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.
Second-stage students from the Medical Microbiology Department organized a volunteer health activity for people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness. The initiative was carried out from February 6 to 9, 2025, at Aramy Home in the Bnaslawa district of Erbil, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed.
Upon their arrival on February 6, 2025, the students were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Narmin Shaban, the home supervisor and organization head. As part of their initiative, the students conducted comprehensive health screenings for the residents, collecting blood samples for various medical tests, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), renal function tests, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure measurements.
Following the collection and laboratory analysis of the samples, the students returned to Aramy Home on Sunday, February 9, to provide residents with their test results, offer medical diagnoses, and raise awareness about health-related issues. The initiative aimed to enhance the well-being of the residents while fostering a sense of social responsibility among the students.
Mrs. Narmin expressed her gratitude to the students for their efforts, emphasizing the significance of such initiatives in supporting vulnerable communities. She commended their dedication and commitment to improving the health conditions of individuals residing in the home.
This volunteer activity highlights the vital role of medical students in community service and demonstrates the importance of integrating academic knowledge with practical, humanitarian efforts.
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.
As part of the commitment to social responsibility, first- and second-year students from the Computer Science Department at Cihan University-Erbil visited the Awat Institute for the Development of Children with Special Needs on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Sarah Jamal Hussein. They were warmly received by Gelawezh Tahir Karim, a social researcher.
To demonstrate a spirit of cooperation, both groups of students contributed to purchasing gifts for the children. The gifts were distributed during the visit, bringing joy and support to the children.
The administration staff of the institute commended this initiative, emphasizing the importance of such activities in fostering human connections and promoting a culture of giving and volunteerism. This visit was part of a series of community engagement events organized by Cihan University-Erbil, aiming to instill humanitarian values and reinforce the role of serving society among students.
The Computer Science Department at Cihan University – Erbil organized a charity campaign for the Elderly Care Center on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. The event was supervised by Assistant Lecturer Alyaa Asaad Mahdi, with participation from the academic staff and fourth-level students.
A delegation from the department was welcomed by Mr. Sangar Jamal Abdulkareem, the director of the Elderly Care Center in Erbil, to enhance the living environment of the center. During the visit, the students gathered detailed information about the center’s needs. In response to this information, the academic staff and students provided essential supplies, including furniture and necessary materials for maintenance.
The Computer Science Department at Cihan University – Erbil values student participation in charitable initiatives as a way to encourage responsibility toward the community.
On Tuesday, 15th of October 2024, the academic staff and second-level students of the Computer Science Department at Cihan university – Erbil organized a visit to the Orphanage House in Erbil (Directorate of Community Care – Girls Orphanage House and Youth Home).
Mr. Sherwan Abdulrahman Hussien, the director of the center, welcomed a delegation from the department, which included Dr. Hasan Fahmi Al-Delawi, Assistant Lecturer. Sara Jamal Hussain, Lab Assistant. Tanik Perot Hamza, and the second-level students.
During the Visit, the academic staff and students presented school supplies and gifts for the children. They also organized a celebration to spread the joy and happy moments, resulting in an unforgettable experience with the children.
This humanitarian initiative reflects the commitment of Cihan university – Erbil and its students to serving the community and promoting the values of generosity. The university takes pride in its students and supports charitable activities, believing in the importance of enhancing their positive contributions to the community.
