SDG - 3
Daffodil International University (DIU) operates extensive and targeted health outreach programmes, leveraging its academic expertise and dedicated student-led volunteer groups (like the Air Rover Scouts and the Public Health Club) to improve and promote health and well-being outcomes in the local community. These programmes cover critical areas from immediate disaster relief and disease prevention to long-term health literacy and sports promotion.
1. High-Impact Disease Prevention and Health Literacy
DIU and its departments actively run specific, data-driven campaigns and services to educate the public on major health threats and foundational health literacy.
● Hepatitis Eradication and Community Health Hub: DIU's Department of Public Health and the National Liver Foundation of Bangladesh co-developed and launched the Public Health Study Site in Bhabanipur, Savar. This is a long-term outreach hub focused on creating a hepatitis-free community, alongside promoting a smoke-free and plastic-free environment. This sustained intervention involves community census initiatives and educational outreach, providing measurable improvements in local health knowledge and environmental practices.
● Mass Screening and Free Medical Camps: The DIU Air Rover Scout Group, in collaboration with the DIU Medical Center, organized a Free Medical Camp as part of a Community Development Program. Over 500 patients received free consultations and medicines, and approximately 400 people had their blood groups tested. This immediate service delivery was paired with awareness campaigns on dengue prevention and single-use plastic reduction.
● Cancer and Disease Awareness: The Department of Pharmacy maintains frequent collaborations with the pharmaceutical industry (Ziska and Everest Pharmaceuticals) to organize awareness programmes focusing on Breast Cancer and general oncology. Additionally, the Public Health Department led a special discussion on "Dengue Prevention and Control," ensuring that expert advice is translated into public action and preparedness.
● Disaster Preparedness: The DIU Air Rover Scout Group participates in training on "Search, Rescue, and Mental Health Management" for young volunteers, ensuring that the student body has the skills to provide crucial psychological support during community disasters and crises.
This multilayered approach, combining dedicated clinical expertise with university-wide skills training and community outreach, ensures that DIU provides robust and meaningful access to mental health support for its student population.
2. Promoting Physical Health and Sports in the Community
DIU extends its commitment to physical well-being by sharing resources and promoting structured sports and exercise beyond its campus borders.
● Sharing Sports Facilities: DIU actively engages with the local community by sharing its world-class sports facilities (including its international-standard football field) with external groups, such as local schools and the general public. This fosters stronger community ties and directly promotes physical activity and fitness, which is central to SDG 3.
● Sports Development and Community Programs: The Department of Physical Education & Sports Science (PESS) hosted a discussion on "The Grassroots Football Development in Bangladesh," bringing together experts to discuss scouting and nurturing local talent. This initiative promotes community-based sports activities as a driver for national well-being and positive youth engagement.
3. Humanitarian Aid and Support for Vulnerable Groups
DIU uses its volunteer strength to deliver essential health, hygiene, and well-being support to displaced and vulnerable populations in times of crisis and need.
● Disaster Relief (Clean Water and Hygiene): Following major floods, the Department of Public Health, in partnership with Dhaka University and the DIU Volunteer Service Club, distributed 1,000 Water Purifier Packs to flood-affected communities. This direct action addressed the critical need for clean drinking water and hygiene, a crucial element of public health disaster relief.
● Support for Vulnerable Children: DIU formalized an MoU between the Department of Public Health and the Daffodil Institute of Social Science (DISS) to ensure the physical and mental well-being of DISS children. This project provides regular healthcare services, nutritional assessments, and health interventions, specifically targeting a vulnerable local community group.
● Support for Pilgrims (Temporarily Displaced): Members of the DIU Air Rover Scout Group dedicated a month to providing comprehensive humanitarian services at the Hajj Camp. They offered guidance, wheelchair support, and organized rest facilities, delivering direct well-being support to pilgrims during their temporary displacement, which aligns with SDG 3 and SDG 10.
4. Youth-Led Mental Health and Safety Training
DIU utilizes its Psychological Service Unit and student bodies to deliver mental health and safety training that builds community resilience.
● External Mental Health Training: DIU psychologists facilitated mental health awareness sessions at the Daffodil Polytechnic Institute, focusing on "Building Resilience and Promoting Mental Well-being" for students and "Supporting Students' Mental Health" for teachers. This outreach transfers crucial mental health support skills to partner institutions.
● Youth Disaster Preparedness: Two members of the DIU Air Rover Scout Group participated in a two-day training on "Search, Rescue, and Mental Health Management" for young volunteers, organized by the Directorate of Disaster Management and Relief. This enhances community capacity to provide psychological first aid and disaster response, which is crucial for SDG 3 and SDG 11.
These initiatives collectively demonstrate a sustained and multi-faceted commitment to public health outreach, addressing immediate needs, fostering long-term health literacy, and promoting physical and mental well-being across the wider community.