On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in observance of Global Handwashing Day, students from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University–Erbil conducted a health awareness activity at Zaga Primary School for Girls in the Ankawa district, under the supervision of A.L. Zahraakhan Maaroof Taher.
The students were warmly received by Ms. Anita Zadwq Adam, the school principal. In the school hall, they interacted with pupils from Grades 3 to 5, explaining the importance of Global Handwashing Day and proper hand hygiene. They emphasized the need to wash hands, especially before meals, and explained how microbes can be transmitted through touch.
As part of the activity, they distributed disinfectants and soap to the pupils and demonstrated proper handwashing techniques to effectively eliminate harmful microbes.
At the conclusion of the event, Ms. Anita expressed her gratitude to the students, while the students, on behalf of the department, thanked the principal for her warm welcome.
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the third-stage students from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University–Erbil organized a charity activity at the Bahoz Center under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed.
The students were warmly welcomed by Mr. Hemin Jalal Mustafa, Director of the Bahoz Center, who introduced them to the center’s mission and services. He guided them on a tour and explained the specialized units that provide training and therapy for children with developmental delays, autism, speech and behavioral disorders, and cerebral palsy. Mr. Hemin also highlighted the psychological support offered to families, emphasizing the center’s comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.
During the visit, the students presented the children with educational and logical games carefully selected to suit their developmental levels, aiming to enhance cognitive and social interaction. As a gesture of appreciation, the students also offered flowers to the center’s staff in recognition of their dedication and outstanding efforts in supporting children with special needs.
In his remarks, Mr. Hemin Jalal Mustafa expressed his gratitude to the students and the Department of Biomedical Sciences for their thoughtful visit and kind gestures. He emphasized that such initiatives promote community engagement, encourage compassion, and strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and social service organizations. He also noted that the students’ presence brought joy and smiles to the children, reflecting the positive impact of youth involvement in community-based activities.
As part of their community engagement activities, third-stage students from the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University–Erbil visited the Erbil Orphanage for Boys and Girls on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The visit was organized under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Bakhtawar Ziad Omar.
Upon arrival, the students were warmly received by Mrs. Deman Mohammed Bayiz, Director of the Girls’ Orphanage. She guided the students on a tour of the facility, where they interacted with the children and learned about the residents’ daily lives and needs.
During the visit, the students donated various essential items, including clothing for different age groups, art and handicraft materials, and school supplies, aiming to support the children’s educational and creative development.
Mrs. Deman expressed her gratitude to the students for their thoughtful contributions and compassionate initiative. In turn, the students thanked her for welcoming them and providing the opportunity to participate in such a meaningful community service experience.
On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, a group of Biomedical Sciences Department students from Cihan University – Erbil conducted a breast cancer awareness campaign under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismail Mohammed.
This activity involved the students visiting several locations across Erbil city, including Golan Mall and a number of restaurants. During the campaign, they distributed informative posters and brochures to the public, including passersby and shopkeepers. Additionally, they provided them with initial information on methods of preventing breast cancer and emphasized the importance of early detection through self-examination. They also stressed that regular examinations help women notice any visible changes in the shape or size of their breasts, explaining that early detection of such signs facilitates prompt medical evaluation and significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Importantly, the public, including social figures, expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the students for raising health awareness and serving the community.
On Monday, October 6, 2025, a group of third-year students from the Biomedical Sciences Department at Cihan University–Erbil visited Erbil Girls’ Model School and conducted a scientific activity for the students under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismail Mohammed.
After being welcomed by the school’s principal, Mr. Shakhawan Omar, and the vice principal, Ms. Suha Jamal, both the principal and vice principal delivered separate speeches in the school hall, commending the efforts of Cihan University–Erbil students and emphasizing the importance of the activity’s content for the school’s students. Following this, the students provided a scientific explanation of blood type classification and its biological and medical significance, with a particular focus on the ABO system, which forms a crucial basis for human immunity and blood transfusion. They later elaborated on the structure of antigens and antibodies and explained how they interact in determining blood type.
