SDG3: Good Health and Wellbeing SDG 17.3.3

Updated 30/10/2025

SDG3Majmaah University – SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being (2020–2025)

Introduction

Majmaah University (MU) demonstrates a strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through comprehensive health services, wellness programs, community outreach, academic initiatives, and partnerships. This report highlights MU’s key efforts since 2020 in promoting health on campus and in the wider community, providing evidence of policies and programs that improve medical care, mental health, public health awareness, education, and research.

On-Campus Health Services

University Medical Center: MU operates a fully equipped University Medical Center that provides primary healthcare and specialist clinics for students and staff during working hours. The center includes an Internal Medicine Clinic (for adult general health issues not requiring surgery), a Dental Clinic (offering preventive care, fillings, extractions, and oral health education), and a Heart Clinic (with cardiac diagnostics like echocardiograms and stress tests) m.mu.edu.sa. In addition, the Medical Center houses a Laboratory for blood, urine, and other tests, a Pharmacy stocking essential medications (e.g. anti-inflammatories, blood pressure and diabetes drugs), and a Radiology unit with digital X-ray facilities m.mu.edu.sa. An Emergency unit is available for urgent cases, and medical records are managed electronically for efficient care m.mu.edu.sa m.mu.edu.sa. These on-campus services ensure students and employees have convenient access to quality healthcare.

Sexual and Reproductive Health: Majmaah University provides students with access to sexual and reproductive health information and services. The University Medical Center covers sexual health care needs, as indicated in its annual reports m.mu.edu.sa. The university also promotes awareness in this area: for example, the College of Nursing’s community service unit held a two-day Reproductive Health Awareness Initiative in 2024 to educate women and girls about reproductive health and healthy lifestyles. This initiative included presentations on vital signs, nutrition, and the importance of early detection, concluding with Q&A sessions for attendees mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Such programs illustrate MU’s role in supporting sexual and reproductive health education alongside clinical services.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Counseling Services: MU has established a dedicated Student Counseling Center under the Deanship of Student Affairs to support mental health. The center provides free psychological, social, and behavioral counseling to help students navigate personal challenges and university life mu.edu.sa. Its responsibilities include implementing guidance programs, one-on-one counseling, and life-skills workshops to ensure a positive student experience mu.edu.sa. The center’s staff coordinate with internal and external entities as needed and uphold quality standards in all counseling services mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. By 2025, the Counseling Center has enhanced students’ access to mental health support on campus, reflecting MU’s commitment to well-being.

Wellness Programs: The university organizes regular initiatives to promote stress management and emotional wellness among students and staff. For instance, the Guidance and Student Advising Center celebrated World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2021 with a seminar and exhibition on coping with different moods and psychological states mu.edu.sa. The event featured interactive “corners” on topics like the impact of colors on mood, psychosomatic disorders, famous individuals who overcame mental illness, nutrition to reduce stress and depression, and writing therapy mu.edu.sa. These creative approaches helped attendees learn techniques for stress relief and mental resilience. Similarly, in 2020 the College of Education hosted a Mental Health Day event highlighting the importance of mental health for overall well-being, common issues like depression, and provided students with contacts for professional help (helplines, doctor’s accounts, and mental health apps) mu.edu.sa. MU also marks occasions such as World Mental Health Day with art exhibitions – for example, a student arts club exhibition titled “Mental Health” showcased how creative expression can improve emotional balance mu.edu.sa. Through counseling services and wellness programming, MU fosters a supportive environment that addresses stress, encourages seeking help, and builds awareness about mental well-being.

Community Health Outreach

Majmaah University actively extends its health expertise to benefit the broader community through awareness campaigns and outreach programs:

• Health Awareness Campaigns: The university’s colleges and centers regularly conduct public health campaigns on prevalent issues. In January 2020, the College of Science in Zulfi’s Community Service Unit – in cooperation with Zulfi Public Hospital – led a Diabetes Awareness Campaign to educate the public on preventing blood-sugar spikes and understanding diabetes mu.edu.sa. Over 60 university staff participated, and the campaign provided prevention tips and early screening guidance, fulfilling community needs as noted by the College Dean mu.edu.sa. The event was organized with representatives from the hospital and the Saudi Charitable Association for Diabetes, exemplifying MU’s collaborative approach. Similarly, MU has supported cancer awareness efforts: the Social Responsibility Observatory (SRO) at MU sent out electronic health messages for World Cancer Day in 2021 to inform the public about cancer prevention and early detection, underlining the university’s concern for community health mu.edu.sa. MU’s College of Nursing and other faculties also join national observances like World Diabetes Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month by holding educational booths, distributing brochures from organizations such as the Saudi Cancer Society, and encouraging early screening mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa.

