Burden of disease simply demonstrates the impact of diseases and risk factors in a population. On the other hand, the study of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) offers a helpful resource to understand the constantly changing health challenges faced by people across the globe in the 21^st century. In fact, GBD study is the largest and an all-encompassing effort to measure health loss across various geographical locations and over time, thereby improving health systems and eliminating disparities in the long run.

To assess the health of various populations around the world and to get an overview of their health factors such as life expectancy, fertility, and causes of death, NCL and NDPH joined forces for an outreach undertaking to paint a comprehensive picture of what kills and disables people across countries, time, ages, and sexes for the students of NUMS and Islamabad Medical and Dental College (IMDC).

The beneficial training aim of NCL and NDPH prolifically materialized from 20^th to 22^nd August 2024 as a rewarding three-day workshop on ‘Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Modelling’. The said workshop, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, was facilitated by Dr. Tamkeen Nishat Jaffry (Assoc. Prof., NDPH), Dr. Raima Asif (Asst. Prof., NDPH), and Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar (Lecturer, NDPH). It was conducted from 1000 hrs to 1400 hrs in the Seminar Room (NUMS PWD Campus). All in all, the training sessions were eagerly attended by around 60 students from NUMS and Islamabad Medical and Dental College (IMDC).

The sessions effectively equipped the participating students with fundamental knowledge and essential skills in data analysis and healthcare planning. While Dr. Tamkeen Nishat Jaffry emphasized that GBD estimation can be reliable only if it happens with international collaboration; Dr. Raima Asif and Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar kept the audience engaged by diving into the practical side of the training, and explained how modern tools allow decision-makers to compare the effects of different diseases, injuries, and risk factors in order to prioritize interventions for improving health and saving lives.

In order to ensure educational impartiality, UDO (NUMS) worked alongside the resource persons and program coordinators of NDPH to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion practices were conscientiously executed throughout the sessions. The three-day event came to an end with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan (HoD, NDPH), Concluding Remarks by Air Cdre Muhammad Ismail, SI (M), Retd (Consultant QA / Head of NCL & RD Dte, NUMS), and Certificate Distribution Ceremony by the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Aisha Mohyuddin (Dean Multidisciplinary Sciences, NUMS).

This training workshop by NCL, in collaboration with NDPH, was undertaken in reference to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The Department of Public Health established Student Organizing Committees to develop leadership qualities, instill a sense of responsibility, and engage students in health-promoting activities by organizing health-related events and awareness campaigns. The first committees were formed for the 2023-2024 academic year. As senior students graduated and new cohorts arrived, new committees were established for 2024-2025 to ensure the smooth continuation of ongoing activities.

A Badge Distribution Ceremony was held on Thursday, May 30th, 2024, to acknowledge the efforts of appointment holders.  The chief guest was Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of the Department of Public Health. Faculty members and BSPH students of all batches attended the event. Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan recognized the outstanding contributions of students by awarding badges. Following is the list of badge holders for their respective appointments.

President: Husnain Sabir (Semester 2)

Vice President: Hamda Noor (Semester 3)

Entertainment Committee:

• Coordinator: Hadiqa Mughal (Semester 5)
• Secretaries: Eman Fatima (Semester 5), Ayesha Liaquat (Semester 5)
• Members: Ansab Ur Rehman (Semester 1), Mishal Ali Malik (Semester 1), Yumna Sajid (Semester 5), Azka Zahoor (Semester 5)

Art and Media Committee:

• Coordinator: Fatima Saleem (Semester 7)
• Secretaries: Aiza Saleem (Semester 3), Mishal Hayat (Semester 3)
• Members: Eisha Khalid, Zara Ali, Zainab Noor, Natasha

Literary Committee:

• Coordinator: Salwa Manzoor (Semester 5)
• Secretaries: Ayesha Liaqat (Semester 5), Dua Masood (Semester 5)
• Members: Zahra Batool (Semester 3), Zaina Us Sama (Semester 3), Attique Afzal (Semester 3), Sameeka Ali (Semester 3)

Event Management Committee:

• Coordinator: Waleed Qaiser (Semester 7)
• Secretaries: Maha Amin, Rabiya Abid, Sofia Naseem
• Members: Aimen Adnan, Huzaifa Bilal, Malaika Yamin, Hareem Sadiq

Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan appreciated Associate Professor Dr. Tamkeen Jaffry for the successful execution of the plan and thanked the DPH faculty for guiding and supporting the students. She also admired the dedication of the committees and expects them to continue performing with the same devotion in the future.

