As part of its commitment to promoting community health and wellbeing, the university regularly organizes a variety of outreach programs and activities aimed at raising awareness and fostering healthy lifestyles. Through collaborations with local health institutions, non-governmental organizations, and student volunteer groups, numerous initiatives have been implemented to support public health education and engagement on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and overall wellness.
Local Communities
Awareness Seminar on Rational Medicine and Antibiotic Use for Local Communities
On 19 January 2024, Near East University, in collaboration with the Dikmen Municipality, organized a public outreach seminar at the Dikmen Youth Center to raise awareness about the rational use of medicines and antibiotics.
The event was led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Dilan Kırmızı, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics, and supported by research assistants and senior dental students, who contributed to community education and interactive discussions.
The seminar aimed to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, emphasizing how misuse and overuse of antibiotics make many bacterial infections increasingly difficult to treat. Participants — mainly women from the local community — learned about the correct use of painkillers and antibiotics, appropriate dosage, and the importance of following medical prescriptions.
Through her presentation, Dr. Kırmızı highlighted that irrational drug use can lead to severe health complications or even mortality, underlining the patient’s role in adhering to physician-prescribed therapies.
The session also included discussions on oral health practices, safe medicine administration, and preventive health habits.
This initiative, organized with active student participation, reflects Near East University’s ongoing commitment to public health education, responsible medicine use, and strengthening health literacy among women.
Women’s Health Awareness Panel
In March 2024, Near East University organized a Women’s Day Panel in collaboration with the Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Gönyeli-Alayköy Municipality to raise awareness on women’s health and overall wellbeing.
This public outreach event aimed to support women in leading healthy lives physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially while enhancing community awareness on women’s roles in health policy, access to healthcare, and gender-related wellbeing challenges.
The event featured multidisciplinary presentations by academic staff from Near East University.
Dr. Ayşegül Şahin (Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology) delivered a presentation on “The Role of Hormones in Women’s Oral Health,” emphasizing the importance of hormonal changes in periodontal health.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Betül Mammadov (Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery) discussed “Women’s Health Problems Across Life Stages,” while Assist. Prof. Dr. Taygun Dayı (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics) presented “Healthy Nutrition Across the Life Span.”
Assist. Prof. Dr. Tuba Yerlikaya (Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation) addressed “The Impact of Physical Activity on Women’s Health,” and Research Assistant Barış Başel explored “Social Policy and Women.”
Through these expert-led sessions, the panel provided practical recommendations on oral hygiene, balanced nutrition, and physical activity tailored to different age groups, contributing to the promotion of women’s health and empowerment in the community.
This initiative reflects Near East University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, preventive health education, and the promotion of wellbeing in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goal.
World Ear and Hearing Day Awareness Event
Near East University, through its Faculty of Health Sciences, organized a World Ear and Hearing Day awareness event on March 1, 2024, in the Dereboyu and Surlariçi areas of Nicosia. Audiology students and faculty members participated in a public walk while wearing colorful hearing devices to raise awareness about hearing health. The event aimed to inform the public about hearing loss, the importance of early detection, and the use of hearing aids. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to promoting community health and well-being through engagement with local populations.
Breast Cancer Awareness Training - Community Health Outreach Program
As part of its community health outreach efforts, the Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Midwifery, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı, organized Breast Cancer Awareness Trainings throughout October 2024, in collaboration with the Cancer Patients Assistance Association. Conducted at various schools and institutions—including Doğa College, Atatürk Vocational High School, Değirmenlik High School, and Metgin Ltd.—the sessions aimed to raise public awareness about early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Participants received guidance on performing monthly breast self-examinations and understanding the importance of early diagnosis, supporting community wellbeing through education and empowerment.