• COVID-19 Response and Vaccination: During the COVID-19 pandemic, MU contributed significantly to public health measures. In 2021, the Department of Medical Services at MU, in partnership with a local Ministry of Health center (Abdulaziz Al-Shuweyer Healthcare Center), launched a COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign for adolescents aged 12–18. This campaign, part of the national vaccination drive, was conducted at the Jalajil vaccination center and concluded in September 2021mu.edu.sa. MU’s Executive Director of medical services noted that this initiative fell within the university’s social responsibility to support the country’s efforts in combating COVID-19 mu.edu.sa. Additionally, MU’s Social Responsibility Observatory ran a World Immunization Week initiative in 2021 by sending out SMS messages emphasizing the importance and benefits of early vaccination against COVID-19 m.mu.edu.sa. These outreach efforts helped raise awareness and increase vaccine uptake in the community.

• Public Health Education and Screenings: The university leverages its resources to provide health education in local communities. MU’s Mobile Clinics (a fleet of mobile medical service vehicles) have been used to bring healthcare to surrounding towns and villages. These clinics, equipped with diagnostic tools (e.g. ultrasound for obstetrics, X-ray for chest and bone diseases, dental units, and lab facilities), travel to provide free medical check-ups and health education to underserved areas mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Through the mobile medical services, the university participates in national health events, conducts disease screenings (e.g. for diabetes, hypertension), and disseminates prevention advice via talks and brochures mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Notably, MU’s mobile clinics have visited schools to assist with vaccination campaigns and delivered services at community events and even during the Hajj pilgrimage route, demonstrating flexibility in outreach mu.edu.sa. Furthermore, MU’s Social Responsibility Observatory organizes blood donation drives; in 2021 the Observatory’s Blood Bank Club, in cooperation with the Central Blood Bank, held multiple blood donation campaigns in the region mu.edu.sa. These outreach programs show MU’s role in improving community health literacy and access to basic health services.

Health-Related Research and Education

Majmaah University contributes to health and well-being through its academic offerings and research initiatives:

• Health Sciences Education: MU has established several colleges dedicated to medicine and health sciences, ensuring a pipeline of qualified health professionals. Key faculties include the College of Medicine, College of Dentistry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, and College of Nursing. Together, these colleges offer a range of accredited programs such as the Medical Bachelor & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Nursing Science, Physical Therapy, Radiological Sciences and Medical Imaging, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Health Informatics, and Biomedical Equipment Technology mu.edu.sa. These programs have been introduced since 2010 as part of MU’s expansion and are designed to meet national healthcare needs. For example, the College of Dentistry (est. 2010–2011) runs a Dental Teaching Center in Zulfi which serves the dual purpose of training dental students and providing oral health services to the community en.wikipedia.org. Similarly, clinical training for medical and nursing students is integrated with local healthcare delivery, instilling practical skills and a sense of social responsibility. By embedding community service into curricula (such as community medicine rotations and public health projects), MU’s academic programs directly contribute to improving health outcomes in the university’s service area.

• Research and Innovation: MU supports research that addresses local and national health challenges. The Health and Basic Sciences Research Center at MU focuses on interdisciplinary medical research aimed at improving community health conditions and spreading health awareness mu.edu.sa. University faculty and students undertake studies on prevalent health issues in Saudi society. For instance, researchers from MU have studied lifestyle risks among youth – one study found that nearly 47% of surveyed Majmaah University students engaged in risky health behaviors (smoking, poor driving practices, physical inactivity), highlighting areas for targeted health promotion pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MU academics contributed expertise to public health research; notably, Majmaah University’s public health faculty helped develop and review a national survey on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among university students journals.lww.com. Outcomes from such research inform better health strategies and policies. MU also disseminates knowledge through its peer-reviewed Majmaah Journal of Health Sciences, which publishes studies on public health, clinical medicine, and healthcare education relevant to the region. By investing in medical research infrastructure (modern labs, biostatistics support) and funding faculty projects, MU ensures that its research output translates into community health benefits – from evidence-based awareness campaigns to improved clinical practices. The university’s research priorities align with national health objectives, focusing on issues like chronic disease prevention, healthcare quality improvement, and pandemic preparedness, thereby contributing to SDG 3 targets.