Thyroid Awareness Week, held annually, plays a crucial role in raising awareness about thyroid health and its impact on overall well-being, directly supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). This year theme was “Thyroid Diseases are Non-Communicable Diseases”. The NUMS Department of Public Health celebrated Thyroid Awareness Week 2024 in conjunction with ongoing activities of the Thyroid Federation International from May 25th to May 31st, 2024. The week featured a variety of engaging activities aimed at raising awareness about thyroid health.

NUMS BSPH students designed brochures in both English and Urdu, catering to a diverse audience. These brochures highlighted essential information about thyroid disorders, symptoms, and healthy practices for care and control of the diseases. Distributed from May 25th to 28th, they reached Heads of Departments, Directors, Faculty, and Staff. An awareness session was also conducted for NUMS staff members to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle for the prevention and control of thyroid disorders.

A key highlight of the awareness week was a seminar held on May 30th. The event commenced with a welcome note by BSPH Students, followed by a presentation on the importance of thyroid awareness by students of Batch 5. Video presentations by Batch II and Batch V effectively disseminated vital information to a broad audience, enhancing understanding and engagement. Students from Batch III presented a compelling role-play, effectively highlighting critical concerns related to thyroid health awareness in a thought-provoking manner. The event also featured an impressive exhibition of e-posters designed by students from all batches, showcasing their research and findings on thyroid health. Adding an interactive element to the day was a lively trivia quiz, engaging the audience and testing their knowledge on thyroid-related topics. The event concluded with a professionally produced video showcasing the week-long activities.

The chief guest, Professor Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of the Department of Public Health, in her closing remarks, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting public health awareness. She congratulated the students for their dedication and successful management of various aspects of the event, ensuring its success. She also commended the efforts of the DPH faculty for organizing such a remarkable event and congratulated the focal persons, Dr. Tamkeen Jaffry (Associate Professor Public Health) and Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar (Lecturer Public Health), for their contributions.

Overall, the Thyroid Awareness Week 2024 event at NUMS was a resounding success, fostering greater understanding and awareness of thyroid health among students and the broader community.

The NUMS Department of Public Health and NUMS Office of International Collaboration, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow UK, organized a virtual seminar on the theme "Potential impacts of climate change on malaria vector control" on Friday, 8th March 2024 from 1500 - 1600 hrs. The seminar aimed to explore the effects of climate change on malaria vector control strategies and discuss innovative approaches to mitigate these impacts.

Dr. Nasir Javed moderated the session attended by faculty members, including the Head of Department, Dr. Uzma Hassan, and Dr. Nasir Javed. Mr Nadeem Akbar, the deputy director of the NUMS Office of International Collaboration, also graced the event. Over 50 NUMS participants joined the webinar.

Dr. Heather Ferguson, the esteemed Professional from the Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Glasgow UK, was honored by gracing the virtual session as a Guest Speaker to provide valuable insight to our students and faculty. Dr Azra Meadows from the University of Glasgow UK also embellished the event with her insightful comments. Dr. Heather Ferguson provided an overview of the current malaria burden and emphasized the complex interplay between climate change and malaria transmission dynamics.

Participants had the opportunity to engage with the speakers through an interactive Q&A session. The session fostered a rich exchange of ideas and highlighted the collective commitment to tackling the malaria challenge in a changing climate.

The webinar ended with closing remarks from Prof Dr Uzma Hassan, emphasizing the need for a coordinated global response to climate change and malaria. Mr. Nadeem Akbar thanked Dr. Heather Ferguson & Dr Azra Meadows for their contributions and the participants' engagement.

