Partnerships for the Goals

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY DAY

The NATIONAL Public Health Dentistry Day was celebrated on June 19th, 2024, with great enthusiasm and active participation from the dental community. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of oral health in overall well-being and highlight the future aspects of public health dentistry. The event was organized by the Department of Public Health Dentistry, MCODS MANGALORE in collaboration with Yenepoya Dental College, they have organized a national-level virtual debate competition for undergraduate dental students on the topic “Use of Social Media in Dental Practice.” At MCODS Mangalore, we have organized a journal club competition for postgraduate students of Public Health Dentistry. The judges of this competition were Dr.Imran of YDC, Dr.Pooja from AJ Institute of Dental Sciences, and Dr.Mithun from Dept of Community Medicine,KMC,Mangalore.A dental check-up and treatment camp for the workers of LMR Oils Private Limited in association with Health and Family Welfare, National Oral Health Program, Dakshina Kannada District. A total of 29 patients were screened and dental treatment provided. The Department of Public Health Dentistry of MCODS Manipal has scheduled a webinar on June 21.The topic of the webinar is “Revolutionizing Preventive Dentistry in India: Unveiling the Power of Intake 24 for Crafting Dietary Advice in Dental Practice.” KVG Dental College, Sullia, will hold screening, treatment camps, and health education programs on June 24 and June 25 as part of National Public Health Dentists Day. Our other collaborators were for this program, including AJ Dental College, Srinivas Institute of Dental Sciences, and the Health and Family Welfare, National Oral Health Program, Dakshina Kannada District. A total of 52 participants actively participated in the event. The attendees included dental professionals, faculty members and students of MCODS MANGALORE and other neighbouring dental colleges.. The presence of such a diverse and engaged audience contributed to the success of the celebration. Dr Ramya Shenoy Head of the Department of Public Health Dentistry delivered the welcome address, extending a warm welcome to all the participants and highlighting the importance of celebrating Public Health Dentistry Day by emphasizing the role of public health dentistry in promoting oral health and its impact on overall health and well-being. The chief guest of the function was Dr. Asha Kamath, Director In Charge of Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal, and Professor and Head of the Department of Data Sciences, Prasanna School of Public Health. Madam, and guest of honor, Dr. Jerradin D’Souza, Founder Director of Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association. Our beloved Associate Dean, Dr. Arathi Rao, was represented Dean to this function. Dr Praveen Jodalli, had the honour of introducing chief guest and guest of honour.This is followed by the prize distribution JC club competition winners. Dr.Mithun Pai, a member of the organizing committee, delivered the vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to all the participants, the chief guest, the guest speaker, and the organizing team for their valuable contribution.

Outreach activities at KMC , Mangalore

The National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune, in association with SDM Yoga and Nature Cure Hospital Sowkhyavana, Pareeka, and Manipal School of Nursing, MCON, MAHE, Manipal, organized a Naturopathy Health Camp for General Nursing and Midwifery students

Sensitization program - National Deworming Day 2024: Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, MAHE in association with Primary Health Center Pernankila on 12.02.2024.

Delivered a talk on the causes, clinical manifestations, and prevention of soil-transmitted helminths. She highlighted practices of healthy habits like no open defecation, wearing chappals while attending toilets, thorough hand washing after attending the toilets, and washing fruits and vegetables before eating and eating properly cooked food, especially meat, pork, etc.

A total of 45 students participated in the program

Outreach program on “Healthcare, Nutrition, and General Care: Promoting Well-being through Education.”:

Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, MAHE and Poorna Prajna College, Udupi on 04.04.2024

Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, organized an outreach program on April 4, 2024, at Poorna Prajna College, Udupi, on the topic “Healthcare, Nutrition, and General Care: Promoting Well-being through Education.”. This initiative was tailored to engage primary school teachers with the objective of enriching their knowledge on fostering holistic well-being among students. The program was attended by 70 enthusiastic teachers from diverse primary schools.

Resource person, offered valuable insights and guidance throughout the session. The program encompassed various aspects crucial to student well-being, including healthcare practices, nutritional awareness, and general care principles.

Through interactive discussions and informative presentations, participants gained a deeper understanding of strategies to promote overall wellness in educational settings. The program served as a platform for exchanging ideas, empowering teachers to play an instrumental role in nurturing the health and happiness of their students.

