SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

SDG 3 – Good Health and Wellbeing

Phoenicia University (PU) is committed to advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Wellbeing by promoting healthy lives and supporting the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of its students, faculty, staff, and the wider community. Through its College of Public Health, strategic healthcare partnerships, community outreach programs, health awareness initiatives, student support services, and responsible campus policies, PU integrates health promotion into its academic mission and community engagement activities.

Health Graduates

PU contributes to strengthening Lebanon's healthcare workforce by offering high-quality academic programs in health professions that combine theoretical knowledge with practical clinical training. Through well-structured curricula, comprehensive degree plans, internship preparation, professional supervision, and partnerships with healthcare institutions, PU equips students with the knowledge, competencies, and hands-on experience required to deliver safe, ethical, and evidence-based healthcare services upon graduation.

As of the 2023–2024 academic year, PU graduated 150 students, including 31 graduates from health profession programs.

Number of students graduating in health professions

Collaborations and Health Care Services

PU works with hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations to strengthen healthcare education, clinical training, research, and community health. These partnerships provide students with practical experience while supporting health promotion and preventive care across Lebanon.

Hospital Partnerships

PU has established Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with several healthcare institutions to support clinical education, internships, and practical training, including:

These partnerships enable students to gain supervised clinical experience and develop the professional skills required for healthcare practice.

Healthcare and Research Partnerships

PU collaborates with the Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped (LWAH) on community health initiatives, including health awareness campaigns, screenings, rehabilitation support, and health education for vulnerable populations.

The University also maintains an affiliation with the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA), helping to provide students with diverse placement opportunities while supporting the continuous quality improvement of public health education.

Healthcare Publications include:

International Academic Engagement

PU encourages faculty participation in international conferences to promote knowledge sharing and global collaboration. In May 2025, Speech Therapy faculty member Ms. Isis Jardak presented at the Scientex Otorhinolaryngology and ENT Surgery Conference in Dubai on multidisciplinary approaches to voice disorders and professional voice care. This participation highlights PU's commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary healthcare, and international engagement.

For more information: PU Faculty Member Speaks at International ENT Conference in Dubai | Phoenicia University

Health Outreach Programs

PU supports community health and wellbeing through outreach programs focused on health education, disease prevention, screening, and access to healthcare services. In collaboration with the Lebanese Welfare Association for the Handicapped (LWAH), healthcare professionals, and community partners, PU implements initiatives that promote health awareness and support underserved populations.

Diabetes Awareness Program

Since 2023, PU has partnered with LWAH to deliver free diabetes awareness sessions for students, parents, and community members. Led by physicians, nutritionists, and College of Public Health faculty members, the program provides education on diabetes prevention, risk factors, early detection, healthy nutrition, and disease management.

The initiative also included health screenings for 126 students, identifying three previously undiagnosed cases requiring medical follow-up. Additional sessions for parents focused on diabetes care, nutrition planning, insulin management, and supporting children living with diabetes.

For more information: Diabetes Awareness Lectures | Phoenicia University

Community Mobile Clinics

Since 2023, PU has participated in mobile healthcare clinics in partnership with LWAH across 15 municipalities in Saida Caza, South Lebanon. These clinics provide medical consultations, health screenings, health education, and free medication to community members with limited access to healthcare services.

Between 2023 and 2024, the clinics reached approximately 1,500–2,000 beneficiaries. The initiative was also extended to displaced communities through more than eight community centres in Beirut, reaching approximately 4,200 beneficiaries. Through these activities, PU faculty and students gain practical community health experience while contributing to improved healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

For more information: Mobile Clinics | Phoenicia University

Student and Community Health Engagement

PU students actively contribute to community health initiatives through volunteering, student societies, and outreach activities. These include awareness campaigns on breast cancer, obesity, nutrition, and diabetes; health visits supporting displaced and vulnerable communities through LWAH; school outreach activities; and health promotion initiatives led by the Public Health Society and Speech Therapy Society.

Smoke-Free Campus

PU Campus is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is strictly prohibited indoors, and compliance with this policy is mandatory. Smoking is permitted only in the designated smoking zone located in the commercial area.

For more information: Student handbook 23-24

Breast Cancer Awareness Program

PU is committed to promoting women’s health and preventive healthcare through annual breast cancer awareness initiatives held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These programs focus on increasing awareness of breast cancer prevention, encouraging early detection and regular screening, and highlighting the importance of timely medical support and healthy practices.

As part of the 2025 program, PU hosted an awareness session on 16 October featuring Ms. Hala Al Masri, founder of Healing Hope and a breast cancer survivor. The session provided valuable insights into breast cancer awareness, early detection methods, emotional wellbeing, and the importance of community support. Through these ongoing initiatives, PU contributes to strengthening health literacy and fostering a culture of prevention among students, staff, and the wider community.

For more information: Phoenicia University Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an Inspiring Talk by Ms. Hala Al Masri | Phoenicia University

Sports Facilities

PU promotes active lifestyles and community wellbeing through access to its Sports Center facilities, including a gymnasium, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, indoor and outdoor football fields, a track and field area, and a padel court. These facilities support participation in diverse sporting activities, including basketball, volleyball, football, track, padel, and mini football, fostering physical activity, recreation, and community engagement among students, staff, and external community members.

For more information: Athletics Department | Phoenicia University

Reproductive Health Care Services

PU supports student health and wellbeing by facilitating access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services through the Health Care Center and its partnership with the LWAH.

Students have access to health education, medical consultations, and appropriate reproductive health support services. Through LWAH, students and community members can also benefit from specialized healthcare services, including access to gynecological consultations, supporting preventive care, reproductive health awareness, and timely medical assistance.

For more information:

Gallery | Phoenicia University

LWAH

Child Care and Family Support

Recognizing the importance of supporting students and employees with family responsibilities, PU provides access to childcare services through its formal partnership with LWAH.

The childcare center operates six days per week and serves the children of enrolled students, as well as full-time and part-time faculty and staff. The facility provides a supportive and inclusive environment equipped with educational resources, age-appropriate play areas, rest facilities, developmental monitoring, vaccination services, and a dedicated lactation room to support breastfeeding parents returning to study or work.

In addition, children benefiting from the childcare services have access to pediatric healthcare through the pediatric clinic available at LWAH, ensuring the availability of specialized medical support and promoting children’s health and wellbeing.

For more information:

Gallery | Phoenicia University

LWAH

Health & Wellness Division

PU’s Health & Wellness Division supports the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students and employees through confidential and professional services.

Main areas of support:

• Mental health: Counseling and support for stress, personal challenges, and academic life.
• Physical health: Primary care for injuries or sudden illnesses, with health and safety support.
• Wellness education: Preventive programs and healthy-habit education.
• Crisis support: Assistance and intervention during urgent situations.
• Counseling Center: Free and confidential counseling for all students and staff.
• Health Care Center: Primary healthcare provided by a qualified health practitioner.

All services, conversations, and records are handled with strict confidentiality in accordance with applicable privacy standards.

For more information: https://pu.edu.lb/health-and-wellness