The NUMS Department of Public Health (NDPH) organized an orientation session on February 19th, 2024, to welcome the 5th Batch of Bachelor of Science Public Health (BSPH) students. Department of Public Health aims to create a health workforce capable of generating health awareness and health promotion by adopting an innovative and community-based learning approach.

The session briefly introduced the University and the Department of Public Health. It was attended by both students and faculty members of the Department, including Head of Department Professor Dr. Uzma Hassan, Associate Professor Dr. Tamkeen Jaffry, Assistant Professors Dr. Hina Shan and Dr. Raima Asif, as well as Lecturers Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar and Dr. Nasir Javed.

Dr. Nasir Javed, Lecturer in Public Health, moderated the session, beginning with an overview of NUMS's mission, followed by a welcome address from Professor Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of the Department of Public Health. Professor Hassan congratulated the students on their selection and reaffirmed NUMS's commitment to fostering scientific inquiry through education and skill-based training. The Department of Public Health faculty introduced themselves, briefed the students on academic policies, and showcased events and the BSPH program at NUMS.

The new students introduced themselves and discussed their public health interests and reasons for joining NUMS. They asked questions about the program and career prospects. The session ended with a thank you note and refreshments, followed by a tour of the academic block. The educational session started on February 20th, 2024.

The NUMS Department of Public Health, in collaboration with Integrated Health Services (IHS), organized a week-long School Health Services certificate course for a dedicated group of BSPH students. This initiative was inspired by the memorandum between IHS and NUMS, emphasizing practical education and community wellbeing.

Following the course, students conducted awareness sessions at educational institutes, focusing on creating a healthier community. On December 4, 2023, a comprehensive visual acuity screening and awareness program occurred at Roots International School, PWD Rawalpindi. This initiative aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) and 10 (Reduced Inequality).

The session began with informative posters and charts to captivate students' attention, covering topics like maintaining optimal eye health, healthy diets, and eye exercises. A screening process identified potential vision problems, with interactive games like darts and a visual memory game enhancing the educational experience.

The overarching goal was to raise awareness about visual acuity, empowering students with practical knowledge and habits for eye health. Dr. Tamkeen Nishat Jaffry and Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar coordinated the activity, with students from BSPH Batch 3 and Batch 4 participating. Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, the head of the Department, praised the initiative, encouraging students to persist in contributing to a more educated and healthier community through informed choices. The school administration also appreciated the informative and engaging session on this critical aspect of health.

Reproductive Health Hygiene is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, particularly among adolescent girls who are at a crucial stage of physical and emotional development. The importance of addressing reproductive health hygiene in schools cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future health and happiness of young individuals. The transition from childhood to adolescence is marked by significant changes in the body, and providing education and guidance on reproductive health hygiene at this stage is essential to empower girls with the knowledge and skills necessary for maintaining good health.

In accordance to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), NUMS Department of Public Health conducted an awareness session promoting Reproductive Health Hygiene among adolescent girls at Federal Government College of Home Economics and Management Sciences F-11/1 Islamabad on Wednesday 08 November 2023.

This session plays a crucial role in empowering young girls with essential knowledge and the transformative changes occurring during puberty, developing a sense of confidence and control. Moreover, a comprehensive understanding of reproductive health hygiene is instrumental in preventing a spectrum of health issues, from infections to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Addressing these aspects in a supportive and educational environment not only contributes to psychosocial well-being by reducing stigma and promoting a positive self-image but also ensures educational continuity. Lack of awareness can lead to disruptions in education, as girls may miss school days due to menstrual hygiene-related discomfort.

Dr Raima Asif (Assistant Professor Public Health) moderated the session along with Noor Ul Ain Shah, Fizza Javed and Saarma Saleem (Batch 1 Students). The event started with a brief introduction of the subject followed by distribution of a questionnaire assessing the existing knowledge regarding the reproductive health hygiene. This was followed by a video presentation highlighting the importance of maintaining the menstrual hygiene as the habits and knowledge cultivated during adolescence form the bedrock for lifelong health practices. In the end a PowerPoint presentation was given to the students, providing education, fostering awareness, and promoting positive attitudes towards reproductive health.