This outreach program contributes to sustainable development goals 3 (Good health & Well-being) and 4 (Quality Education).

World Health Day – 2024 “My health, my right.”.- Radio awareness programme broadcasted by Community Radio, Manipal at 90.4 MHz:

by Community Radio, Manipal at 90.4 MHz: Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, MAHE and FM Radio 90.4 on 05.04.2024.

Visit to Chiguru as part of the academic outreach program/field visit:

Dept. of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, MAHE and Chiguru Day Care Centre of MIT, MAHE and Anganwadi Centre, Manipal on 12.07.2024.

The First Year MSc Nursing students and faculty coordinator from the Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), Manipal Academy of Higher Education(MAHE), Manipal, visited the Chiguru Day Care Centre of MIT, MAHE and Anganwadi Centre, Manipal, as part of the academic outreach program/field visit on July 12th, 2024

The program aimed to observe the activities and functioning of the Day Care Centre and Anganwadi Centre and also to create awareness of 'Personal Hygiene' for the under-five children. The outreach program contributed towards sustainable development goals 3 and 4 (SDG 3 & 4) to achieve good health, well-being, and quality education

The session highlighted on adopting healthy habits, hand hygiene, proper technique of brushing the teeth, taking a bath, grooming, and following a daily routine. The students also demonstrated the handwashing and brushing techniques to the children. The session was conducted using AV aids like flashcards, models, and videos, along with educational nursery songs and rhymes, which enabled the children to easily grasp the concept at their level of understanding and actively participated in singing along, performing action to the songs being played.

In association with District Administration Udupi, District Health and Family Welfare Department Udupi, District AIDS Control and Prevention Unit Udupi, ICTC KMC Manipal organised a flash mob/street play to create awareness of HIV/AIDS as part of the Intensified IEC campaign to prevent HIV/AIDS. Have done the street play to sensitise the public on the prevention, control, and transmission of HIV/AIDS in the Industrial Area, Tiger Circle, and Canara Mall, Manipal on 03.09.2024.

The street play highlighted the signs and symptoms, transmission, and preventive measures to control HIV with the help of AV aids and also emphasized the treatment availability in Health Care Center.

First Aid Awareness Program: Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE and Morarji Desi Residential (MDR) School in Hirebettu, Udupi on 04.09.2024.

First aid training in schools equips children with essential life skills, promotes a safer environment, and fosters a culture of care and responsibility. On September 4, 2024, at Morarji Desi Residential (MDR) School in Hirebettu, Udupi, the Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, together with fifth semester BSc Nursing students, Conducted a First Aid awareness programme. The session was about how to avoid getting bitten by a snake and how important it is to preserve our habitat and emphasized the value of first aid in schools and emergency crisis management

Outreach Program on “Awareness of Positive Health.”: Department of Fundamentals of Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, MAHE and Hosabelaku Seva Trust, Bailur on 04.09.2024 at Hosabelaku Seva Trust, Bailur, on the topic “awareness of positive health.” A total of 80 inmates attended the program.

The program encompassed encouraging the participants to engage in mindful activities such as yoga, listening to music, and positive reinforcement by providing tokens through which people can incorporate positive health in their lives.

National Nutrition Week 2024 “Feeding Smart Right from Start”: Department of Community Health Nursing and 5th Semester BSc Nursing students of Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, MAHE in association with Anganwadi Center Madaga, Athrady on 05.09.2024. To support the theme “Feeding Smart Right from Start,” a sensitization program was organized for the mothers.

Department of Women & Child Welfare, Udupi Taluk, requested to utilize the services and facilities provided by the government and Department of Women & Child Welfare to build a happy and healthy life for children and women.

