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Health Awareness and Community Empowerment

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.

Within the framework of volunteer work for the Zakat Al-Ilm foundation at Cihan University Sulaimaniyah ,Cihan University-Sulaimaniya Launches Scientific Competency Enhancement Course for Anesthesia Assistants
Sunday 5/7, a scientific competency enhancement course for (Anesthesia Assistants) commenced at Cihan University-Sulaimaniya. The course is organized by the “Zakati Zanist” Foundation in partnership with the Departments of Anesthesia and Law, and in coordination with the Directorate of Health in Sulaimaniya.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Dr. Sarkhel, Deputy Director of Health in Sulaimaniya, delivered the directorate’s speech, expressing gratitude to Cihan University for its continuous support for such courses. Subsequently, Asst. Prof. Dr. Sadat Abdulla Aziz, Vice President of the University, delivered the university presidency’s speech to the attendees. It is worth noting that Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri Hama Said (Director of the Zakati Zanist Foundation), Dr. Avin Salih (Head of the Anesthesia Department), Mr. Hemin Rashid (Director of Quality Assurance at the University), and Mr. Kamal (Director of the Anesthesia Unit at the Directorate of Health in Sulaimaniya) participated in the opening ceremony of the course.

Course Duration & Instructors:
The course will last for 2 weeks, from 5/7 to 15/7, and certificates of participation will be distributed to the participants at the end. The sessions cover various important topics and practical experiences, delivered by a distinguished panel of specialists:

Prof. Dr. Zana Rafiq Said (Specialist in Criminal Law)
Asst. Prof. Dr. Niaz Mustafa Kamal (Community Health)
Dr. Azad Jalal Ali (Consultant Anesthesiologist)
Dr. Hemin Mohammed Gharib (General Practitioner)
Dr. Rozhyar Pishro Kamal (Consultant Anesthesiologist)

The closing ceremony for the vital signs training course on blood pressure measurement at the College of Nursing was held on July 23, 2024. The course focused on mastering the skill of measuring blood pressure. During the session, students were introduced to the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and learned how blood pressure is regulated within the body. Participants practiced using both manual and automated blood pressure monitors, ensuring accurate readings for patients of all ages. In addition to practical skills, students participated in discussions on interpreting blood pressure readings and understanding the implications of both high and low blood pressure readings.

Within the framework of the activities of the “Zakati Zanist” (Science Zakat) Foundation, on Tuesday, February 10, 2025, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuri Hama Saeed, Director of the Science Zakat Foundation at Cihan University – Sulaimaniya, delivered a seminar to 9th-grade students at Tablo Basic School. The seminar was titled: “Negative Habits of Adolescents and How to Address Them.” During the session, he highlighted several key topics, including the importance of the adolescence stage, the most dangerous common habits (behavioral, psychological, and verbal), and methods for addressing and overcoming them

On Saturday, 31/1/2026, the Department of Medical laboratories , under the supervision of the Head of the Department, ms. Ava Hamdi Saeed, in cooperation with the Sports Unit and the student Sahand Samir at Cihan University–Duhok, organized a workshop about the benefits and harms of using creatine and hormones by body-building athletes

Under the supervision of Professor Dr. Zeravan A. Assad, President of Cihan University – Duhok, teachers and students from Cihan University – Duhok, in collaboration with Gazhbin Health Organization, actively participated in serving the community during a Health Festival.
The Health Festival was conducted at Duhok Mall during the New Year season, from 15 December to 30 December, between 4:00 PM and 11:00 PM, with the primary objective of promoting public health awareness and facilitating early screening for common medical conditions. The event targeted the general population and aimed to improve access to basic health services in a community-centered setting.
A comprehensive range of health services was delivered throughout the festival, including blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose testing, complete blood count (CBC) investigations, and dental examinations. In parallel, psychological support and mental health promotion activities were implemented to address psychosocial well-being and to enhance public understanding of mental health as an integral component of overall health.
This initiative was achieved through effective collaboration between Gazhbin Health Organization and the students of Cihan University – Duhok, whose involvement provided practical clinical exposure while reinforcing principles of social responsibility, interdisciplinary cooperation, and community engagement. The active participation of students contributed significantly to the efficient delivery of services and the overall success of the event.





On 1/14/2026, the Zakat Al-Ilm Foundation continued its human development and awareness course, with the participation of faculty members from colleges and scientific departments, and under the supervision of a select group of professors and specialists in the fields of psychology, health, language, and modern teaching methods.
On the second day of the course:

1. Professor Dr. Ahmed Abdul Karim, a faculty member in the Department of General Education, delivered a lecture on artificial intelligence and its relationship to the educational process and its outcomes.

2. Assistant Professor Dr. Bala Chandran also delivered a lecture on the role of the English language in globalization and knowledge exchange.

On Sunday, 27th April 2025, fourth-stage students from the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis at Cihan University-Erbil visited Gasha Private High School , affiliated with Cambridge Educational Services. The visit, supervised by departmental staff, was part of the university’s community outreach efforts.

The students were warmly received by the school’s Vice Principal, Mr. Aata Latif Muhammad. During the visit, the university students delivered a dynamic and informative seminar titled “Share: Vaping and Smoking”, aimed at raising awareness among high school students about the harmful effects of tobacco and e-cigarette use.

The seminar not only addressed the health risks but also offered practical strategies for quitting smoking and vaping. It highlighted available support resources and emphasized the long-term benefits of adopting a smoke-free lifestyle. The session encouraged open dialogue, with students actively participating and asking thoughtful questions.

This activity reflects the department’s dedication to applying theoretical knowledge to real-life health education and reinforces Cihan University-Erbil’s commitment to promoting public health and student engagement within the local community.

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