The Standing Committee on Public Health
SCOPH, the Standing Committee on Public Health, is dedicated to addressing key public health issues, including infectious diseases (such as tuberculosis, malaria, etc.), mental health, unhealthy lifestyles, climate change, and more.
To create a healthier society by empowering medical students and the community with the knowledge and skills to prioritize public health
SCOPH aims to empower medical students worldwide to address public health challenges through an international knowledge-sharing network, project management, community-based learning, capacity building, advocacy, exchange programs, and access to external learning opportunities. By promoting prevention over treatment, we strive to foster a proactive approach to health and well-being
This session addresses the crucial issue of burnout, especially for medical students who are more susceptible to it due to the intense stress and demands of their degree. Many medical students are unaware of how to prevent or cope with burnout, which can negatively impact both their academic performance and mental health. The session will feature a presenter who will discuss the causes of burnout, ways to prevent it, and effective strategies for overcoming it. Additionally, there will be interactive activities to assess participants’ understanding of the session’s content and to encourage further input on the topic. The goal is to provide valuable tools and insights that will help participants manage burnout not only throughout their academic journey but also in their future careers as healthcare professionals
Palestine is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem, situated at the crossroads of multiple continents, making it a treasure trove of biodiversity and a sanctuary for various species. Biodiversity is not just an ecological issue; it is deeply connected to our well-being. That’s why SCOPH is thrilled to host this session. The diverse plants, animals, and microorganisms, along with their interactions, play vital roles in food security, provide essential medicines, and help purify the air and atmosphere
However, biodiversity faces numerous challenges, particularly in Palestine, due to factors like climate change, policies from decision-makers, and harmful behaviors from individuals. This makes it crucial for university students to be educated on these issues so that they can develop solutions to combat pollution, habitat loss, and overexploitation.
The aim of this project is to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation in Palestine. Living in Palestine, we experience many challenging events, such as wars, Peaceful Return marches, and other incidents that often result in numerous injuries within our community. For example, during the last war, there were 230 martyrs and 1,710 people injured. Additionally, during the Peaceful Return March, from March 30, 2018, to June 15, 2019, 17,581 individuals were injured, many of whom required emergency blood donations.
In Palestine, the culture of blood donation is not as well-established as in other parts of the world. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) statistics, 35,503 units of blood were donated in 2020. In comparison, first-world countries donate nine times more blood annually. Furthermore, studies show that females are less likely to donate blood. As a result, this campaign focuses on creating a safe environment for blood donation and ensuring that female medical staff are present to help improve these statistics.
One of SCOPH’s primary areas of focus is mental health. While we often discuss general aspects such as stress, anxiety, and depression, it’s time to delve deeper into the complexities of mental health. There appears to be a lack of sessions addressing this specific topic, which creates a noticeable gap. Additionally, stress and eating disorders are closely interconnected. Many medical students, who are frequently under stress, may unknowingly be dealing with eating disorders. This session aims to raise awareness about eating disorders, how to identify and target them, and strategies for preventing them, as well as recognizing their triggers.
In the year following the COVID-19 outbreak, multiple vaccines were developed to fight the virus. Despite their availability, vaccine hesitancy persisted due to widespread misconceptions and myths. To address this, a campaign was launched by former LPO Enas Husseini, aiming to educate the public about the importance and safety of vaccines.
The campaign leveraged Facebook posts to share detailed information about the vaccines, including their composition, side effects, and effectiveness. Additionally, online sessions with doctors and experts were organized to explain the vaccine development process and address concerns.
This initiative helped dispel myths surrounding the vaccines, providing students and the wider community with accurate information to encourage informed decision-making.
In March 2022, a campaign was launched to raise awareness about the critical importance of blood donation in Palestine. The campaign aimed to highlight the ongoing need for blood, particularly in light of the abnormal events that frequently lead to injuries within the Palestinian population, such as wars and peaceful return marches.
The campaign was a success, with over 101 blood units collected from university students and donated to the NNUH blood bank. This initiative stands as a testament to the dedication and efforts of the campaign organizers and volunteers, contributing significantly to the well-being of the Palestinian community.
In 2020, SCOPH launched the HeART Instagram account, providing a safe space for individuals struggling with mental health disorders or facing depression to connect with the team behind the page. The initiative was designed to offer students an outlet to share their challenges and ease their stress. The HeART account quickly became a valuable resource for those in need of support, offering comfort and guidance during difficult times.
During the second LGA, SCOPH sessions focused on a variety of crucial topics. Among them was the urgent issue of climate change, exploring strategies for addressing its challenges, as well as the effects of medical school stress on mental health. Students had the chance to actively participate in three interactive sessions, led by skilled trainers. These sessions included poster preparation, in-depth explanation of key concepts, and role-play exercises to simulate different real-life scenarios. The goal was to provide students with valuable insights and practical skills for both personal and professional development.
The “Stay A Step Ahead” campaign, organized by SCOPH in collaboration with SCOME, aimed to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases (Non-Communicable Diseases). The campaign focused on reducing the risks of these diseases by promoting healthy practices and encouraging regular check-ups for early detection and treatment. The goal was to decrease the mortality rate and disability caused by these diseases, especially at a young age.
The message will go directly to the Local Officer of Public Health