Resource Person, gave an elaborate talk on a balanced diet for all age groups. The right food should start at the right time for the child. Feed the child semi-solid nutritious food like millet porridge or mixed cereals and pulses after exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Dr Ansuya urged the participants to feed their children nutritious food prepared at home rather than the food items available from the market. Allow the children to play outside to get adequate Vitamin D rather than keeping the child inside the house, using a mobile phone, and watching TV. Ensure an adequate protein, iron, and calcium-rich diet for school-age children. Need special attention for adolescent girls to reduce menstrual-related problems. Antenatal and postnatal mothers must take nutritious extra foods like protein, iron, and calcium to prevent anemia and deliver a healthy baby. Dr Ansuya highlighted the diet of elderly people also and urged them not to neglect dieting for elderly people. Since digestive function will be reduced during old age, providing fibre-rich food, vitamins, and mineral-rich diets is essential. A nutritious diet has a significant role in supporting and maintaining health. So, practice the right food at the right time for all age groups

For Disadvantaged People

School Health Programme-2024:

The School Health Program is a vital public health initiative designed to promote students' physical, mental, and social well-being within the educational system. It focuses on preventive, curative, and promotive healthcare activities to ensure a healthy school environment, early identification of health issues, and health education.

Department of Community Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing (MCON), MAHE, in association with the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences (MCODS), Manipal, and Department of Optometry, Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP) MAHE Manipal, conducted a school health program on November 13, 2024, at Government Higher Primary School Shettibettu, Herga Village, Udupi taluk.

Delivered a speech on the importance of organizing a school health program. Dr.Ansuya emphasized the value of early detection of dental health issues and vision problems, addressing these issues early can help prevent future complications.

The Department of Public Dentistry thoroughly examined each child, assessing oral hygiene and checking for early signs of tooth decay, gum problems, and other dental conditions. Additionally, each child received personalized feedback and recommendations for improving oral health. The Department of Optometry performed eye examinations, identified eye-related problems, and referred them to the Optometry wellness clinic, MCHP, for needy treatment.

Around 74 students were screened for dental checkups and vision screening assessments, out of which 47 students require treatment for dental problems, and 13 students need refraction and ophthalmology consultation, respectively. Information was provided to the class teacher so that they could communicate with their parents for further action. Awareness was provided to the students and teachers regarding personal hygiene, healthy dietary practices, and healthy lifestyles to get optimum health

Refugee/immigrant communities

Slum Visit: Health and Social Welfare Committee of Student Nurses Association 2024-2025, in association with Volunteer Services Organization, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal, MAHE at Indrali, Udupi on 23.11.2024.

Students organised various games and distributed prizes to the winners. Children of the slum were allowed to exhibit their talents. A total of 80 inhabitants actively participated in the program. At the end of the program gifts and clothes were distributed to the inhabitants. Fifteen students and two faculty members were involved in the program. The activity contributes to SDG: Goal 3: Good health and wellbeing.

As part of a Community Outreach Program, conducted a Nutritional Education Program for school students at New Indian Model School, Sharjah on 16th May 2023.

The program focused on key topics including food sources, the importance of a balanced diet, and addressing common food fads and facts. Through interactive sessions, the students aimed to enhance nutrition literacy and promote healthy eating habits among young learners. This initiative contributed to school health education by empowering students with practical knowledge to make informed dietary choices for lifelong well-being.

The program focused on key topics including food sources, the importance of a balanced diet, and addressing common food fads and facts. Through interactive sessions, the students aimed to enhance nutrition literacy and promote healthy eating habits among young learners. This initiative contributed to school health education by empowering students with practical knowledge to make informed dietary choices for lifelong well-being.

As part of the World Food Day observance, organized a Thematic Event to raise awareness about food sustainability, safety, and waste management among students on 16th Oct 2023. Their sessions highlighted the functionality of the UAE Food Bank, practical strategies for reducing food wastage, and best practices in industrial food safety and hygiene.

The event aimed to engage students with real-world challenges and solutions related to food security and public health. It also included interactive student competitions such as Poster Making, a Nutrition Quiz, and the Foodie Extravaganza, providing a creative platform for students to express ideas and demonstrate their knowledge of nutrition, food systems, and community health.

Through expert interactions and student participation, the event fostered a deeper understanding of sustainable food practices and the importance of responsible consumption in building a healthier and more equitable future.

The event deepened students’ awareness of food safety, nutrition, and sustainable practices essential for public health. By engaging with industry experts and participating in theme-based activities, students gained practical insights into reducing food waste, ensuring hygienic food handling, and promoting responsible consumption. The initiative empowered students to apply these learnings in real-life settings, contributing to healthier communities and improved well-being

To commemorate World Food Day, students from the School of Life Sciences (SOLS) participated in a Thematic Event focused on food sustainability, safety, and responsible consumption on 16th Oct 2024. Discussions centered around the functionality of the UAE Food Bank, sustainable handling of food wastage, and food safety awareness, emphasizing the importance of efficient food systems and community engagement.

