Sustainable Development Goals Initiatives 2023–2024

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Teaching and Learning

SDG 3: Focus Areas
SDG 3: Focus Areas

3.2.1 Proportion of graduates in health professions

Sustainability in Healthcare Education at the University of Bahrain

Overview
The University of Bahrain is committed to advancing sustainable healthcare education by preparing qualified graduates in health professions. Through its Clinical Simulation Laboratory for Nursing Sciences and Diagnostic Radiologic Technology Lab, the university provides high-quality, hands-on learning experiences that enhance students’ clinical competencies and readiness for the healthcare workforce.

Impact
These initiatives increase the proportion of graduates in health-related fields, contributing to a stronger national healthcare system and supporting Bahrain’s workforce development goals. By integrating innovative technologies and simulation-based training, the University ensures that nursing and radiologic technology graduates are well-equipped to deliver safe, effective, and patient-centered care directly advancing SDG Indicator 3.c.1 & 3.2.1, which emphasizes the growth of a skilled and sustainable health workforce essential for improving health outcomes and well-being for all.

Evidence:

  • Number of graduates: 5754
  • Number of graduates in health professions: 680 

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

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Public Health Program

Overview:
The Public Health curriculum at the University of Bahrain is closely aligned with SDG 3, promoting disease prevention, health equity, and sustainable healthcare systems. Courses cover key areas such as epidemiology, health policy, environmental health, and global health management.

Impact:
By preparing graduates to address issues like communicable and non-communicable diseases, health financing, and workforce development, the program supports universal health coverage and public health preparedness.

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Family and Community Health Nursing

Overview:
Through the Family and Community Health Nursing Care course, nursing students engage in outreach activities and awareness campaigns at primary healthcare centers and community events.

Impact:
Students participate in initiatives such as Pink October, World Mental Health Day, World Patient Safety Day, World Food Day, Movember, World Antibiotic Awareness Week, and World Diabetes Day. These experiences build their communication and leadership skills while raising public awareness on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, and health equity, advancing SDG Targets 3.3

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Care of Older Adults

Overview:
As part of the Care of Older Adults course, nursing students promote healthy aging through community engagement and education sessions in welfare and day care centers.

Impact:
Students conduct interactive workshops on preventive health, first aid, and nutrition, empowering older adults to take charge of their well-being. The initiative enhances students’ empathy and understanding of geriatric needs, supporting SDG Target 3.4 on reducing premature mortality and improving quality of life for all ages.

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Antenatal Care (Midwifery Curriculum)

Overview:
Midwifery students provide educational sessions for expectant mothers as part of their Antenatal Care training, emphasizing maternal health and informed decision-making.

Impact:
Mothers receive guidance on nutrition, hygiene, exercise, immunization, and pregnancy preparedness through engaging and accessible learning tools. This initiative supports SDG Targets 3.1 and 3.2, focusing on reducing maternal and child mortality and ensuring safe pregnancies.

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Mother’s Health Classes

Overview:
During the Pediatric Nursing course, students conduct interactive classes for mothers in pediatric wards, fostering knowledge exchange and parental support.

Impact:
Sessions address breastfeeding, weaning, accident prevention, and management of common childhood illnesses. These classes strengthen maternal confidence and preventive care practices, contributing to SDG Targets 3.2 and 3.4 by improving child health and family well-being.

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Cultural Care Awareness

Overview:
To promote culturally competent care, nursing students organize an annual Transcultural Care Exhibition at the College of Health and Sport Sciences.

Impact:
The exhibition highlights diverse cultural beliefs and practices related to childbirth, chronic illness, and end-of-life care. It equips future healthcare professionals with cultural sensitivity and adaptability—key for delivering equitable, respectful healthcare. This initiative aligns with SDG Target 3.c, which emphasizes strengthening the health workforce and inclusive care practices.

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Teaching and Learning

SDG 3: Focus Areas
Mentorship: Supporting Students’ Academic Performance

Overview

The University of Bahrain’s academic advisory and mentorship framework plays a key role in enhancing student success and well-being.
Academic advisors support students in course selection, academic planning, and goal setting, while ensuring alignment with university regulations. Through ongoing communication, advisors provide personalized guidance that strengthens students’ academic confidence and motivation.

In the College of Health and Sport Sciences, mentorship extends into clinical training, where faculty and preceptors guide students through real-world learning experiences. This model bridges theory and practice, reinforcing essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and professional ethics.

Impact

Through continuous feedback, structured supervision, and collaborative evaluation, UoB’s mentorship model enhances student competence, engagement, and psychological readiness for professional practice.
By embedding academic and emotional support within education, this initiative contributes to a healthy learning environment and student success.

This initiative aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and promotes holistic student development.

Related Link:

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Provides counseling services, mental health workshops, and the active promotion of well-being, supported jointly by the Health Care Center and the College of Health and Sport Sciences (CHS).