Partnerships and External Collaborations

Majmaah University recognizes that strategic partnerships enhance its impact on health and well-being. The university has forged multiple collaborations with government agencies, healthcare providers, and non-profits:

• Ministry of Health (MoH): In November 2023, MU signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Health to collaborate in training and research mu.edu.sa. This MoU, signed during the Global Health Forum in Riyadh, aims to strengthen cooperation in developing healthcare human resources and joint research projects. By partnering with MoH, MU aligns its academic and research efforts with national healthcare priorities and gains support for initiatives like internships, residency training for graduates, and applied research that can be implemented in the public health system.

• Local Hospitals: The university works closely with hospitals in its region to augment both education and community service. For example, MU’s College of Applied Medical Sciences and College of Education co-hosted a World Physical Therapy Day event in partnership with King Khalid Hospital in Majmaah, combining the hospital’s clinical expertise with the university’s academic perspective mu.edu.sa. MU health colleges often utilize Ministry of Health hospitals (and other local clinics) as training sites for students’ clinical rotations. In turn, MU faculty and students support these hospitals’ outreach events – such as free screening days, health fairs, and patient education sessions – creating a mutually beneficial relationship that improves community health awareness.

• Non-Governmental Organizations: MU actively partners with specialized health NGOs to leverage their expertise for campaigns. A notable collaboration is with the Zahra Breast Cancer Society: Majmaah University has joined forces with Zahra to run breast cancer awareness campaigns, including a national campaign that provided women with information on early detection and on-site instruction in breast self-exams mu.edu.sa. Likewise, MU’s diabetes awareness events have involved the Saudi Charitable Association for Diabetes, whose representatives participate and provide educational materials mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. These partnerships enable the university to extend its reach by tapping into the networks and resources of established health charities, ensuring campaigns are culturally sensitive and effective. MU’s faculty also collaborate with international organizations through initiatives like CIFAL Saudi (a UN training center hosted at MU) to share best practices on health education and community well-being.

• Municipal and Educational Partners: The university coordinates with local government bodies and schools to implement health programs. MU’s mobile clinics and observatory units have worked with municipal authorities to visit rural areas and with the Ministry of Education to deliver school-based health interventions (such as immunization drives and health screenings in elementary and secondary schools) mu.edu.sa. These efforts help fill healthcare gaps in smaller communities and promote healthy habits among younger populations. Through forums and seminars, MU also engages with multi-sector committees (e.g. Women’s Community Development Committee, regional family affairs councils) to address social determinants of health like fitness, nutrition, and road safety mu.edu.sa.

Overall, these collaborations significantly amplify Majmaah University’s impact on SDG 3. By joining with national health agencies, local hospitals, NGOs, and community groups, the university ensures its health initiatives are well-resourced, far-reaching, and aligned with broader public health strategies mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. Such partnerships have enabled joint health campaigns, improved training for healthcare workers, and the efficient delivery of health services to those in need, thereby advancing good health and well-being in the region.

Conclusion

Majmaah University’s multifaceted approach to SDG 3 demonstrates its role as both an educational institution and a community health advocate. On campus, MU provides accessible medical and counseling services that safeguard the health of students and staff. The university fosters a culture of wellness and mental health awareness through dedicated centers and events. Beyond campus, MU’s outreach programs – from diabetes and cancer awareness to COVID-19 vaccination drives – have educated the public and improved healthcare access in partnership with hospitals, government agencies, and NGOs. Importantly, MU integrates health into its core mission via robust medical and health science programs and by conducting research that addresses local health challenges and informs policy. Backed by formal partnerships, Majmaah University has emerged as a key contributor to public health efforts in its region, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 health objectives. These evidenced achievements from 2020 onward underscore MU’s commitment to Good Health and Well-Being and provide a strong basis for its evaluation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for SDG 3 mu.edu.sa mu.edu.sa. The university will continue to build on this foundation, striving to remain a “beacon of giving” for community wellness as envisioned in its strategy mu.edu.sa, and upholding the values of compassion, quality, and innovation in health for years to come.