The College administration appreciated and acknowledged the efforts of the faculty and students of NUMS Department of Public Health for conducting such an interactive session on an important health issue.

The Head of the Department, Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, appreciated the initiative taken by NUMS Department of Public Health. She also stressed on the importance of such sessions as they go beyond the classroom, extending to the overall well-being and empowerment of adolescent girls.

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Prizes and can be a source of pride and a positive reinforcement for students. Monetary enticements act as a constructive support as well, since it helps students to strive for betterment and further improvement in academic performance. Universities that provide this incentive extend beyond just the monetary value. For this purpose, NUMS Department of Public Health arranged a prize distribution ceremony at the National University of Medical Sciences, PWD Campus on Monday, 29th May 2023 to honour the position holders of BSPH Batch I, II & III students.

The event was moderated by Dr Nasir Javaid (Lecturer Public Health). The event commenced with recitation of the Holy Quran. After that, Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of Department Public Health distributed the cheques of Rs. 15,000/-, 10,000/- and 5,000/- to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd position holders respectively in their semesters. They are: -

• Batch 1 Semester VI: Saleha Ahmed (1st position), Fizza Javed (2nd position), and Yousaf Tariq (3rd position).

• Batch II Semester IV: Waleed Qaiser Sheikh (1st position), Fatima Saleem (2nd position), and Noor Fatima Khan (3rd position).

• Batch III Semester II: Ayesha Jamshed (1st position), Zahra Batool (2nd position), and Sofia Naseem (3rd position).

Apart from regular studies, extracurricular activities play a crucial role in a student's overall development. They provide opportunities for skill development, personal growth, social interaction, well-being, and exploration of interests. Engaging in these activities can have a positive impact on academic success, personal fulfillment, and future opportunities. The Department of Public Health decided to form multiple committees that will be handling various aspects of all events in order to effectively and efficiently manage them and to instill leadership, teamwork, and responsibility among students. Badges were awarded by the HoD to committees’ leads, coordinators, and secretaries as follows: -

• President: Fizza Javed (Batch-I)

• Vice-President: Hasnain Sabir (Batch-II)

• Event Committee Coordinator: Iffa Zahid (Batch-I)

• Event Committee Secretaries: Hamda Noor and Ayesha Jamshed (Batch-III)

• Entertainment Committee Coordinator: Eman Fatima Sahir (Batch-I)

• Entertainment Committee Secretaries: Hadiqa Mughal and Zehra Batool (Batch-III)

• Literary Committee Coordinator: Noor ul Ain Shah (Batch-I)

• Literary Committee Secretaries: Afreen Jamal and Salwa Manzoor (Batch-III)

• Media Committee Coordinator: Yashfa, Khan (Batch-I)

• Media Committee Secretaries: Ayesha Zubair and Saba Mushtaq (Batch-III)

The Head of the Department Public Health Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan in her closing remarks appreciated the students for scoring positions and receiving incentives for their hard work. She also congratulated them for fulfilling their responsibility and managing different areas of their expertise to make each event of the department a complete success. She was highly appreciative of the focal person of the event Dr Nasir Javaid (Lecturer Public Health) for his remarkable job. She also appreciated other members of her team of Department of Public Health; Dr. Tamkeen Jaffry, Dr. Hina Shan, Dr. Raima Asif ,Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar and Mr Attique Arshad on their hard work and commendable job. At the end, she thanked the Digital Technologies Directorate, Administration Directorate, Public Affairs Directorate and Department of Student Affairs for facilitating in the successful conduct of the event.

