SDG 3

Focused on the provision of healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, SDG 5 is an important SDG whose goals include reducing maternal mortality and increasing life expectancy, eradicating the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other neglected tropical diseases, and combating hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.

As a country with high mortality related to road accidents due to reckless driving and among the highest incidents of obesity globally, PSAU is fully aware of its role in helping to redress these issues through education, research, and mobilisation.

For example, as noted by the UN, anaemia increases the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, through its regular engagements with its host communities entitled “How do we care for them,” PSAU is sensitising residents on the importance good nutrition and how to avoid ailments like anaemia.

Similarly, according to the UN, the emergence of COVID-19 is expected to reverse gains in skilled childbirth care coverage and disrupt maternity health services. This means needs to be done to achieve the goals of this SDG while also combatting the greatest threat facing our generation. Through its numerous outreach programmes and collaborations, PSAU has made significant contributions in both fronts.

Table 1 presents additional activities that show direct engagement with host communities of the University’s different communities that are related to the goals of this important SDG.

Table 1. List of activities and initiatives for the local community

Tenth Championship of Cross Country Running for Saudi Universities

As part of its policies to promote healthy living, the University hosted the Tenth Championship of Cross Country Running for Saudi Universities. This involved extensive sensitisation campaigns within and outside the university regarding the importance of exercise and nutrition. Through the event, people in town were educated about the dangers of obesity and benefits of good nutrition.

Free sexual health care for students

As part of its services to the University community, the University Hospital provides clinical consultation on sexual and reproductive health to students, faculty, staff, and their families.

As of June 2021, 165 patients had received consultation related to obstetrics and gynaecology offered by 4 consultants and a team of supporting medical staff. Similarly, within the same period, 231 patients reporting urological symptoms received consultation and treatment from 3 consultants and their supporting staff.

Mental health support

Mental health is a top priority at all health facilities in the university. As of June 2021, 328 patients benefited from psychiatric, depression, and family related consultation from experts across facilities of the University Health Services.

No Smoking policy

Guided by Article (7) and Article (14) of the Royal decree No. (M\56) on the implementation of Regulations of the Anti-Smoking Law of 28/07/1436H (17/05/2015), and in the interest of the health and wellbeing of members of the university community, PSAU announced a policy of total ban on smoking in all university buildings and facilities and its surroundings.

This policy was communicated across the university and implementation was preceded by an intensive campaign regarding the dangers of smoking and other COPD ailments.

The policy stipulates a fine of two hundred riyals (200 SAR) on first offenders, which will be deducted directly from the monthly renumeration of the violator, i.e., salary for faculty and staff members or stipend for students. Furthermore, such a violator will receive a written warning. .

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