Cihan University-Erbil Holds International Workshop on Climate Change and Community Health
On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Departments of Community Health Nursing and Medical Laboratory Analysis, in cooperation with the International Relations Office, organized an international scientific workshop entitled ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Community Health’ at the VIP Hall.
The workshop was attended by academic staff members from various university departments, along with researchers and invited guests interested in environmental sustainability and public health. The event aimed to highlight the growing impact of climate change on human health and encourage scientific dialogue on sustainable healthcare strategies and community resilience in response to environmental challenges.
The program commenced with welcoming remarks delivered by representatives of the organizing departments, who emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary scientific activities that address contemporary global concerns and strengthen cooperation among the fields of healthcare, environmental sciences, and laboratory studies.
The first scientific lecture was presented by Professor Dr. Usha Rani Kandula under the title ‘Shifting Climate, Shifting Health: New Challenges for Communities.’ In her presentation, she discussed the major environmental and climatic factors contributing to global health threats and explained their direct and indirect effects on human health. She addressed several critical issues, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory disorders, waterborne and vector-borne diseases, food insecurity, and the increased vulnerability of high-risk populations. She also highlighted the importance of environmental monitoring, preventive healthcare systems, and effective public health preparedness in minimizing climate-related health risks.
The second lecture was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Jeya Beulah D under the title ‘Stronger Together: Community-Driven Solutions for Climate Health Resilience.’ Her lecture focused on the role of community engagement, health education, and collaborative public initiatives in addressing climate-related health challenges. She further emphasized the importance of strengthening local healthcare systems, promoting environmentally sustainable practices, and implementing awareness programs that support long-term community resilience and public health improvement.
The workshop witnessed active participation and scientific interaction among attendees, as academic staff members exchanged perspectives and discussed the relationship between climate change, environmental sustainability, and healthcare development. Participants were also given the opportunity to engage in open scientific discussions and raise questions related to the presented topics.
This international workshop reflects Cihan University-Erbil’s ongoing commitment to organizing high-quality scientific activities and promoting international academic collaboration in addressing global environmental and healthcare challenges facing modern societies.