Raising our voices against sexual harassment and gender-based violence is an ongoing effort that requires persistence and collective action. By advocating for change, supporting survivors, and promoting education and awareness, we can work towards creating a society that is free from harassment and violence. The NUMS Department of Public Health conducted an awareness talk on “Breaking the Silence: Empowering Voices against Sexual Harassment and Gender-Based Violence” held at the National University of Medical Sciences, PWD Campus on Monday, 29 May 2023 at 1100 hours to enlighten students about sexual harassment and gender-based violence. This is also in line with various Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reducing Inequalities)

Dr. Erum Monis (Deputy Director Quality Assurance & Public Health Professional) was the guest speaker at the event. It was a very instructive and encouraging session. Dr. Erum highlighted how essential it is for the survivors to break the silence and share the experiences which can help to create a supportive environment and challenge the culture of victim blaming. She stressed on engaging in conversations about gender equality, toxic masculinity, and the importance of consent while encouraging positive portrayals of relationships and promoting gender equity which can contribute to changing cultural attitudes and behaviors. She also emphasized on the importance of promoting platforms for survivors to share their stories and supporting dialogue around these issues for changing societal attitudes.

The Head of the Department Public Health Prof. Dr Uzma Hassan in her concluding remarks emphasized on raising awareness about sexual harassment and gender-based violence. She stressed upon the importance of educating individuals about harassment, consent, and respectful behavior as it helps to foster a culture of respect and understanding.

At the end, the HoD expressed her gratitude for the guest speaker for taking out her precious time to grace the event and sharing valuable information. She also appreciated her departmental and other staff for the smooth conduct of the event.

In this fast-paced and demanding world, prioritizing and empowering our wellness is crucial for accomplishing sustainable health. This journey towards sustainable health involves embracing practices that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being while encouraging long-term balance and resilience. It focuses on self-reflection, experimentation, and embracing what works best for our well-being.

NUMS Department of Public Health in collaboration with Firefly NGO, a premier Non-Government Organization for Mental Health is dedicated to raise awareness, change the talk, and find solutions for the youth. In this regard a Seminar titled “Empowering Wellness: A journey to Sustainable Health” was held at the National University of Medical Sciences, PWD campus on Wednesday 24th May 2023 which is also in line with various Sustainable Development Goals including SDG 3 ( Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Prof Brig(Retd) Naila Azam HOD Department of Community Medicine Foundation University Medical College graced the occasion with her presence as a guest speaker.

The event started with a recitation of the Holy Quran. The lead of NUMS Firefly Committee highlighted the achievements of organization since its collaboration and briefed about the future goals.  It was followed by the presentation on the journey of World Health Organization (WHO)  a Primary arm of UN since its inception in 1948, titled  “ 75 Years History of  WHO in Improving Public Health” . The most exciting segment of the event was Arts and Fun activities focusing on the cognitive physical and mental skills in which BSPH students from all the batches and the esteemed DPH faculty participated enthusiastically. The activities included tongue twisters, wanna spoon, an eating challenge, tug of war, a spelling bee, dumb charades and Chinese whisper. Sketching, Drawing, poster, and painting competitions that reflected the talent of skillful students were also held and the winners were awarded certificates.

Another highlight of the event was Handprint Activity that took place in the university compound area to allow students come together as a community and demonstrate their unwavering support for individuals facing physical or mental illnesses.

Prof Brig(Retd) Naila Azam was very pleased by the performance of the BSPH students. She shared her valuable insights and words of sage, which were very stimulating and motivational.  The Head of Department Public Health Prof.Dr Uzma Hassan in her concluding remarks stressed on the importance of such events for students as it provides insight into diverse topics and motivate them to explore new areas of interest. She congratulated and appreciated the focal person of this seminar Dr. Tamkeen Jaffry (Associate Professor) for this commendable job. She also appreciated  Dr. Hina Shan(Assistant Professor) ,Dr. Raima Asif(Assistant Professor),  Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar(Lecturer), Dr Nasir Javaid (Lecturer),  and Mr. Attique Arshad(Sub Office Assistant)for organizing the event. The HoD applauded the efforts of all the students, stating that these activities were vivifying and gave a sense of gratification for the holistic well-being of the students and encouraged to keep conducting such events in future too. At the end, she also appreciated the Digital Technologies Directorate, Administration Directorate, Public Affairs Directorate and Department of Student Affairs for providing conducive environment facilitating the successful conduction of this seminar.