A community engagement event on May 25, 2023 at Gulf Medical University was held in honor of World No Tobacco Day, aimed to raise awareness about the dangers associated with various forms of smoking and promote a healthier, tobacco-free lifestyle, under the WHO theme “We need food, not Tobacco.”
This event was led by Prof. Dr. Faten Mahmoud Diab, Professor of Medical Physiology, and Dr. May Khalil, Associate Professor of Biochemistry, Gulf Medical University, Ajman and conducted by our dedicated sophomores of the MBBS program, who organized a range of activities to deliver a powerful message, with the responsibility being more as they belonged to a medical varsity.
One of the highlights of the event was the exhibition of posters and mind maps and to increase the engagement, interactive games were set up, encouraging participants to actively learn about the complexities of smoking-related complications. These engaging activities not only provided valuable information, but also facilitated meaningful conversations among attendees, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal reflection.
In addition, a charming video created by a group of talented students, was showcased to emphasize the adverse impact of smoking on individual health. This video served as powerful testimonial, highlighting the real-life struggles and experiences of individuals addicted to tobacco use. By sharing these stories, our students aimed to create empathy and inspire positive change in the university student’s attitudes and behaviors.
Furthermore, a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation was delivered, focusing on the latest guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat smoking. This presentation shed light on evidence-based strategies for smoking cessation, emphasizing the importance of support networks and professional assistance. By sharing the WHO guidelines, our students provided valuable resources to those seeking to quit smoking and encouraged a proactive approach towards a healthier lifestyle.
The success of this event was only possible due to the dedication and efforts of our students, who demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, creativity, and a passion for community well-being. Their commitment to spreading awareness and advocating for a tobacco-free world was truly inspiring. “Let us continue to work together to create a world where tobacco has no place, and where we prioritize food for nourishment, rather than tobacco for destruction,” said Priya Pardasini, an enthusiastic III MBBS medical student in the forefront of this campaign, who is a strong advocate of a smoke-free environment.
The event conducted in the main foyer of GMU attracted some high profile visitors included our Founder President, Dr.Thumbay Moideen, and international delegations from Iran and Kenya, who appreciated the students’ commitment to social accountability.
“Community Engagement and Social Accountability are fundamental components of GMU’s vision and mission. We express our gratitude to Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics and Dean of the College of Medicine for his unwavering support and encouragement that has been invaluable in fostering a culture of community involvement and social responsibility among our student community,” concluded Dr. Jayakumary, faculty of Community Medicine and Chair of Community Engagement committee of the College of Medicine.