Public Health Event 2024: Sustainable Health for All
The Kulliyyah of Pharmacy at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), in collaboration with the Sustainable Initiatives toward Health Living and Environment for Sejahtera Community (SITEC) flagship, organized the Public Health Event 2024 on January 13th. Held at the Islamic Primary School Indera Mahkota in Kuantan, the event aimed to:
- Enhance knowledge and health awareness among the school community, particularly teachers and students.
- Conduct health screenings for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, blood glucose, carbon monoxide levels, and body mass index.
- Provide consultations with pharmacy lecturers on various health concerns and medication.
- Promote sustainable health practices through educational talks, booth exhibitions, and activities.
A Team Effort for Community Well-being
Representing the Kulliyyah of Pharmacy were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norny Syafinaz Ab Rahman, Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, along with Dr. Nor Ilyani Mohamed Nazar, Dr. Nor Hidayah Mohd Taufek, Dr. Syahrir Zaini, Sr. Nurul Syafiqah Othman, and 4th-year Public Health pharmacy students. The team conducted health screenings for 50 members of the school community, providing valuable data on their health status. Additionally, they organized a health exhibition covering various topics like diabetes, obesity, vaping and smoking cessation, mental health, and Know Your Medicine. To keep the children engaged, fun mini-games were also incorporated into the event. Dr. Ilyani was an invited speaker who delivered an informative talk on smoking and vaping, as well as substance use highlighting its negative health consequences and encouraging participants to adopt healthier lifestyles.
Student Engagement and Community Impact
The event served as a valuable learning experience for the pharmacy students. They had the opportunity to:
- Apply their knowledge and skills to address real-world health issues.
- Observe consultations with experienced pharmacy lecturers.
- Develop their communication and presentation skills by sharing their findings in a seminar.
- Contribute to the community’s well-being and fulfill their social responsibility.
Empowering Individuals for Lasting Change
The Public Health Event 2024 went beyond just providing information. It empowered participants to take charge of their health through:
- Comprehensive health awareness sessions on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
- Individual consultations with pharmacy lecturers to address specific health concerns and medication queries.
- Guidance on managing medications to ensure adherence and optimal health outcomes.
The event has successfully promoted sustainable health practices within the community. It equipped individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices and prioritize their well-being, paving the way for a healthier future.