Engagement (Community and Industry): Initiatives
SDG 3: Focus Areas
3.3.1 Current collaborations with health institutions
Collaboration With Healthcare and Sports Institutions
The University of Bahrain (UoB) has established multiple strategic collaborations with healthcare and sports institutions to enhance practical training, health education, and youth development. Partnerships include formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Centers, and governmental hospitals, ensuring nursing students gain hands-on experience under professional supervision. Additionally, UoB’s partnership with the General Sports Authority advances sports education and research, while collaboration with the Bahrain Pharmacists Society promotes medication safety and public health awareness.
- Memorandum of Understanding with Healthcare Institutions in Bahrain
The University of Bahrain (UoB) maintains formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key healthcare institutions, including the Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Centers, and Governmental Hospitals, to enhance clinical education and practical training for nursing students. These agreements define mutual responsibilities, ensuring students gain supervised, hands-on experience in real medical settings. The MoUs emphasize adherence to professional ethics, health regulations, and safety standards, while requiring necessary vaccinations and clearances. Through structured clinical placements, these collaborations strengthen students’ competencies, integrate academic learning with healthcare practice, and contribute to improving patient care and community health outcomes in line with SDG 3. - Memorandum of Understanding with the General Sports Authority
The University of Bahrain’s partnership with the General Sports Authority (GSA) represents a significant milestone in promoting health and wellness through education, research, and youth development. This MoU fosters collaboration in advancing sports sciences, athletic training, and national sports programs, aligning academic innovation with Bahrain’s sports vision. The agreement enables joint initiatives in research, community engagement, and capacity-building for aspiring sports professionals. It also supports the development of evidence-based practices in sports management, exercise physiology, and physical education. Through this partnership, UoB enhances student learning, promotes active lifestyles, and contributes to the nation’s sustainable sports ecosystem in support of SDG 3. - Collaboration with the Bahrain Pharmacists Society
The partnership between the University of Bahrain’s College of Health and Sport Sciences (CHSS) and the Bahrain Pharmacists Society underscores the vital role of pharmacists in promoting safe and effective healthcare practices. Through this collaboration, pharmacy students and faculty engage in community outreach programs addressing topics such as responsible antibiotic use, chronic disease management, and medication safety. Educational booths, awareness campaigns, and public workshops bridge the gap between academia and community needs, empowering citizens to make informed health decisions. This initiative enhances students’ professional skills, promotes health literacy, and supports national efforts toward preventive healthcare and well-being in alignment with SDG 3.
These collaborations strengthen the connection between academia, healthcare, and sports sectors to improve well-being and public health outcomes.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
Developing the Capacity-Building Educational Package for Midwives
Overview
Based on the assessment findings, UoB’s Department of Nursing developed a comprehensive educational package to enhance midwives’ competencies in practice, education, and research. The package includes modules on health promotion, antenatal and intrapartum care, neonatal assessment, and the integration of evidence-based practices. It incorporates interactive learning tools such as PowerPoint materials, case studies, and WHO guidelines on Positive Pregnancy Experience.
Impact
This capacity-building resource provides midwives with accessible, evidence-based training materials that foster consistent and high-quality maternal care across diverse healthcare settings. It empowers midwives to apply WHO standards in daily practice, promotes safe motherhood, and strengthens health education within families. The initiative contributes to advancing regional healthcare quality, professional development, and community well-being under SDG 3.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
Developing the Capacity-Building Educational Package for Midwives
Overview
Based on the assessment findings, UoB’s Department of Nursing developed a comprehensive educational package to enhance midwives’ competencies in practice, education, and research. The package includes modules on health promotion, antenatal and intrapartum care, neonatal assessment, and the integration of evidence-based practices. It incorporates interactive learning tools such as PowerPoint materials, case studies, and WHO guidelines on Positive Pregnancy Experience.
Impact
This capacity-building resource provides midwives with accessible, evidence-based training materials that foster consistent and high-quality maternal care across diverse healthcare settings. It empowers midwives to apply WHO standards in daily practice, promotes safe motherhood, and strengthens health education within families. The initiative contributes to advancing regional healthcare quality, professional development, and community well-being under SDG 3.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
Implementation of the Capacity-Building Educational Program for Midwives
Overview
The University of Bahrain’s Department of Nursing, in partnership with the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, has initiated the implementation of the midwives’ training program. The program involves identifying target participants, organizing training workshops, and delivering tailored educational sessions based on the previously developed package. The implementation phase focuses on midwives working in primary healthcare centers across EMRO countries.
