Report on World Health Day 2026 observation

The Department of Community Health Nursing at Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, Manipal, observed World Health Day 2026 by organizing various activities, including a health camp, poster competition, and a half-day seminar.

 The health camp was organized on March 30, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, for mentally challenged inmates at Spandana Special School, Uppoor. A total of 50 individuals received screenings for general health (blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI) and dental health, including oral prophylaxis by the Department of Public Dentistry, and thirty-two clients were referred to the dental OPD at MCODS, MAHE. Faculty and postgraduate students of clinical psychology conducted psychological evaluations and identified clients who would benefit from speech therapy and behavioral interventions. This camp was coordinated by Dr. Ansuya, Associate Professor, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON. Faculty members of the department, including Dr Vinish V, Mr Amol Powar, Ms Clara Dsouza, and Ms Surekha, actively participated in various tasks during the camp.

 On April 6, 2026, a poster competition themed “Together for Health: Stand with Science” was successfully conducted from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the ground floor of MCON, MAHE, Manipal. The event was inaugurated by Dr Judith A. Noronha, Dean, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, in the presence of Heads of Departments, faculty members, and students.

A total of 49 posters were displayed by students and faculty both within and outside MAHE, reflecting enthusiastic engagement and diverse perspectives on the theme. The competition provided a platform for showcasing creativity, scientific understanding, and awareness of health-related issues.

Prizes were given to the top three posters in recognition of their outstanding contributions. All participants received e-certificates for their involvement. The event was efficiently coordinated by Dr Vinish V, Assistant Professor, and Mrs Surekha, Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, whose efforts ensured the smooth conduct and success of the program.

A seminar on April 7, 2026, featured resource persons Dr Shashidhara Y.N., Assistant Director, Centre for Doctoral Studies, DOR, and Professor, Community Health Nursing, MCON, and Dr Navya Vyas, Associate Professor, Prasanna School of Public Health, MAHE. Dr Shashidhara discussed the "One Health Approach" and stakeholder roles in community well-being, while Dr Navya addressed "Science-Led Solutions for a Healthier Future", highlighting the contribution of science in healthcare.

Seventy-five participants, including students and faculty, attended the session coordinated by Mrs Manjula, Assistant Professor, and Mrs Joyce Henry, Lecturer, Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal.

The overall coordination of World Health Day 2026 was carried out by Dr Vinish V under the guidance of Dr Malathi G Nayak, Head of the Department of Community Health Nursing, MCON, Manipal. The activities conducted as part of this event contributed significantly to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These initiatives played a vital role in promoting sustainable community development by enhancing health awareness, strengthening educational outreach, and encouraging collaborative partnerships.