On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, fourth-year students from the Medical Laboratory Analysis Department conducted an awareness seminar at Shokh School in Erbil. The seminar, titled Smoking Vapes, was held in the school hall and organized by Medical Laboratory Analysis students under the supervision of A.L. Osama Shukri Abdullah. The students were warmly received by Ms. Pari Saber Hussein and the school’s management.
During the seminar, the students explained the importance of educating adolescents about the harmful effects of smoking vapes, their links to lung and liver cancer, and their impact on public health. They also discussed energy drinks, how these drinks turn into toxins inside the body, and their effects on the kidneys and liver. Additionally, they talked about infection prevention and ways to maintain physical health.
The aim of the visit was to raise awareness among teenagers about their responsibility to maintain their health. At the end of the seminar, the school principal thanked the university for its efforts to promote a healthy society. Special thanks were given to the students, A.L. Osama Shukri Abdullah, and the head of the Medical Laboratory Analysis Department, Mr. Sarwan Wasman Hamad, for their contributions.
On Tuesday February 18, 2025, students from the Medical Laboratory Analysis Department conducted a seminar at Muhammad Nasser Intermediate School in Erbil. The seminar, titled Blood Type Testing, was conducted by the Medical Laboratory Analysis students to educate school students on blood type testing.
They were warmly received by the school principal, Ms. Shirin Omar Arabok. During the seminar, the blood type test was explained and demonstrated to the school students. The different blood types A, B, AB, and O were introduced, and the concept of blood transfusions was discussed. The session highlighted how blood is transferred from a donor to a recipient in need due to various reasons, such as car accidents or blood deficiency diseases. The importance of knowing one’s blood type in emergency situations was also emphasized, as it can save lives in critical moments.
At the end of the seminar, the information about blood types and their significance was shared with the students. The school staff and students expressed their gratitude for the informative seminar, which reflects Cihan University’s commitment to educating future generations about important safety matters.
On the 37th anniversary of the Anfal genocide, third-year students from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University-Erbil conducted a commemorative seminar at Dunya Mixed Primary School. The event, which took place on Monday 14th April 2025, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Zahraakhan Maroof Taher, was organized as part of Memorial Day activities.
The students were warmly received by Mrs. Parwa Nuraldeen Kaka Mustafa, the school director, The event, held in the school hall, was attended by teachers and students from grades 7 and 8.
The program began with the playing of the Kurdish national anthem, followed by a seminar presented by the Biomedical Sciences Department students. During their presentation, they screened a documentary film highlighting the events of the Anfal campaign—an operation carried out by Ba’athist Iraq from February to September 1988. The event was aimed at suppressing Kurdish resistance and involved the systematic targeting of rural Kurdish communities to eliminate rebel groups and Arabize strategic areas of Kurdistan.
At the conclusion of the event, Mrs. Parwa Nuraldeen Kaka expressed her appreciation to the students for their initiative, noting that the activity served to strengthen national awareness and pride among the younger generation.
A group of enthusiastic third-grade students from the Biomedical Sciences Department visited Mustafa Shaabani Primary School in Erbil Monday 4th November 2024 to conduct a seminar titled (The Importance of Hand Washing and Prevention Techniques) aimed at first and second graders. The session, led by the biomedical students, covered crucial health practices to prevent the spread of germs and maintain personal hygiene in the school’s meeting hall.
The event began with a warm welcome from Mr. Saman Shakr Qadir, the school’s director, who expressed his appreciation for the students’ initiative and the importance of such awareness activities. Throughout the seminar, the biomedical students explained how bacteria and viruses spread, demonstrating how small, everyday actions can prevent disease transmission. Engaging practical activities helped the young participants visualize how germs travel from surfaces to hands, reinforcing the importance of regular hand washing.
Each child received a small bottle of hand sanitizer featuring the Biomedical Sciences Department logo, a thoughtful gift from the visiting students to encourage daily use of hand sanitizer. Additionally, Huma Khidhur Saaed, a biomedical student with artistic talent, created a hand-washing illustration that highlighted the significance of this practice. The artwork was presented to Mr. Saman Shakir Qadir, as a reminder of the importance of health and hygiene.
Mr. Saman praised the Biomedical Sciences Department for their efforts and expressed hope for future collaborations that continue to benefit the young students.
The Biomedical Sciences Department regularly hosts various events throughout the community to promote health education and prevention strategies.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Head of the Medical Laboratory Department ( Ms. Ava Hamdi Saeed), accompanied by fourth-year students, visited two high schools (Zheenda and Hesar) on October 13 and 14 to raise awareness about breast cancer. The visit aimed to educate students on the importance of early detection, self-examination, and regular screening, while encouraging them to promote health awareness within their families and communities.
On Monday, March 10, 2025, as part of the Biomedical Sciences Department’s ongoing awareness program at Cihan University – Erbil, a health awareness activity titled, Wellness in Ramadan was successfully conducted in collaboration with Farabi Diagnostic Laboratory. The event took place at Grand Majidi Mall in Erbil from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, at the mall’s main entrance hall.
Under the supervision of Assistant Lecturers Hero Ismael Mohammed, Bakhtawar Ziad Omer, and Zahraakhan Maruf Tahir, Biomedical Sciences students from various stages actively participated in the event. They offered free medical tests to mall visitors, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), blood pressure measurement, blood grouping, blood glucose testing, and body composition analysis. Dr. Chra Nury Abdullah analyzed the results on-site.
The primary objective of the event was to promote health awareness during the holy month of Ramadan and educate individuals on how to fast safely. This initiative provided an opportunity for community engagement while emphasizing the importance of monitoring health conditions during fasting.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as part of its commitment to academic outreach, the students from the Medical Microbiology Department at Cihan University- Erbil presented an insightful seminar at Khanay Qubadi Primary School in Erbil under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Zahrakhan Maaruf Tahir.
They were warmly received by the school’s director, Mr. Fakhraldin Muhsin Qasab and Mrs. Kurdistan Nader.
The awareness session took place in the school hall, where Medical Microbiology students engaged with fifth-grade pupils, delivering a seminar on proper hygiene practices and essential health measures. The session emphasized preventive strategies to protect children from infections within the school environment.
At the end of the seminar, the students presented the school director with an educational poster illustrating key hygiene and health measures. Additionally, they distributed sweets among the children as a gesture of goodwill. The Medical Microbiology students expressed their gratitude to the school administration for their warm reception and cooperation in facilitating the event.
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, a group of students from the Medical Microbiology Department at Cihan University – Erbil actively participated as volunteers in MEDICO, the first and largest international health exhibition in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, held in Erbil from February 5–8, 2025. This groundbreaking event brings together global healthcare leaders, innovators, and professionals to showcase the latest advancements in the medical field.
The students volunteered as members of the Ashty Health Organization, a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing healthcare services and awareness programs. Their responsibilities included assisting with medical check-ups, guiding visitors, and supporting healthcare professionals in various activities aimed at improving public health services.
Their participation highlights Cihan University’s commitment to practical learning and community service, reinforcing the role of young professionals in shaping the future of healthcare.
February is internationally recognized as Cancer Awareness Month. In observance of this, second-year students from the Medical Microbiology Department at Cihan University-Erbil conducted a seminar at Roshinbiri Private School in Erbil on February 4, 2025, titled Cancer Awareness, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed. This activity was held as part of the ongoing academic and community engagement initiatives of the Medical Microbiology Department at Cihan University-Erbil.
They were warmly received by Mr. Gara Othman Ismael, the school director. The seminar took place in the school’s conference hall, with the attendance of students and teachers. The students delivered an informative presentation on cancer. The discussion covered key topics, including the causes of cancer, diagnostic methods, preventive measures against carcinogenic substances, and advancements in early detection.
After the seminar, Mr. Gara presented the students with a letter of appreciation in recognition of their ability to effectively convey critical health information to the school students. In turn, the students expressed their gratitude, on behalf of the Head of the Medical Microbiology Department, for the warm hospitality extended by Mr. Gara and the school administration.
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, second-year students from the Medical Microbiology Department conducted an awareness seminar on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) for students from Kurdistani Gawra High School in Erbil. The seminar, which took place in the school hall, was held under the supervision of A.L. Hero Ismael Mohammed.
The students were warmly received by Mr. Azad Rasul Faqe, the school owner. They highlighted the primary modes of bacterial transmission, particularly through contaminated food, and its link to the increasing prevalence of infections among teenagers and young adults.
During the seminar, they explained the importance of preventive measures, including proper handwashing, sterilization, and overall personal hygiene. To reinforce these practices, hygiene products were given to the school students.
After the event, Mr. Azad Rasul Faqe expressed his appreciation for their valuable efforts in raising the students’ awareness. He also presented them with an official letter of appreciation as a token of gratitude. In turn, they extended thanks to the school for their warm hospitality and support.
This seminar marked a significant step in promoting public health awareness and fostering collaboration between academic institutions and local communities.
