MUSCAT: The Health-Promoting Universities initiative in the Sultanate of Oman represents a pioneering strategic step towards enhancing the quality of higher education by integrating health and well-being into the university environment. The initiative aims to transform higher education institutions into safe, healthy learning spaces that foster both academic and personal growth.
Dr Maryam al Nabhani, Director-General of Private Universities and Colleges, stated that the initiative was launched during the 2023/2024 academic year with the participation of three national universities. It saw a significant expansion in the 2024/2025 academic year, with eight additional government and private educational institutions joining. This growth reflects a rising institutional awareness of the importance of embedding health within university policies, organisational structures and student activities.
Al Nabhani added that the initiative is currently transitioning from the national evaluation phase to a regional evaluation phase in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). This transition serves as a precursor to accrediting several Omani universities as health-promoting institutions at the regional level, a national achievement that bolsters Oman's international standing in the sectors of education and health.
The criteria for "Health-Promoting Universities" involve an integrated system designed to improve the quality of life on campus. These standards include institutional policies that support health, a safe campus environment, mental health services, physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention of high-risk behaviours. Al Nabhani emphasised that these standards help create a sustainable educational environment that supports student success and the overall development of educational institutions. - ONA
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