NUMS Department of Public Health remains committed to nurturing a competent and dynamic health workforce equipped to promote Public Health awareness and implement impactful health initiatives through innovative, community-oriented learning approaches.

To welcome the students of Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) Batch 7 (2026- 2030), an Orientation Session was organized on February 23, 2026, at King Hammad Institute of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences (KHINAMS). The session aimed to acquaint the incoming students with the University and departmental environment and provide an overview of the academic structure and administrative processes.

The proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr. Hafiz Zeeshan Hussain, followed by the National Anthem. Dr. Rubab Farooqi, Assistant Professor of Public Health and focal person for the event, delivered the welcome address, encouraging students to embrace their academic journey with dedication and purpose. Faculty members introduced themselves and shared insights into their academic backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Professor Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of the Department of Public Health, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the remarkable progress of the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) in recent years and reaffirmed the Institution commitment to academic excellence and professional growth. Associate Professor Dr. Tamkeen Nishat Jaffry presented an overview of the curriculum framework and assessment policies. Assistant Professor Dr. Raima Asif briefed students on internship requirements and capstone projects. Miss Rubab Zulfiqar, Lecturer in Public Health, explained the attendance policy and library standard operating procedures, while Lecturer Dr. Nasir Javed discussed the structure and responsibilities of student committees and the Learning Management System (LMS), emphasizing the importance of active participation in extracurricular activities for leadership development. Mr. Hafiz Zeeshan Hussain, Office Assistant, informed students about departmental coordination and administrative procedures. The event also featured a video presentation showcasing the department’s achievements, community outreach initiatives, and testimonials from previous cohorts.

Following the formal session, students of BSPH Batch VII introduced themselves, sharing their academic aspirations and motivations. An interactive question-and-answer session addressed queries regarding the program, faculty, and future career pathways. The orientation concluded with a group photograph commemorating the beginning of the students’ academic journey, followed by a guided tour to various sections of the campus by the senior batches. The academic session for BSPH Batch VII officially commenced on February 24, 2026.

NUMS Department of Public Health continues to emphasize experiential learning to strengthen the practical competencies of Public Health students. In line with this objective—and in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), a student study trip to Syed Muhammad Hussain Samli Hospital and Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Centre, Murree on 29^th December 2025, was organized for all four batches of BSPH students. The visit aimed to provide first hand exposure to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices, with a specific focus on healthcare waste management within hospital settings.

The primary aim of the visit was to familiarize students with IPC protocols implemented in hospital settings and to enhance their understanding of waste segregation, safe handling, storage, and disposal of infectious waste. The visit also highlighted the critical role of IPC in preventing healthcare-associated infections, protecting healthcare workers, patients, and the community, and ensuring a safe healthcare environment.

Dr Tamkeen Jaffery (Associate Professor), Dr. Raima Asif (Assistant Professor), Dr Rubab Farooqi (Assistant Professor), Miss Rubab Zulfiqar (Lecturer), Dr. Nasir Javed (Lecturer), and Mr. Hafiz Zeeshan Hussain (Office Assistant) from the Department of Public Health accompanied and guided students through the hospital facilities.

Dr. Raana, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Dr. Umer, IPC Master Trainer, and Dr. Yasir Abbasi, IPC focal person, were the organizing and facilitating professionals who provided an introductory briefing on IPC principles, emphasizing their importance in infection control, patient safety, and environmental protection. They explained the necessity of strict adherence to IPC guidelines and the consequences of poor waste management in healthcare facilities and briefed how improper segregation can increase the risk of infection and environmental contamination. Students were introduced to the yellow room designated for temporary storage of infectious waste and were briefed on incineration and burial pit procedures for safe disposal. Students were also demonstrated the correct hand hygiene technique, including the recommended steps and duration for effective handwashing.

Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of the Department of Public Health, acknowledged the team’s efforts in organizing the student study trip. She emphasized that such visits are crucial for connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application, helping students develop a well-rounded understanding of hospital-based IPC systems.

In celebration of NUMS’ 10th Anniversary, the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Center for Lifelong Learning, successfully organized a three-day workshop titled “Health Research Essentials: Data Analysis & Beyond” on May 26, 27, and 29, 2025, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 3 & 4. The workshop aimed to strengthen the analytical and research capabilities of Public Health students, equipping them to identify health trends, analyze data, and design evidence-based, socially relevant interventions empowering them to become informed professionals capable of addressing real-world health challenges.

Opening day was led by Dr. Raima Asif, Assistant Professor at NDPH who emphasized the importance of conducting an effective literature review using PubMed and other search engines, as well as managing references with Zotero.

Dr. Ayaz ul Haq, a seasoned academic and corporate trainer, conducted the second and third days. Dr. Ayaz ul Haq has extensive experience in conducting Data Analysis training sessions at over 30 national and international institutes. Dr. Ayaz provided a detailed overview of data analysis in SPSS, including Basic Statistical Analysis, Advanced Statistical Analysis, and Data Interpretation and Reporting. Participants were engaged in practical exercises using real-world datasets and breakout sessions for peer discussion and networking.

