The World Health Organization reports non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 70% of all deaths worldwide, many premature and preventable.
This basket of long-term ailments includes some of humanity’s greatest killers, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory conditions, and diabetes.
Recognising their towering threat to our mental and physical well-being for generations to come, the United Nations has added NCDs to its list of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting a one-third reduction in mortality figures by 2030.
Accordingly, QIU, as a progressive institute of higher learning steeped in social responsibility, is committed to playing its part in safeguarding public health.
The latest expression of this commitment was a workshop held on campus titled Bengkel Kepentingan Kesihatan Fizikal dan Mental, themed around the importance of mental wellness and physical fitness in preventing NCDs. All participants belonged to the local community.
The highlights of this day-long workshop on 23 September – organised by our Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and SDG Steering Committee in collaboration with the Women’s Development Department (JPW) of Perak – were insightful sessions conducted by Prof. Dr Eddie Soon and Dr Nurul Hazliana followed by invigorating hands-on activities.
Prof. Soon’s talk was titled Kesejahteraan Mental untuk Kesejahteraan Hidup, while Dr Nurul Hazliana focused on fitness in her talk titled Manfaat Bersenam untuk Kesihatan Diri.
Afterwards, Dr Nurul Dayana and Dr Ong Khang Wei led activities to reinforce learning. Dr Nurul asked participants to solve different puzzles to stimulate their brains and demonstrated how deep breathing techniques could promote relaxation. Likewise, Dr Ong invited participants to the university’s futsal court where they learned key exercises for healthier living.
Kudos to our doctors, academics, and staff for a job well done! We’re immensely proud of your efforts to help save lives and protect our communities.