Complementing the expert talks, students actively took part in themed activities such as Foodie Extravaganza and Food Safety Awareness drives, creating a vibrant platform for peer learning and advocacy. The event aimed to enhance health literacy, encourage civic responsibility, and inspire sustainable food practices among students.

The event enhanced students’ awareness of food safety, nutrition, and sustainable consumption practices. It encouraged active participation in addressing community health challenges and inspired responsible attitudes toward food waste and hygiene. The initiative strengthened health literacy and promoted preventive approaches to public well-being through student-led engagement.

The Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), MAHE, Manipal, marked World Tourism Day with an engaging field trip for the Final Year BHM, BACA, and MHM Council Members. The event took place on September 27, 2024, at Kudru Nest, Kemmannu, where students immersed themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Dakshina Karnataka. The students were welcomed with a traditional dance named Holi Kulita, whose origins date back to the empire of Shri. Shivaji Maharaj, once they stepped into the premises of Kudru Nest. The event started with Dr. Chef lighting the lamp. K. Thirugnanasambantham, Principal, WGSHA; Dr. Rajshekhar Philkhana, Vice Principal, WGSHA, and Mr. Raghu, Owner of the Resort cum Homestay and also a famous photographer. Followed by it, there was a speech by the Presidents of BHM and BACA, after which Chef. Thiru gave his speech emphasizing how Tourism builds peace and bonding between individuals, something which Mr. Raghu was able to achieve through his magnificent property and excellent service. He also highlighted how well the place had infused local culture, cuisine, and tradition into its operations and how well his patrons had started to accept it. Students got an opportunity to explore practices and art rooted in Dakshina Karnataka's heritage once the Inaugural Ceremony was over. It started by showing them how a cockfight takes place and its rules. It was followed by a fishing demonstration, mainly highlighting how to wield a fishing rod, how to stick bait to it, the kinds of bait that can be used, etc. The students got to experience how to prepare and cook typical Dakshina Karnataka dishes, namely Prawns Ghee Roast and Natti Chicken Sukka. It stemmed from cleaning the meat using a sickle to marinating it effectively using spices and then cooking it using a wood stove. Dr. Chef. K. Thiru took an active interest in practically involving himself, wherein Chef. Dayanad Prabhu, Chef. Nischal Kumar, Chef Nithish Damodhar, Chef Manish T K and Chef. AJITH ANANTHARAMA NAYAK assisted him and the students. Apart from the culinary side of the tour, the students also observed the art of weaving bamboo articles, such as baskets. Also, they got a chance to make beautiful flower art using the hashtag#GItagged hashtag#ShankarapuraMallige and small baskets using Jackfruit Leaves. The main spotlight of the program was Huli/Tiger Vesha, wherein the faculties and students involved themselves actively. This celebration of World Tourism Day enriched the students' knowledge and skills and fostered a deeper appreciation for the local culture and traditions that shape the tourism landscape.

Examining menstrual hygiene practices among adolescents and their potential acceptability of reusable sanitary pads

“Empowering Adolescent Schoolgirls” is to give Health awareness, awareness about Economic Access, teach them about sustainable living, and training and workshops on Leadership and Communication for for young girls from Govt. High School Volakadu, Govt. High School Shettybettu and Kendriya Vidyalaya Udupi in June 2023.

The sustainability project aims to investigate the transition of adolescent girls from using disposable pads to eco-friendly reusable cloth pads. The research employs a structured approach integrating quantitative and qualitative methods across various phases. Initially, a baseline survey was conducted among 12 to 15-year-old girls in selected schools, covering menstrual practices, family backgrounds, facilities access, and awareness of eco-friendly options. Subsequently, an awareness session was conducted, followed by the distribution of eco-friendly pads to all girls. Two months later, a follow-up survey collected feedback on pad usage, supplemented by interviews and focus group discussions to explore experiences and challenges faced, with special consideration given to the impact of the monsoon season.