To increase the school students’ understanding and prepare them for their final exams, they presented a specialized analysis of the ABO system mechanism, tailored to the 12th-grade biology curriculum. They also highlighted the connection between theoretical concepts and practical applications, and referred to clinical cases to emphasize the importance of knowing one’s blood type in surgeries and emergency medical situations.
Finally, the principal and vice principal presented certificates of appreciation to the students, expressing their profound gratitude for the students’ efforts and their valuable contribution to enriching the scientific knowledge of the school’s students.
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the TEDx Nishtiman 2025 event took place at Saad Abdullah Hall in Erbil and was attended by Mr. Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, along with prominent figures from the scientific, artistic, and cultural fields, as well as various political, governmental, and administrative personalities.
A number of students from the aforementioned department participated as volunteers on the speaker and event organizing team there. Their key responsibilities included selecting talks, preparing presentation slides, and providing backstage support. They also made significant contributions by offering live translation services in English, Arabic, and Kurdish, which played a crucial role in ensuring the event was organized professionally. Furthermore, they helped speakers prepare for their presentations and created an optimal environment for successful delivery.
This year’s TEDx Nishtiman 2025 featured a diverse range of talks presented by Dr. Ghaith Mustafa, Ms. Shereen Khairo, Dr. Dana Fadhil, Dr. Aswad Soran, and Sinan Amjad. The topics covered included new projects and resilience, family and education, as well as robotics.
At the conclusion of the TEDx Nishtiman 2025 activities, a ceremony was held to honor the organizers and volunteers. Certificates of appreciation were presented to students from the Biomedical Sciences Department in recognition of their efforts and continuous participation since June 2025.
In an effort to foster social responsibility and instill humanitarian values among students, the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cihan University-Erbil organized a charitable initiative on Monday, September 22, 2025. The activity involved a visit to the Al-Rajaa Elderly Care Home in Erbil.
The students were warmly received by Ms. Khalida Bolus Toma, the supervisor and director of the facility. In her remarks, Ms. Khalida praised the students’ proactive engagement and expressed her sincere appreciation for their philanthropic spirit.
During the visit, the students interacted positively with the elderly residents, sharing conversations and spending quality time together. Their presence had a noticeable positive impact on the residents’ psychological well-being.
As part of the initiative, the students also provided both moral and material support to the care home. They presented the residents with a variety of essential items, including foodstuffs, personal care products, and health supplies, which contributed meaningfully to meeting the residents’ daily needs.
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.
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, the students of the Biomedical Sciences Department at Cihan University-Erbil commemorated the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with a community-centered celebration at Sami Abdulrahman Park.
The students warmly engaged with park visitors, offering traditional sweets to mark the blessed occasion. They also shared health recommendations and provided valuable medical advice, reflecting the department’s commitment to promoting community well-being.
The Biomedical Sciences Department consistently observes national and religious occasions by organizing meaningful activities that serve the community, reinforcing its mission to integrate academic excellence with social responsibility.
On November 2, 2025, Eman Nazim Dhiab, a fourth-year Medical Microbiology student from the Department of Medical Microbiology, Cihan University–Erbil, conducted an insightful and interactive session on ‘Pre-Exam Stress Management’ for the students of Cihan International School.
Eman Nazim was warmly received by Mr. Mahmoud Emad Mohammed, the School Principal, who commended Cihan University–Erbil for its continuous efforts to promote student well-being and community engagement through educational outreach activities.
During the session, Eman discussed the psychological and physiological aspects of exam-related stress and provided practical strategies for students to enhance concentration, manage anxiety, and maintain a positive mindset. She highlighted key techniques, including effective time management, relaxation exercises, and healthy lifestyle practices that contribute to improved academic performance. The presentation encouraged active participation, with students sharing personal experiences and reflecting on the importance of emotional balance during examination periods.
At the end of the visit, Mr. Mahmoud Emad Mohammed expressed his sincere appreciation to the Department of Medical Microbiology and the students for their valuable contribution in supporting learners and fostering a culture of mental health awareness within the school community. The session was highly commended for its relevance, clarity, and motivational impact on students’ preparation for their upcoming examinations.
