On World Health Day 2025, College of Nursing at Gulf Medical University participated in a community engagement event held at Nesto Hypermarket in Musharif, Ajman on Monday, April 21st, 2025. The event was organized by the College of Medicine as an Interprofessional Education (IPE) initiative, The IPE approach provided a platform for students to develop teamwork, shared responsibilities, and communication skills across discipline essential to modern, patient-centered healthcare.
The participants were Semester 8, Year 4 students from the 2021 cohort, divided into two shifts: with seven students per shift to ensure effective communication and inclusivity. Each shift was carefully arranged to include students fluent in Arabic, English, and Hindi, allowing us to reach the widest possible audience and minimize language barriers in the multilingual community of Ajman.
The location outside the university setting gave the students a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse population, putting their theoretical knowledge into practice and enhancing their public health education skills. They engaged directly with families, mothers, children, and individuals from all walks of life, delivering tailored information that could help them make informed health decisions.
The health education stations covered three main areas: antenatal care, newborn and child health, and gynecological health. Topics in the antenatal section included healthy diet recommendations, advice for breast preparation, warning signs during pregnancy, and monitoring fetal movements. For newborns and children, exclusive breastfeeding, expressed milk for working mothers, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), febrile seizures, immunizations, choking hazards, and hand hygiene were addressed. In particular, the emphasis was given on the importance of hand hygiene through a fun and interactive demonstration specifically designed for children. Handwashing techniques were taught using songs, visuals, and hands-on practice, which helped reinforce the message in an engaging and memorable way.
The gynecology section focused on self-breast examination, the role of mammograms in early detection, and cervical cancer screening including the HPV vaccine. These topics were selected based on the prevalent health needs within the community, and the approach was tailored to resonate with individuals of different age groups and backgrounds.
To support the health education content, several live demonstrations were conducted. These included breastfeeding techniques such as latching and positioning, how to manage choking in children, and proper methods for breast self-examination. Pamphlets in multiple languages were handed out at each station, allowing visitors to take home useful health tips. Additionally, a creative activity called “Color the Germs Away” was organized for children, combining art and health education to teach them about germs and personal hygiene in a playful and educational format.
Overall, the event was a meaningful experience for both the public and the students involved. It allowed the students to apply their nursing knowledge in a real-world setting, improve their communication skills, and engage in teamwork across health professions. The community benefited from accessible, multilingual health education.
