Health Outreach Programs
Health Outreach Programs
BMC embodies a deep, institutional commitment to SDG 3 through a strategic and multifaceted portfolio of health outreach programs. Our initiatives are systematically designed to address and promote health and well-being across key health area, including hygiene, nutrition, family planning, sports/exercise, aging well, and the management of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Leveraging the expertise of over 250 medical professionals and the dynamic energy of more than 2,500 student volunteers, our programs are deliberately extended to local communities, disadvantaged groups, and refugee/immigrant populations, fostering a culture of health equity and social responsibility.
Program Design: A Multifaceted Approach to Health Promotion
BMC’s outreach is characterized by its diversity, scientific grounding, and adaptability to community needs, as evidenced by our weekly activities throughout the 2024-2025 academic year:
Preventive Health & Hygiene: Our Annual Blood Donation Campaign "Let's Revive It" (Sept 2024) promoted community solidarity and lifesaving habits. The Antibiotics Awareness Week focused on combating drug-resistant infections, while our Oral Health Education initiatives at local orphanages provided screenings, hygiene kits, and follow-up care, emphasizing preventive oral hygiene.
Nutrition, Active Lifestyles & Chronic Disease Management: We combat obesity and promote physical activity through events like the World Obesity Day Walkathon. The Healthy Lifestyle Practices Workshop (Dec 2024) provided expert insights into the link between lifestyle choices and long-term metabolic health. The "Your Health Is Your Wealth" initiative further engaged the public directly on nutritional guidance.
Women’s Health & Family Planning: Our active participation in Saudi Marriage Day initiatives, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of premarital screening and healthy family planning.
Management of Chronic Conditions & Aging Well: We host dedicated campaigns for World Diabetes Awareness and Back and Neck Awareness Day including on-campus events, school visits, and community bikeathons—educate on prevention, early detection, and management. The Occupational Therapy Program’s public event at AlYasmin Mall specifically highlighted the role of therapy in supporting aging populations and those with disabilities. Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns in October are a cornerstone of our annual outreach.
Substance Abuse Control: Our Smoking Cessation Campaigns, led by students at local companies, address the dangers of tobacco and strategies for quitting. The Nazaha Club's Drug Awareness Campaign at Al Afaq International School (April 2025) provided critical education to youth on the risks of substance abuse, aligning with national health priorities.
Targeted Programs for Specific Communities: BMC designs bespoke programs for vulnerable groups. The "Aman" initiative provides essential healthcare services and health education to refugee children. The "Noor" initiative for the Visually Impaired and the "Parade with People of Determination" offer targeted support, promoting both physical health and social inclusion.
Holistic and Compassionate Care: Unique initiatives like the Annual Pet Therapy Day (Feb 2025), in collaboration with veterinary clinics, highlighted the therapeutic human-animal bond for emotional well-being. The "Sawaselah Initiative" with King Abdulaziz University (Dec 2024) demonstrated the role of occupational therapy and assistive devices in promoting independence and quality of life for people with disabilities, directly supporting "aging well."
Duration and Frequency: Sustained, Year-Round Engagement
Our commitment is not episodic but embedded in our institutional fabric. We maintain year-round outreach activities driven by our academic programs and student clubs. The Weekly News Magazines document continuous weekly events, from orientation to the end of the academic year. Major international and national health events provide focal points for intensive campaigns, while continuous services, such as our 8 complimentary dental clinics which served 5,783 patients in 2024, ensure sustained community impact. Long-term partnerships with entities like the Ministry of Health, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, and various NGOs underscore our ongoing dedication.
Beneficiaries: Focusing on the Local and Underserved
BMC’s programs are strategically targeted to serve many beneficiary groups including:
Local Communities: The vast majority of our initiatives serve the public in Jeddah and the wider Makkah region, from mall-based awareness events like "Your Health Is Your Wealth" and public forums to beach clean-ups promoting environmental health and large-scale celebrations like the Saudi Founding Day (Feb 2025) which integrated health messaging.
Disadvantaged People: We specifically target vulnerable groups through our Orphanage Oral Health Program, the "Eid for Orphans" celebration (April 2025) that provided joy and support, and initiatives like "Caring for Street Cats" (Feb 2025) that fostered empathy and environmental responsibility. Our financial aid and scholarship programs, totaling over 114 million SAR, ensure that disadvantaged students can access medical education.
Refugee/Immigrant Communities: BMC has a proven commitment to serving displaced populations. The "Aman" initiative provides essential healthcare services and health education to refugee children. Furthermore, our significant mobilization during the Hajj and Umrah seasons to serve international pilgrims, in collaboration with the Saudi Red Crescent Authority, demonstrates our capacity and commitment to serving large, transient, and multicultural populations.
Evidence of Effectiveness: From Awareness to Tangible Impact
We move beyond awareness-raising to create measurable value for the community, as demonstrated by:
Quantifiable Reach: Serving 5,783+ dental patients in 2024, engaging 500+ participants in occupational therapy discussions, collecting hundreds of blood donations, directly educating hundreds of school students and providing direct health services to 150+ refugee children through the "Aman" initiative.
Strategic Partnerships for Scale: Collaborations with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Sports, Jeddah Municipality, Saudi Red Crescent Authority, National Center for Mental Health Promotion, and numerous non-profits amplify our reach, credibility, and impact.
Educational Depth and Direct Service: Our programs are not just informational but interactive and clinical, offering direct screenings, consultations, therapeutic activities, and follow-up care that lead to behavioral change and improved health outcomes. The Social Responsibility Forum 2025 brought over 30 organizations together to pioneer sustainable change in health and education, showcasing BMC's leadership role.
BMC’s health outreach is a dynamic, integral part of our mission, directly aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. By systematically addressing the core topics of SDG 3 through designed, frequent, and inclusive programs—from mental health support and disease prevention to serving refugees and the disadvantaged—we are actively fostering a healthier, more resilient, and equitable future for our community.