in Bahrain, including case studies and analyses involving King Hamad University Hospital. These collaborations have resulted in joint work on the implementation, evaluation, and success measurement of HIS from the perspective of end users, contributing to enhanced quality of care and more effective clinical information management.

Cooperation with King Hamad Hospital

Ahlia University, in cooperation with King Hamad Hospital, made a blood donation campaign that was held in the Ahlia University building. The campaign was advertised with a slogan: "Ahlia Univeristy In Collaboration With @king_h_hospital Hospital Invites You To Participate in The Blood Donation Campaign Thats Going To Take Place @ahliauniversitybh".

Institutional Research Portfolio in Health and Wellbeing

Ahlia University maintains a consolidated research portfolio that integrates computing, engineering, health, and behavioral sciences to address local public health challenges. Our research unit documents publications and projects related to health, which inform internal wellbeing policies, prevention programs, and collaborations with healthcare institutions. The AU publication registry and the document “Research Collaboration” compile the university’s scientific output and the conferences where these studies have been presented.

Ahlia Research Forum - Presentations and Projects with National Health Institutions

Ahlia University organizes its annual Research Forum as a platform to showcase projects involving national health partners —including the Bahrain Defence Force, the Ministry of Health, and King Hamad University Hospital. The forum’s abstract book documents posters and presentations on public health, rehabilitation, and prevention, demonstrating AU’s institutional commitment to applied research that enhances community wellbeing.

Global collaboration

Ahlia University (AU) collaborates closely with Brunel University London to strengthen academic pathways in the field of health and well-being studies. Together, both institutions have developed the initial framework for launching a postgraduate programme in health studies, designed to enhance research capacity and professional training in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region. Currently, the Brunel University–Ahlia University partnership enables students in Bahrain and neighboring countries to pursue Brunel PhD degrees while receiving supervision and training directly from Brunel University’s academic staff. This collaboration allows students to undertake UK-accredited research and study programmes while remaining based in Bahrain, and has already produced successful graduates contributing to health-related research and innovation. In addition, the undergraduate student exchange programme between Brunel University London and Ahlia University offers students a truly global educational experience by enabling them to study in both London and Manama, enriching their academic, cultural, and research perspectives in the field of health and human development.

Ahlia University as a Health-Promoting University

In 2023, Ahlia University was officially designated as one of Bahrain’s health-promoting universities, alongside Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom University, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland – Medical University of Bahrain, and the University of Technology Bahrain. This important milestone reflects Ahlia University’s commitment to fostering health-conducive working, learning, and living environments for its entire community — students, faculty, and staff alike. The initiative aligns with the national strategy to promote holistic well-being across higher education institutions in Bahrain. The designation process was carried out under the technical leadership and expert guidance of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean and the WHO Country Office in Bahrain, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Higher Education Council. Ahlia University received its official Health-Promoting University designation award in February 2023, presented by Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. The ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Jaleela bint AlSayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health; H.E. Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al-Khalifa, Secretary-General of the Higher Education Council; and Dr. Tasnim Atatrah, WHO Representative in Bahrain. Through this recognition, Ahlia University reaffirms its ongoing dedication to supporting a healthy campus environment and contributing to national and global health development goals in partnership with key institutions and organizations.