5 March 2025, Saar, Bahrain – WHO conducted a 1-day mission to evaluate University College of Bahrain (UCB) as a health-promoting university. Health-promoting universities are an extension of the settings-based approach to health promotion which recognizes that universities have the potential to improve the health of the population by integrating health into the university's culture, processes and policies.
The field visit to the UCB campus was conducted by the Ministry of Health, Higher Education Council, WHO Country Office in Bahrain and the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean. The external assessment followed on from the self-assessment phase which took place in January 2025, during which the Ministry of Health and WHO Bahrain provided technical support on the road to becoming a WHO health-promoting university.
Bahrain has 6 recognized health-promoting universities – Ahlia University, American University of Bahrain, Arabian Gulf University, Kingdom University, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain and University of Technology Bahrain.
Institutions of higher education have long been concerned with promoting health among students and are important contributors to sustainable development. They play a key role in protecting and advancing the health and well-being of students, staff and the wider community, contributing to health for all.
Ministry of Health and WHO evaluation team begin their tour of University College of Bahrain (UCB) as part of the external evaluation. Photo credit: WHO/WHO Bahrain.
Members of UCB student council share insights on activities conducted at the University. Photo credit: WHO/WHO Bahrain.Related links:
WHO conducts a refresher workshop on health-promoting universities in Bahrain
American University of Bahrain moves closer to being recognized as a health-promoting university
WHO designates 5 pioneering universities in Bahrain as health-promoting universities
