Introduction
The University of Al-Maarif (UOA) publishes annual sustainability and impact reports that reflect its ongoing commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being. These reports outline the university’s strategic policies, programs, and outcomes that aim to promote a healthy, supportive, and inclusive educational environment for students, faculty, staff, and the broader community of Al-Anbar and Iraq.
Each report consolidates verified data, key performance indicators, and qualitative case studies that document UOA’s activities in public health promotion, disease prevention, mental-health support, physical fitness development, and community outreach. The reports also highlight collaborative initiatives with hospitals, health directorates, NGOs, and national institutions, including awareness campaigns on hygiene, nutrition, first aid, stress management, and chronic disease prevention.
In addition, UOA implements specific university-wide health initiatives, such as smoke-free campus enforcement, routine health screening campaigns, and confidential psychological counseling services to support student well-being. Awareness programs, training sessions, and sports activities further contribute to building a culture of health and wellness.
By publishing these reports annually and making them publicly accessible, the University of Al-Maarif reinforces transparency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. The Good Health and Well-being Reports (2023–2024 and 2024–2025) demonstrate measurable progress toward SDG 3 and also support related SDGs, including:
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- SDG 4 – Quality Education through integrating health awareness into academic and extracurricular programs.
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- SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting community outreach and public service.
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- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals through active engagement with governmental and international health organizations.
These efforts collectively position UOA as an institution that not only educates and trains health professionals but also actively contributes to improving public health outcomes and advancing sustainable development in Iraq.
Report Name: Good Health and Well-being Report – 2024–2025
Executive Summary
The Good Health and Well-being Report 2024–2025 highlights the University of Al-Maarif’s commitment to promoting physical, mental, and community health as a core pillar of its academic mission and sustainable development strategy. Throughout the academic year, the university strengthened its healthcare services, health education programs, and community outreach initiatives in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and the national public health strategy in Iraq.
The university’s medical, nursing, and health sciences departments played an essential role in leading health promotion programs, first aid and emergency response trainings, blood donation drives, and awareness campaigns on chronic disease prevention, reproductive health, nutrition, and hygiene practices. These activities were conducted in collaboration with local hospitals, health directorates, and non-profit organizations in Al-Anbar Governorate.
A major focus this year was mental health support and psychological counseling. The University of Al-Maarif’s Center for Psychological Counseling and Community Support provided confidential, free-of-charge counseling services, workshops on stress management, and awareness seminars addressing anxiety, academic pressure, and emotional well-being. These services targeted both students and staff, promoting a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
In parallel, the university strengthened its smoke-free campus policy through awareness campaigns and compliance monitoring to ensure a healthier learning atmosphere. Sports and recreational facilities were also expanded to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles among students.
UOA’s health-related research also advanced this year, with faculty and students contributing to studies in public health, environmental health, nutrition, medical diagnostics, and digital health systems. These research outputs were integrated into community outreach programs, thus linking academic knowledge with real-world health challenges.
Overall, the university demonstrated strong progress in establishing a holistic, inclusive, and sustainable health culture on campus and beyond, directly contributing to:
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- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
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- SDG 4: Quality Education
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- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
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- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The report provides verified data, documented evidence, and performance indicators to ensure transparency and accountability in all initiatives.
Links:
Full Report (PDF): Link
Report Name: Good Health and Well-being Report – 2023–2024
Executive Summary
The Good Health and Well-being Report 2023–2024 documents the University of Al-Maarif’s integrated and inclusive approach to advancing public health awareness, preventive medicine, student wellness, and community healthcare support.
Throughout this year, the university organized multiple Health and Wellness Community Outreach Days in partnership with the Al-Anbar Health Directorate, regional hospitals, and humanitarian organizations. These programs provided:
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- Free medical examinations
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- Blood pressure and diabetes screenings
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- Health counseling sessions
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- Vaccination awareness campaigns
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- Hygiene and disease prevention education
for underserved and rural communities.
- Hygiene and disease prevention education
The university’s Faculties of Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Medical Devices Engineering played leading roles in delivering these services, supported by trained student volunteers. These initiatives not only enhanced community well-being but also provided students with essential practical learning experience and civic engagement skills, contributing to workforce readiness.
On campus, mental health support services were expanded, including:
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- Individual confidential counseling
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- Group awareness sessions on stress management
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- Anti-harassment and emotional safety programs
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- Workshops on healthy lifestyle habits
Sports programs, physical fitness events, and campus tournaments were actively promoted to strengthen social cohesion and encourage active living.
Research productivity increased during this period, with faculty publishing studies on disease prevention, mental well-being, public health management, and nutrition awareness. These research outcomes were aligned and mapped against SDG-3 reporting indicators to ensure clear measurement and long-term sustainability impact.
By integrating education, research, student engagement, and community service, the University of Al-Maarif continues to strengthen its role as a regional leader in promoting health, wellness, and social development.
Links:
Full Report (PDF): Link
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University of Al-Maarif Medical Support and Healthcare Network |
The University of Al-Maarif operates a comprehensive Medical Support and Healthcare Network connecting students, faculty, and staff with accredited hospitals, laboratories, and healthcare centers across Al-Anbar and other governorates. The network provides free and subsidized services, including preventive check-ups, diagnostic testing, physiotherapy, mental health counseling, and specialized referrals, in collaboration with licensed public and private institutions. This initiative reduces healthcare barriers, supports a safe learning environment, strengthens community well-being, and promotes health literacy among young people. Fully funded by the university, it advances SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals. |
Al-Maarif University Provides Mental Health Support for Employees |
Al-Maarif University supports staff well-being through mental health programs, including counseling, awareness sessions, and stress-management workshops. Services are provided by specialized teams and external counseling centers. The university recognizes that promoting employee mental health enhances performance and fosters a positive work environment, reflecting its commitment to comprehensive staff support. |
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A Scientific Exhibition of the Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques at AUCOn Saturday, 28th October 2023, the Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques at Al-Maarif University College held a scientific exhibition to increase health awareness among students. The scientific exhibition included several activities on the most common diseases to familiarize students and visitors with how to prevent them, as well as several health education workshops, including:
Read more : Link |
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A Scientific Workshop on Preparing Tissue Slides Held by the Department of Medical Laboratories TechniquesOn Monday, 16th October 2023, the Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques at Al-Maarif University College held a scientific workshop entitled (Preparing Tissue Slides) presented by Dr. Thulfiqar Fawaz Matar and Dr. Raed Obaid Saleh, who spoke about the important role of histopathological examinations in clinical diagnosis and searching for cancerous tumors and infections in various histological models. Read more : Link |
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A Joint Seminar on Tackle Drugs at AUCOn Wednesday, 22nd November 2023, the Department of Law at Al-Maarif University College held an educational awareness seminar on the need for concerted efforts to tackle drugs and psychotropic substances. The educational seminar was given by Dr. Hamid Al-Kubaisi – Directorate of Sunni Endowment, Major Haider Sabah -Directorate of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and Mr. Ala ‘addin Hussein – Section of Community Policing. Asst. Prof. Dr. Khalid Awad Alawani had several discussions and presented the importance of the topic and the need to adopt a strategy that reflects efforts to confront the threat posed by the scourge of materials affecting the mind. The interventions of attendees reflected the interaction and the desired benefit of the symposium. Read more : Link |