Healthy Aging Panel
Near East University, in collaboration with Dikmen Municipality, organized a “Healthy Aging” panel on March 25, 2024, at the Dikmen Youth Center (DİGEM) as part of Elderly Week. The event, attended by a large number of local residents, addressed topics such as oral and dental health, nutrition, physical activity, sleep habits, and mental well-being. NEU faculty members provided guidance and practical information to support healthy aging among older adults, contributing to the health and well-being of the local community. The panel highlighted the positive impact of university–municipality collaboration on public health.
Collaborating with Iskele Municipality to Drive Sexual Health Education in Local Communities
Near East University’s Gender Research and Application Center (TOCAM) and the Dean of Students Office Sexual Health Service Unit collaborated with Iskele Municipality to organize a month-long series of public education sessions on sexuality and sexual health in the Iskele region. Conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Sarpkaya Güder, a faculty member in Obstetrics and Women’s Health Nursing at Near East University, the initiative aimed to enhance awareness about the importance of lifelong sexuality and sexual health.
Taking place from January 4 to January 26, 2024, the educational program covered 21 villages, represented by nine village centers/women’s workshops and a central location. The training sessions focused on various aspects of sexuality, including its significance throughout different life stages. The educational sessions concluded with recommendations for safe sexual practices, including monogamous sexual relationships, condom usage in all types of sexual encounters, effective contraception methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies, and early diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. These sessions highlighted the negative impact of societal taboos, family attitudes, and social pressures on the expression and discussion of sexuality. It underscored that sexuality, encompassing not only sexual organs but also the body and mind, is a concept that spans an individual’s entire life and constitutes sexual health, emphasizing the need for a positive and respectful approach to everyone’s sexual rights.
Near East University’s Gender Research and Application Center (TOCAM) and the Dean of Students Office Sexual Health Service Unit, in collaboration with Iskele Municipality, conducted a month-long public education initiative on sexuality and sexual health across the Iskele region. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilek Sarpkaya Güder, the program reached 21 villages and focused on lifelong sexual health, safe practices, and breaking social taboos surrounding sexuality. The sessions emphasized respect, awareness, and open communication to promote positive sexual well-being.
Disadvantaged People
Community Health Outreach for Disadvantaged Groups
Near East University, in collaboration with the Cancer Patients Aid Association, delivered a community outreach program aimed at promoting public health and early cancer detection among disadvantaged groups in Northern Cyprus. Throughout March 2024, the university provided free prostate cancer (PSA) screenings at local municipal markets across Girne, Gazimağusa, Lefkoşa, Güzelyurt, and İskele. The initiative specifically targeted men over 50 and individuals over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer—many of whom have limited access to regular healthcare services. By bringing medical services directly to community spaces, the program improved health awareness, facilitated early diagnosis, and enhanced access to essential healthcare for vulnerable populations.
In collaboration with the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), the Near East University Hospital organized free prostate cancer (PSA) screenings throughout March 2024 at various municipal markets across Northern Cyprus. The initiative aimed to protect public health, raise awareness about early diagnosis, and reach individuals with limited access to healthcare services.
As part of the program, free PSA tests were offered to men over the age of 50, as well as to individuals over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer. The screenings were conducted between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at municipal markets in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Nicosia, Morphou, and İskele.
Individuals identified as being in the risk group based on screening results were referred to urology specialists at the Near East University Hospital for further examinations and evaluation. This facilitated easier access to early diagnosis and treatment.
Near East University emphasized its belief in the importance of such outreach programs that contribute to community health in collaboration with the Cancer Patients Aid Association, and stated that similar public health projects will continue in the future.
Refugee
Oral Health Awareness Program for Refugee Children
On January 3, 2024, Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Refugee Rights Association, organized an oral health awareness program at the Human Rights House for refugee children and their mothers. Faculty research assistants and volunteer students provided practical training on proper tooth brushing techniques and shared information on oral hygiene and cavity prevention. This initiative not only improved oral health awareness among 43 refugee children but also promoted social responsibility, inclusion, and community well-being through collaborative outreach efforts.