Consultant Quality Assurance Air Cdre Muhammad Ismail SI (M) (Retd) was the Chief Guest on the closing Day. He commended the dedication of the organizers and applauded the enthusiasm of the participants, urging them to apply their newly acquired skills to address pressing public health research challenges. Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, HoD NDPH, in her vote of thanks, acknowledged the organizing team's efforts and encouraged students to continue integrating research skills into their academic pursuits and future professional endeavors.

Certificates were awarded to the participants of the work shop and faculty & staff of both Department of Public Health and Center of Lifelong Learning at NUMS.

This workshop reflects NUMS’ ongoing commitment to nurturing a research-driven academic environment and empowering the next generation of healthcare researchers with the tools needed to lead impactful studies.

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In contribution to the NUMS 10-Year Anniversary celebrations, the Department of Public Health organized a 3-day event from May 6th to 8th, 2025, at the NUMS PWD Campus. The program was conducted under the overarching theme: “Bridging Awareness and Action: Building Equitable, Resilient and Sustainable Communities.” This theme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 5, 10, and 17.

Day One Event was held on 6th May under the theme: “Powering Prevention, Strengthening Control: A Day for Immunization.” The session was entirely student-led, representing a powerful display of Department of Public Health Educational Philosophy: learning through participation and action.

The event opened with a welcome address by the students of Public Health. There was a presentation on “Immunization as a Pillar of Prevention and Control” outlining how immunization is a cost-effective and essential tool in reducing the burden of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs). This was followed by Immunization awareness video providing both historical context and current best practices. These were complemented by a role play performance from the students that creatively addressed vaccine hesitancy and the role of healthcare workers in community education.

Quiz competition and fun activities ensured audience engagement while reinforcing key facts and ideas. The event also included a poster display, where students showcased vibrant and informative illustrations on immunization, demonstrating both scientific knowledge and visual communication skills.

Prof Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of Department Public Health in her vote of thanks, appreciated Dr Tamkeen Jaffry Associate Professor Public Health; the focal person for her initiative and efforts in organizing and implementing the event.  She congratulated the students for their dedication and stressed the importance of youth-led initiatives in driving sustainable health awareness campaigns.

Prof  Dr. Aisha Mohyuddin, Dean Multidisciplinary Studies in her concluding remarks commended the students’ creativity and highlighted how such events align with NUMS mission of integrating Public Health education with societal impact.

Brig Muhammad Asif Chattha (Retd), Director Student Affairs Department acknowledged the efforts of NDPH faculty and students. He awarded the cash prizes to winners of Quiz and Poster Competitions.

The celebrations successfully embodied NUMS vision of nurturing capable and compassionate Public Health professionals and reflected a commitment to bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact.

Since its inception, the Department of Public Health has been dedicated to developing a skilled health workforce capable of promoting public health awareness and advancing health initiatives through an innovative, community-based learning approach. To mark the induction of the 6th batch of the Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) program, an Orientation Session was held on February 26, 2025. The event aimed to welcome the new students, introduce them to the University and the Department of Public Health and familiarize them with the academic and administrative framework.

Students, faculty members, and administrative staff attended the session. It commenced with reciting the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem. Ms. Rubab Zulfiqar, Lecturer in Public Health and the focal person for the event, warmly welcomed the students and emphasized the significance of their journey in public health. Faculty members then introduced themselves, providing an overview of their academic backgrounds and areas of expertise.

Professor Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of the Department of Public Health, delivered an insightful address highlighting NUMS's remarkable progress in recent years and reaffirming the university's commitment to academic excellence and professional development. Associate Professor Dr. Tamkeen Nishat Jaffry provided an overview of the curriculum structure and assessment guidelines. At the same time, Dr. Hina Shan, Assistant Professor of Public Health, elaborated on the attendance policy and library Standard Operating Procedures. Assistant Professor Dr. Raima Asif outlined the internship guidelines. Additionally, Lecturer Dr. Nasir Javed discussed the formation and roles of student committees, emphasizing the importance of participation in extracurricular activities to enhance leadership and teamwork skills. Lastly, Mr. Hafiz Zeeshan Hussain, Office Assistant, introduced students to departmental coordination protocols for administrative procedures.

Following the formal proceedings, students of Batch VI introduced themselves to faculty members and peers, sharing their aspirations and motivations for joining NUMS. A Q&A session provided an opportunity to address any queries related to the program, faculty, and career prospects. A video presentation showcased the Department of Public Health's activities, campaigns, and testimonials from previous cohorts.

The event concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the beginning of the student's academic journey. Refreshments were served, followed by a guided tour of the academic block led by senior BSPH students. The academic session for BSPH Batch VI officially commenced on February 27, 2025.

The Public Health Department actively engaged students in developing practical skills in addressing complex health challenges, including understanding diplomacy's crucial role in shaping global health policies and facilitating meaningful community engagement initiatives.

The Department of Public Health actively participated in the Model United Nations (Gen-Z RIMUN) held on January 24th, 2025, as a part of its community engagement and health promotion initiatives. The event was an excellent platform for Public Health students to engage in meaningful discussions, lobby on key health issues, and contribute to global policy dialogues.