Impact
This program enhances professional capacity in maternal and child health, ensuring that midwives are better equipped to deliver safe, evidence-based care. By fostering sustainable knowledge transfer and strengthening the regional healthcare workforce, the initiative contributes directly to reducing maternal and neonatal health disparities. It exemplifies UoB’s leadership in advancing SDG 3 through regional health outreach, education, and international collaboration.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
Assessment of the Midwives’ Learning Needs in Primary Health Care Settings in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Overview
The University of Bahrain, in collaboration with WHO Collaborating Centers (WHOCCs) across the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), conducted a comprehensive assessment to identify midwives’ learning needs in primary healthcare. The study involved designing and piloting a validated needs assessment tool, distributed across EMR countries. Findings revealed significant gaps in knowledge and practice, particularly in evidence-based care, maternal health promotion, and adherence to WHO guidelines for safe motherhood.
Impact
This assessment provided the foundation for targeted capacity-building initiatives by identifying critical learning priorities among midwives. It has strengthened regional collaboration in maternal health and informed policy recommendations to improve midwifery education and clinical training. By addressing skill gaps, the initiative supports improved maternal and neonatal outcomes in the EMR, aligning with SDG 3 targets on reducing maternal mortality and ensuring universal access to quality healthcare.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
Community Services and Volunteer Engagement
Overview
Faculty and staff at the University of Bahrain actively contribute to national health promotion through participation in non-profit organizations such as the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, Anti-Smoking Society, Sickle Cell Disease Association, Bahrain Diabetes Society, and Bahrain Cancer Society. Their volunteer efforts focus on raising awareness, supporting health programs, and providing education to improve community well-being.
Impact
Through sustained engagement in public health campaigns and volunteer initiatives, the university community supports disease prevention, promotes healthy lifestyles, and strengthens care for vulnerable populations. These efforts directly advance SDG 3.3 by addressing communicable diseases and health risks, and SDG 3.4 by reducing non-communicable diseases and promoting mental health and well-being across Bahrain.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
UoB Contribution to Global Network and LINKS Magazine: Nursing and Midwifery Links
Overview:
The Department of Nursing at the University of Bahrain’s College of Health and Sport Sciences partnered with the Nursing and Midwifery LINKS Global Network, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Development. Through this collaboration, UoB contributes regular news updates to LINKS Magazine, published via the CORE repository, to enhance global engagement among WHO Collaborating Centres. The initiative also utilizes platforms such as Nurses.com, connecting professionals and supporting knowledge exchange in nursing and midwifery worldwide.
Evidence: Source
Impact:
This collaboration promotes global health outreach, enabling UoB to share research, best practices, and innovations in nursing and midwifery. It strengthens international professional networks, supports capacity building, and advances SDG 3.3.2 by fostering worldwide cooperation to improve healthcare standards and education in maternal and public health.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
Establishing Multidisciplinary Research Collaboration in Nursing
Overview:
The initiative focuses on establishing and strengthening multidisciplinary research collaboration in nursing practice and education across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Led by the WHO Collaborating Centre in partnership with the World Health Organization, it identifies key research priorities through regional assessments and capacity-building workshops, creating a network to enhance evidence-based nursing and midwifery practices.
Impact:
This collaboration promotes health and well-being by advancing nursing research on critical areas such as maternal and child health, digital health, and mental health. It builds regional research capacity, supports policy development, and fosters innovation in healthcare education and practice—contributing directly to improved health outcomes and sustainable development in the region.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
World No Tobacco Day: Call to Action Poster Campaign
Overview:
In celebration of World No Tobacco Day and the WHO’s 75th anniversary, the WHO Country Office in Bahrain launched the “Grow Food, Not Tobacco” poster campaign to raise awareness about tobacco’s harmful impact and promote sustainable farming alternatives. Nursing students from the University of Bahrain’s College of Health and Sport Sciences actively participated by creating posters reflecting the campaign’s theme, demonstrating their dedication to health advocacy and awareness.
Impact:
This initiative strengthened community engagement and health education by empowering students to contribute to national and global health goals. Through collaboration with WHO Bahrain, the University of Bahrain advanced its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering public awareness, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable health outreach and education.
Evidence: Who News Website
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
Collaboration with the American Heart Association
Overview
The College of Health and Sport Sciences (CHSS) at the University of Bahrain serves as an International Training Center (ITC) for the American Heart Association (AHA), offering accredited life support courses such as Basic Life Support (BLS) and other emergency care programs. These evidence-based courses are designed to train healthcare professionals, students, and community members in essential life-saving procedures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency response techniques. The collaboration enhances the quality and accessibility of advanced health education in Bahrain and the region.
Impact
This partnership builds community capacity in critical care and emergency response. Through certified AHA training, the University contributes to improving survival rates during cardiac and medical emergencies, reinforces public health resilience, and establishes a sustainable model for continuous professional development in life support education.
Relevant SDG 3 Targets and Indicators:
