Health Awareness and Community Empowerment

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Health Awareness and Community Empowerment

Following the recommendations of Prof. Dr. Zeravan Abdulmohsen Assad, President of Cihan University-Duhok, aimed at developing and prioritizing awareness projects for various groups and segments of society, and in continuation of the (Zakat Al-Ilm / Alms of Knowledge) program activities, the Department of Medical Laboratory Analysis, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Tourism in Duhok, organized a workshop on health awareness on Monday, June 22, 2026.

During the workshop, the topics were presented by Assist. Lect. Ava Hamdi Said, while Ms. Hozheen Ahmed served as the coordinator of this activity. This initiative falls within the framework of the university’s strategy to further serve the community and spread health awareness.

Under the patronage of the University Presidency, and in an effort to disseminate cultural and health awareness within the academic community, the Department of Anesthesia at Cihan University-Duhok organized an important training course titled “Health Awareness for Patient Caregivers and Companions,” as part of the activities of the Zakat Al-Ilm Foundation for Awareness and General Culture program.

On the first day of the course, dated June 23, 2026, the opening lecture was delivered by Mr. Bassam Shawkat and Mr. Karzan Ismail. The lecture focused on proper mechanisms for providing primary care to patients and how to handle various health conditions at home and in the workplace.

The course runs for two consecutive days and specifically targets the university’s teaching and administrative staff, aiming to empower them with essential medical and health skills to ensure the safety of their families and communit

In accordance with the ongoing directives of the President of Cihan University-Duhok, Prof. Dr. Zeravan Abdulmuhsen As’ad, to promote volunteerism through the “Zakat Al-Ilm” (Scientific Charity) project and deliver academic services to the community, the free training course titled “Introduction to Medical Laboratory” has officially commenced.

The course is presented by Mr. Diyar Sabah Salih, a lab assistant in the medical laboratories at Cihan University-Duhok. It covers key scientific topics and offers practical training on laboratory testing methods for the participants.

The course will run for five days, from August 23 to 27, 2026.

On June 20, 2026, within the framework of the Zakat Al-Ilm program, the College of Pharmacy at Cihan University–Duhok launched an intensive practical training course entitled “Fundamentals of Pharmacy Practice” for students of pharmacy colleges and departments, conducted by Dr. Zeyad Abdullah Basheer.

This two-day course aims to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and essential skills required for professional pharmacy practice by combining core scientific concepts with hands-on laboratory training. This enables participants to gain vital introductory experience in community pharmacy services and pharmaceutical compounding techniques

On the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, observed globally on 21 September 2025, students from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University–Erbil organized a large-scale awareness campaign at Erbil City Center. The campaign aimed to educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders affecting elderly populations worldwide.

As part of the initiative, students distributed brochures that outlined the main symptoms of Alzheimer’s, preventive lifestyle measures, and practical guidance for families on providing care and emotional support to affected relatives. The campaign also emphasized the importance of early recognition, timely medical consultation, and community solidarity in addressing the disease.

By engaging directly with the public, the students demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility and public health promotion. Such efforts play a vital role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering a culture of empathy and collective care within society.

Under the directives of the President of Cihan University-Duhok, Prof. Dr. Zeravan Abdulmuhsen Asaad, and as part of the Zakat Al-Alam Foundation for Awareness and Development program aimed at serving various segments of society:

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, coinciding with World Breastfeeding Day, the Department of Radiographic Technology—under the supervision of Department Head Mr. Milat Hussein Mustafa—organized an event providing vital advice and guidance on the health benefits of breastfeeding for children, along with distributing gifts to the participants.

Students from the Department of Biomedical Sciences participated in the World Diabetes Day Conference organized by the Ashti Health Organization in collaboration with the Erbil Health Directorate. The event took place on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Radisson Hotel in Erbil and opened with a speech delivered by the Governor of Erbil, Mr. Omed Khoshnaw, who emphasized the importance of raising awareness about diabetes and promoting health education within the community.

The conference featured several distinguished speakers. Dr. Omer Surchi presented an overview of the physiological changes that occur in the body as a result of diabetes, highlighting the challenges patients face in managing long-term complications. Additionally, Dr. Isra Omer, Dr. Shna Bagzade, and Dr. Nawshad Nawzad discussed the latest developments in diagnostic methods, prevention strategies, and treatment approaches designed to control diabetes and prevent disease progression.

Throughout the event, Biomedical Sciences students took an active role by participating in the discussion sessions, asking insightful questions, and contributing to the organization of the conference. Their involvement provided them with valuable exposure to current medical developments as well as practical experience in engaging with healthcare professionals and supporting scientific events.

Within the “Zakat Al-Elm” program. Cihan University-Duhok Concludes First Aid Course for Peshmerga Forces

Under the directives of Prof. Dr. Zeravan Abdulmohsen Asaad, President of Cihan University-Duhok, and as part of the commitment to community awareness and development across various societal groups within the framework of the university’s “Zakat Al-Elm” project, and in coordination with the Peshmerga Cultural Center, the closing ceremony of the specialized First Aid course was held on Monday, July 13, 2026.

The course was conducted for the Medical Field Unit (9th Division) of the Peshmerga forces and presented by Mr. Bassam Showkat, an international trainer and specialist in Anesthesia and Intensive Care.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, certificates of participation and appreciation were distributed to the successful participants, honoring their efforts and highlighting the importance of empowering the brave Peshmerga forces with essential field and emergency medical skills.

On Thursday, July 23, 2026, as part of the diverse activities of the Zakat Al-Ilm Foundation at Cihan University-Duhok, and based on the directives of the University President, Professor Dr. Zirvan Abdulmohsen Asaad, to prioritize this program and extend its benefits to various segments of society, the Cihan-Duhok Academy, in cooperation with the Pinus Institute of Languages, organized a scientific and awareness-raising trip for the institute’s students.

The main objectives of the visit were:

  1. Field Visit to Medical Laboratories:
  • Introducing students to modern equipment and devices used for testing, and providing them with practical training in scientific and applied procedures.
  1. Health Awareness Seminar:
  • A seminar presented by Mr. Bassam Shawkat, covering general and important topics related to public health.
  • Explaining and demonstrating methods of prevention and safety, and highlighting the importance of public health in daily life.

In accordance with the directives of the President of Cihan University-Duhok, Professor Dr. Zirvan Abdulmohsen Asaad, and within the framework of efforts to promote health awareness and develop the skills of various segments of society, the “Zakat Al-Ilm” Foundation, in cooperation with the Peshmerga Cultural Center, launched a specialized first aid course on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

This intensive training program extends over a full week and aims to qualify and develop the following groups:

  • The Field Medical Unit (9th Division) of the Peshmerga Forces.
  • Field Medical Units affiliated with the brigades and regiments within the 9th Division of the Peshmerga.

The training is being delivered by a select group of international trainers:

  1. Mr. Rayan Sadiq: International Trainer and Director of Medical Laboratories at Cihan University-Duhok.
  2. Mr. Bassam Shawkat: International Trainer and Specialist in Anesthesia and Intensive Care.
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