College of Health Sciences (CoHS) at Gulf Medical University marked World Stroke Day 2025 with a comprehensive community engagement event on 5 November 2025. Students from the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) and Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) programs led an awareness campaign at Thumbay University Hospital (TUH) and Thumbay Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Hospital (TPTR) in Ajman under the guidance of Associate Professors Dr. Meruna Bose, Dr. Sukumar Shanmugam and Assistant Professor Dr. Rajasekar Sannasi from the Department of Physiotherapy.
The initiative focused on educating the public about early stroke recognition, risk factors and preventive strategies. The activity was coordinated by MPT students Mr. Balaabishek Ramaprabaharan (2025MPT05) at TUH and Ms. Faith Khatonde Omusonga (2025MPT07) at TPTR, supported by the following team members:
MPT students
- Mohammed Fadl Rasheed (2025MPT06)
- Omar Ahmadi (2025MPT02)
- Ammar Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud (2024MPT13)
BPT students
- Zia Sameer Nanji (2022PT21)
- Noora (2022PT09)
- Shama Fathima Mohammed (2022PT10)
- Fiona Jeyakumar (2022PT15)
- Hasan Othman (2022PT43)
- Abdelrahman Abdelsalam Mohamed Abdelsalam (2021PT39)
- Mark Christopher Abrogar (2022PT14)
- Fatema Husain Abdulla Husain Jamali (2022PT19)
The event was organized into 3 interactive stations to deliver focused and practical learning for community participants.
Station 1: Health Screening and Risk Assessment
Participants received blood pressure checks, height and weight measurements and BMI calculations. A detailed questionnaire helped them identify modifiable and non-modifiable stroke risk factors including diabetes, obesity, sedentary behaviour, hypertension and family history. This station highlighted the value of regular screening in preventing stroke.
Station 2: Exercise Demonstration and Lifestyle Education
Students demonstrated simple, evidence-based exercises such as strength, stretching and flexibility routines aimed at reducing stroke risk. They also emphasized the interdisciplinary role of physiotherapy in prevention and recovery. Education at this station covered guidance on heart-healthy diet, stress management, smoking cessation, hydration, blood pressure control and early warning signs. Participants were encouraged to build consistent physical activity into their daily routine.
Station 3: Interactive Stroke Awareness Game
A modified soda-pong game added an engaging element to learning. Each cup contained questions related to stroke prevention, and participants who answered correctly received stress balls as prizes, reinforcing the importance of stress management. This playful approach made key messages easier to remember.
A total of 130 participants were screened, and the activities were well received. Each participant received a stroke awareness ribbon and an educational pamphlet outlining risk factors, warning signs and preventive steps.
The College of Health Sciences extends its appreciation to the hospital administration, faculty supervisors and all community participants who took part in the event. Special thanks go to the student team for their enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment to delivering high-quality community education.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, who also joined the screening, applauded the efforts and stated, “Community engagement is an essential responsibility of all healthcare professionals. The World Stroke Day activities highlight the students’ commitment to public health education and their growing role in promoting compassionate and proactive healthcare leadership.”
The event concluded on a positive note, strengthening CoHS’ commitment to professional excellence, innovation and community service. It aligns with GMU’s mission to prepare competent, ethical health professionals who understand and serve the needs of society.
