On April 29, 2026, the BSN 2023 Cohort held a WHO Day celebration at the Madina Health Center and the Hamidiya Health Center under the guidance of Dr. Veena M Joseph, Dr. Soney M Varghese and Ms Thushara Shekar. The event was organized as part of Community Engagement Program aligned with SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing to promote health awareness, preventive care through evidence-based educational activities.
This year’s celebration was aligned with the World Health Organization’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science.” The program emphasized the importance of science-based health information, early prevention, and community participation in achieving better health outcomes. Through interactive health education activities, the event created an opportunity for students to engage directly with patients, families, and healthcare staff while promoting practical strategies for healthier living.
The day featured a range of evidence-based health awareness sessions designed to address common community health concerns. Key highlights included:
- Immunization Awareness: Students provided evidence-based information on the importance of vaccination across different age groups, addressing common misconceptions and reinforcing the role of immunization in disease prevention.
- Breastfeeding Education: Educational sessions focused on the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child, including guidance on exclusive breastfeeding, nutritional benefits, and common breastfeeding practices.
- Hypertension Awareness: Students conducted health teaching on hypertension prevention and management, with emphasis on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. A health-based quiz was also organized to encourage active participation and reinforce key learning points.
- Diabetes Awareness: Practical demonstrations introduced participants to soleus muscle exercises for individuals with diabetes, highlighting simple physical activities that may support blood glucose regulation and overall health.
- Mental Health Promotion: An interactive mood board activity encouraged participants to express their emotions, reflect on their well-being, and engage in conversations about mental health awareness in a supportive environment.
A total of 22 participants attended the WHO Day celebration at Madina Health Center and Hamidiya Health Center. The participants included patients, family members, and healthcare staff who actively engaged in the health awareness sessions and interactive activities conducted by the BSN 2023 Cohort. Their participation contributed to a meaningful exchange of knowledge and helped create a supportive environment for community-based health promotion.
The event fostered meaningful interaction between nursing students, healthcare staff, patients, and family members. Through these activities, students were able to apply community health principles by delivering health education that was
practical, engaging, and relevant to the needs of the community. The program also strengthened students’ communication skills, teamwork, and confidence in providing health promotion interventions in real-world healthcare settings.
Feedback from healthcare staff and participants was generally positive. Patients and family members actively engaged in the activities, while staff appreciated the students’ enthusiasm, preparation, and commitment to delivering evidence-based health education. The interactive nature of the sessions contributed to a welcoming and supportive learning environment for everyone involved.
The College of Nursing is proud to support initiatives that strengthen community-based health promotion and preventive care. Through the WHO Day celebration, the BSN 2023 Cohort contributed to advancing health awareness and community engagement while reflecting the spirit of this year’s theme. Such experiences continue to inspire future nurses to serve as advocates for health education, empowerment, and community well-being.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
SDG 3: Good Health and Well Being; SDG 4: Quality Education