Eco Femme, established in 2010 within the international township of Auroville near Pondicherry, has partnered with TAPMI faculty members to conduct awareness programs in government schools across Karnataka's Udupi district. Targeting adolescent girls aged 12 to 15, these programs provide tailored menstrual health education while monitoring the acceptance and adoption of Eco Femme's sustainable menstrual pads and assessing the overall program impact. To support educators in this mission, Eco Femme has developed a comprehensive Facilitator's Guide for two 1½-hour sessions designed to create a supportive environment for menstrual education. Each participant receives a kit comprising four washable cloth pads and a travel pouch after the training. Renowned for its sustainable approach, Eco Femme offers All-In-One and Foldable pads through their Pad for Pad program, emphasizing the pivotal role of educators in effectively conveying program messages through both verbal and non-verbal cues. An open-minded and respectful approach ensures program engagement and impact among adolescent girls in Udupi's government schools.

The data collection process involved three phases. Firstly, a quantitative questionnaire, instructional session, and semi-structured interviews were conducted, with Eco Femme products provided free of cost to all participants. The second phase, conducted two months later, included another quantitative questionnaire on product usage and maintenance, followed by semi-structured interviews focusing on switching behaviour. Finally, additional surveys during the monsoon and a focus group discussion representing different switching behaviours were conducted. Participation was voluntary to ensure confidentiality, with questionnaires translated into regional languages for respondent comfort. The sample included 350 adolescent girls from government schools - Government School Rajeev Nagar, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kamala Bhai Memorial School, Government School, Volakkadu, and Shetty Bettu School in the Udupi District, with longitudinal phases conducted in all mentioned schools.

The survey conducted among adolescent girls provides quantitative insights into their perceptions of disposable pads' environmental impact. Approximately 28.40% of respondents agree that sanitary pads are non-degradable, while 24.10% disagree, and 25.90% remain neutral. Similarly, 24.40% of participants express agreement that burying pads contributes to soil pollution, with 38.10% in disagreement. Regarding burning pads, 19.70% agree it causes air pollution, while 29.10% disagree. Furthermore, 26.60% agree that disposing of pads in backyards pollutes surroundings, and 22.80% agree that disposing of pads with household waste causes pollution. Additionally, 24.70% agree that disposing of pads in roadsides or vacant areas leads to pollution, and only 9.40% agree that municipalities burning pads cause pollution. These findings highlight the diverse perspectives among adolescent girls and emphasize the importance of targeted awareness campaigns to promote eco-friendly menstrual hygiene practices and mitigate environmental impact.

The comprehensive sustainability project aimed at understanding the transition of adolescent girls from disposable pads to eco-friendly reusable cloth pads has significant societal implications. By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, the research provided valuable insights into menstrual hygiene practices and environmental awareness among adolescent girls. The findings shed light on the socio-economic factors influencing menstrual product usage, with a substantial portion of households relying on disposable pads despite the availability of eco-friendly alternatives. Moreover, the study uncovered varied perceptions regarding the environmental impact of disposable pads, emphasizing the need for targeted awareness campaigns to promote sustainable menstrual hygiene practices and mitigate environmental pollution.

The collaboration between Eco Femme and TAPMI underscores the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable initiatives at the grassroots level. By conducting awareness programs in government schools, the project not only provided menstrual health education but also empowered adolescent girls to make informed choices about their health and the environment. The provision of Eco Femme's sustainable menstrual pads, accompanied by comprehensive facilitator guides, exemplifies a holistic approach to menstrual education and product accessibility.

The qualitative findings highlighted cognitive, emotional, and behavioural factors influencing switching behaviour, indicating the complexity of decision-making processes related to menstrual product usage. Addressing challenges such as uncertainty about eco-friendly options' effectiveness and lack of awareness among participants presents an opportunity for targeted interventions and educational initiatives. By fostering a supportive environment for menstrual education and product adoption, the project contributes to empowering adolescent girls and promoting sustainable practices within communities.

Overall, the sustainability project serves as a catalyst for societal change by fostering awareness, promoting eco-friendly alternatives, and empowering adolescent girls to make informed choices about their health and the environment. Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, the study paves the way for a more sustainable and equitable future, where menstrual hygiene is prioritized, and environmental stewardship is embraced at the grassroots level.