WHO Aware Antibiotics Workshops – Doctors and Pharmacists

Strengthening Rational Use of Medicines and Infection Prevention 

The University of Bahrain (UoB), through the College of Health and Sport Sciences, organized collaborative training sessions for local doctors and pharmacists focused on the World Health Organization’s AWaRe antibiotic stewardship framework.

These workshops aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of global antibiotic classification and appropriate prescribing practices, reinforcing the responsible use of antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance. The sessions emphasized evidence-based prescribing, infection prevention, and patient safety, enabling healthcare professionals to apply WHO’s international guidelines within Bahrain’s healthcare system.

Evidence Links : (to be updated)

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Combating communicable diseases through improved awareness and preventive healthcare.

 Health Outreach and Training Programs
Includes professional training initiatives, antibiotic stewardship workshops, infection prevention programs, and continuing education sessions for healthcare providers.

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WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education

Overview

The College of Health and Sport Sciences (CHS) at the University of Bahrain (UoB) has been designated as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education—a recognition of the University’s leadership in advancing regional health professions education and supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

This designation acknowledges UoB’s role as a regional hub for capacity building, professional training, and applied research in nursing and midwifery education across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The Centre works in close collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO) to enhance healthcare workforce competencies and promote evidence-based practice.

Core Programs and Activities

  1. Comprehensive Preceptorship Training Package: A specialized program designed to strengthen preceptors’ competencies in adult learning, clinical supervision, communication, coaching, assessment, and reflective practice. It aims to improve the preparation of nurses and midwives responsible for mentoring future healthcare professionals.
  2. Primary Health Care Case Study: Conducted in partnership with WHO EMRO, this research project examines the role of primary healthcare nurses in achieving UHC. It identifies best practices and provides policy recommendations for strengthening Bahrain’s and the region’s primary healthcare systems.
  3. Regional Database of Nursing and Midwifery Education Institutions: The College is developing a comprehensive database of all nursing and midwifery academic institutions in the EMRO region. This database will consolidate institutional data, support research, and guide policy development across the region.

Impact and SDG Alignment

Through these initiatives, the WHO Collaborating Centre enhances educational quality, workforce development, and professional excellence in line with the WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (2021–2025) .

Evidence: Annual graduates contribute to national health workforce capacity and Universal Health Coverage.

Covers: Number of graduates / Number of graduates in health professions

Related Links:

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Number graduating in health professions
College of Health and Sport Sciences (CHS) and WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education graduate qualified professionals in Nursing, Public Health, Nutrition, and Physical Education.

Proportion of graduates in health professions

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Clinical Training and Volunteer Service

Community Volunteering by College of Health and Sport Sciences Students

Overview

The College of Health and Sport Sciences (CHS) at the University of Bahrain plays a leading role in advancing national health and community well-being through large-scale volunteer engagement and clinical training. Each year, more than 600 CHS students participate in community-based health initiatives across major hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and primary healthcare centers in Bahrain.

Through partnerships with key health institutions such as Salmaniya Medical Complex, King Hamad University Hospital, BDF Hospital, and public health centers in Hoora, Isa Town, and Muharraq, as well as select private hospitals, students gain hands-on experience while contributing meaningfully to the public good.

Their volunteer work encompasses assisting in patient care, supporting health awareness and disease prevention campaigns, and promoting healthy lifestyle practices among various population groups. These activities not only enhance students’ clinical competencies but also strengthen their sense of civic responsibility and commitment to community health promotion.

This ongoing initiative reflects the University of Bahrain’s dedication to fostering experiential learning, social responsibility, and professional development among its students, in alignment with national healthcare priorities and global sustainable development frameworks.

Evidence: (to be updated)

Related Links: (to be updates)

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and awareness.

Health Outreach Programs
Includes hospital-based volunteering, community health awareness initiatives, preventive care campaigns, and experiential learning projects led by students from the College of Health and Sport Sciences.

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Service-Learning and Community Engagement

Integrating Academic Learning with Community Health Practice

The College of Health and Sport Sciences (CHS) at the University of Bahrain integrates academic study with practical experience through structured service-learning programs that connect classroom learning to real-world community health needs. These initiatives are co-designed with local schools, NGOs, and community organizations, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge while fostering civic responsibility and social awareness.

Through these programs, students take an active role as public health ambassadors, promoting wellness and preventive care among youth and families. Key activities include:

  • Organizing school-based awareness campaigns on nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention.
  • Conducting peer health education sessions to encourage healthy lifestyle choices among schoolchildren.
  • Participating in national health events and fairs that promote public engagement and community wellness.

These experiential learning opportunities strengthen students’ professional competencies in health communication, teamwork, and leadership while nurturing empathy and social responsibility. By integrating education with community service, the University of Bahrain enhances the quality and relevance of its academic programs and supports a generation of health professionals committed to public service.

Evidence: (to be updated later).

Related Links: (to be updated  later)

Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:

Reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and awareness.

Number Graduating in Health Professions

Reflects the integration of service-learning and applied education into the CHS curriculum, enabling students to contribute to national health awareness and preventive care initiatives.

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