On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, second-year students from the Biomedical Department visited Nanakali Girls High School in Erbil to present an educational seminar titled Understanding Steroid-Related Weight Gain and Its Side Effects. The session was aimed at tenth-year students from both the science and literature departments.
The students received a warm welcome from Mrs. Sauza Talat Ziwar, the school principal, who attended the seminar alongside teachers and students. Led by Assistant Lecturer Bakhtawar Ziad Omar, the seminar aimed to raise awareness about the causes of weight gain associated with steroid treatments, particularly in cases of allergies and specific health conditions.
At the conclusion of the event, the Biomedical Department students expressed their gratitude on behalf of their department and university administration by presenting Mrs. Sauza Talat Ziwar with a certificate of appreciation for the school’s cooperation. In response, Mrs. Sauza Talat Ziwar expressed her appreciation for the students’ knowledge and dedication, as well as the positive impact of their presentation.
This initiative is part of the Biomedical Department’s ongoing efforts to achieve its annual scientific objectives by fostering awareness in various fields, providing students with practical experience, preparing them for the job market, and enhancing employment opportunities after graduation
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.
On October 10, 2024, a group of students from the Biomedical Sciences Department conducted engaging educational activities at Zhyar Private Basic School on the importance of vitamins. The event aimed to raise students’ awareness of the essential role of vitamins in maintaining good health and physical fitness.
On this day, they delivered inspiring presentations, shared fun facts, and conducted interactive activities to help increase the students’ knowledge of the significance of vitamins, the different types of vitamins, their sources, and the effects of vitamin deficiencies. These initiatives provided the students with enjoyable learning experiences while raising their awareness of proper nutrition and its impact on their growth and development. Additionally, the students received educational booklets on healthy eating and sources of vitamins.
The academic staff at Zhyar Private Basic School expressed their gratitude for the students’ remarkable efforts and enthusiasm, commending their ability to connect with the younger generation in an impactful way.
This event was part of a broader outreach program by the aforementioned department designed to provide health education to the community and reinforce the idea that healthcare education begins from an early age. It also provided a valuable platform for students from that department to practice their communication skills and make a positive contribution to the local community.
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Assistant Lecturer Hozan Qasim and Lecturer Dr. Haliz Salman from the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Cihan University–Duhok, conducted a workshop in collaboration with the College of Nursing within the Zakata Zansti initiative. This activity was carried out as a Zakat of Knowledge, aiming to disseminate scientific understanding and promote community education.
The workshop focused on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS), highlighting the collaborative roles of laboratory and nursing professionals in enhancing AMS through accurate diagnostics, proper specimen handling, infection-control adherence, and safe, evidence-based antibiotic use.
Aim:
To emphasize the joint contribution of laboratory and nursing professionals in strengthening AMS and mitigating AMR, in the spirit of knowledge sharing as a form of Zakat.
To celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Mawlid al-Nabi) and welcome the academic year 2024-2025, Dr. Ali M. Hussein (Head of the Biomedical Sciences Department, Cihan University-Erbil) organized a charity event.
This activity, which was held on Monday, September 16, 2024, under the supervision of Dr. Ali M. Hussein and Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed, involved the Biomedical Sciences Department students visiting the Erbil Orphanage for Boys and Girls. The students from the department as mentioned earlier provided the children living there with school supplies including special sweets on the occasion of Mawlid al-Nabi, and wished them a successful academic year 2024-2025.
Various activities are organized at Cihan University-Erbil annually to serve diverse groups of people. In addition to gathering orphans, conducting such a charity activity plays an important role in enhancing university students’ sense of responsibility towards society.
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.
