UOD – February 18, 2026 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
Within its commitment to advancing community health awareness and interdisciplinary collaboration, the University of Duhok organized a scientific symposium titled “Health Awareness in Ramadan” at the Convention Center of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The symposium was jointly hosted by the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Medicine, reflecting UOD’s strategic focus on integrating academic expertise to address societal needs through evidence-based knowledge.

High-Level Academic Participation

The event was attended by the Deans of the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, and Engineering, along with the Head of the Syndicate of Veterinary Doctors in the Kurdistan Region. Specialized professors and health experts from the Colleges of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Health Sciences also contributed to the scientific discussions.

Key Scientific Themes

Presentations and discussions addressed several pressing public-health topics relevant to the Holy Month of Ramadan, including:

• Modern updates to global nutritional frameworks such as the U.S. Food Pyramid and their relevance to regional dietary practices
  
  
• Prevention and management of chronic diseases affecting the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, hepatic, and renal systems
  
  
• The medical and nutritional dimensions of fasting, including medication scheduling, balanced nutrition during Iftar and Suhoor, and clinical cases where fasting exemptions apply
  
  

Supporting Community Health and Evidence-Based Awareness

The symposium forms part of an ongoing series of collaborative academic initiatives designed to translate medical research into practical community guidance. Discussions focused on strengthening public awareness, preventing nutrition-related diseases, and promoting healthier behavioral choices during Ramadan.

By addressing both medical and social aspects of fasting, the event also emphasized the importance of aligning health recommendations with sound scientific evidence and appropriate religious guidance.

Strategic Alignment

The symposium supports UOD’s Strategic Plan (2023–2038), particularly its priorities of:

• Enhancing community engagement and public-health outreach
  
  
• Promoting interdisciplinary academic collaboration
  
  
• Strengthening the societal impact of university research
  
  

University Press Office – February 18, 2026
Reported by: Fatima Mahmood Ali, Payman Fakhri Taher
Photography: Mohammed A. Tahar

The News Keywords:

• Ramadan Health Awareness
• University of Duhok Medical Events
• Public Health Education Kurdistan
• Nutrition During Fasting
• UOD Community Outreach