Students from Semester VIII (Batch II) led the session, with Mr. Waleed Qaisar Sheikh serving as moderator. At the same time, Mr. Hasnain Sabir, Mr. Shahaan Chugtai, and Ms. Fatima Saleem chaired the discussions and lobbying part. The session focused on non-communicable diseases, mental health awareness, and pandemic preparedness. These activities provided students firsthand experience in policy advocacy, strategic negotiations, and global health diplomacy. The interactive sessions allowed them to explore various healthcare models, analyze global health policies, and develop a deeper understanding of international cooperation in Public Health. Students honed their problem-solving skills and broadened their perspectives on addressing pressing health challenges by participating.

Dr. Raima Asif, Assistant Professor of Public Health, was invited as the Chief Guest to honor the event. In her keynote address, she highlighted the crucial role of youth in shaping Public Health policies and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving global health issues. She also commended the organizers for integrating Public Health discussions into the MUN framework, making it a valuable learning experience for students.

The participation of Public Health students in Gen-Z RIMUN 2025 was highly impactful, fostering a deeper understanding of international health policies and diplomacy. The event enhanced their advocacy and lobbying skills, provided networking opportunities with students from diverse academic backgrounds, and helped them develop policy proposals aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The experience reinforced the importance of youth involvement in health advocacy and inspired students to remain active in Public Health policymaking.

The Department of Public Health's engagement in Gen-Z RIMUN 2025 by Roots International School was a resounding success, demonstrating the value of integrating health-focused discussions into global youth forums. The students showcased exemplary commitment and professionalism, contributing meaningful insights to the conference. The event concluded with a strong call for continued youth involvement in global health policymaking, inspiring students to remain active advocates for a healthier world.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), in collaboration with Firefly NGO, successfully organized an event titled "Mental Health: Echoes of Awareness" on December 24, 2024. The event aimed to highlight the importance of mental health, promote well-being, and foster dialogue on students' mental health-related challenges.

Over the past two years, the partnership between DPH and Firefly has spearheaded several activities, including mental health awareness sessions, community outreach programs, and unique initiatives such as caring for animals to promote emotional well-being. The event spotlighted continuous efforts to raise awareness of critical issues like mental health stigma, child abuse, sexism, and harassment.

This event is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically, SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages, and SDG 4, which focuses on providing inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone. By fostering an inclusive environment for discussion and awareness, the collaborative event contributed to the broader goal of creating a healthier and more compassionate society.

The program began with a spiritual recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem. The organizers welcomed all attendees, including distinguished guests, faculty, staff members, and students. They emphasized the collaborative efforts between NUMS and Firefly NGO, particularly highlighting the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in October 2022, which paved the way for impactful initiatives focused on mental health.

The event culminated with a talk by Mr. Muhammad Hamza Suhail, Founder and Chairman of Firefly NGO, who shared valuable insights and reiterated the importance of proactive efforts to destigmatize mental health issues. The guest speaker encouraged open dialogue and self-expression among participants.

In her concluding remarks, Dr Tamkeen Jaffry (Associate Professor of Public Health) acknowledged the contribution of Lecturer DPH Rubab Zulfiqar and Office Assistant Zeeshan Hussain in organizing the event. She praised the students for the successful execution of the event, emphasizing the critical role of these initiatives in addressing societal challenges and promoting mental health awareness. She stressed that such activities should continue in the future to achieve collaboration objectives.

The NUMS Department of Public Health actively provides practical learning experiences for Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) students. The department organized a field visit to the Water Filtration Plant in Islamabad on January 8, 2024, from 0900 to 1400 hours to support this mission.

The visit aimed to acquaint students with the water filtration process and its essential role in public health. Another key objective was to familiarize students with water filtration plants' operational framework and organizational structure. This visit aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.

Water filtration plants are critical to provide the population with clean and safe drinking water. These plants perform multiple functions to produce potable water, including water intake, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection. The plant visited serves a substantial population, ensuring residents can access safe drinking water.

Dr. Raima Asif (Assistant Professor), Dr. Rubab Zulfiqar (Lecturer), and Dr. Nasir Javed (Lecturer) from the Department of Public Health accompanied and guided all four batches of BSPH students through the plant's facilities.

Upon arrival, the plant manager gave students an initial briefing outlining the plant's responsibilities and the water purification services it provides. Then, students toured various sections of the plant, including the intake area, sedimentation tanks, filtration units, and disinfection chambers. Each section's processes were demonstrated to the students, providing a comprehensive view of the plant's operations.

Students explored the critical stages of water filtration, starting with raw water intake from natural sources, then sedimentation, where large particles settle out, and filtration, which uses sand and carbon filters to remove minor impurities. Disinfection then eliminates harmful pathogens through chlorine or other agents. The process concludes with quality control, involving continuous monitoring to ensure the water meets health standards.

The Head of the Department of Public Health, Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, praised the team for their diligent efforts in organizing the field visit. She emphasized the importance of such practical experiences in enhancing students' understanding of public health infrastructure and encouraging them to apply their knowledge effectively in real-world settings.

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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.