ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 - Good Health and Well-being, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ continues to strengthen its commitment to ensuring accessible and confidential sexual and reproductive health care services for students and staffs. Guided by the ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Policy, which emphasizes preventive and reproductive health awareness, the College has taken proactive steps to provide free education, screening, and counselling opportunities through a series of student-focused initiatives and outreach activities.

ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ, through its VCare Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Society (VCHS), and ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Services, provides free and confidential sexual and reproductive health care services to all students. These initiatives align with the ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Policy and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-being by ensuring equitable access to essential health services, education, and awareness. The services focus on promotion, prevention, counselling, and referral, enabling students to make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. To foster awareness among students, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) organized a comprehensive Health Awareness and Reproductive Health Session during the Open Day of January 2024 intake. The session, facilitated by Ms. Pushpa (Senior Lecturer), Ms. Nahida (Counselor), and Ms. Humaira (Clinical Nurse Incharge at the Fertility Clinic IGMH) emphasized the importance of reproductive health, personal hygiene, and safe practices.

A dedicated Reproductive Health Awareness Station was also set up, offering one-on-one counselling, information on sexual and reproductive health, and guidance on preventive care. Alongside this, students engaged in various wellness and educational activities, including general health check-ups, anatomy demonstrations, creative student displays, and programme information counters. The initiative aimed to foster open discussion about reproductive health, promote informed decision-making, and encourage students to prioritize their overall well-being from the very beginning of their academic journey.

The ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Society (VCHS) actively promote reproductive health and well-being through regular screening camps and awareness programmes facilitated by Ms. Humaira, Clinical Nurse Incharge at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). These initiatives include sexual health education sessions that focus on menstrual health, fertility, contraception, and preventive care practices. When further medical attention is required, referrals are coordinated to institutions such as the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the Society for Health Education (SHE), and other specialized health service providers across the Maldives.

The Faculty of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL), also extended reproductive health awareness to vulnerable populations through multiple Migrant Worker Health Camps on 30 November 2024, during the Migrant Worker Awareness Camp at Artificial Beach, a Reproductive Health Corner was introduced to provide education and counselling for migrant workers, addressing their specific health needs. Similarly, on 27 December 2024, at the Health and Legal Aid for Migrant Workers Camp – Hulhumalé Phase 1, a Reproductive Health Corner was established in collaboration with SHE, Maldives, to provide reproductive health guidance and support services.

ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ provides consultation and awareness programmes on gender and sexuality to promote understanding, inclusivity, and respect for diversity in gender identity and sexual orientation. The College offers emotional and psychosocial counselling for students who are exploring or experiencing challenges related to gender identity or sexual orientation. Where additional assistance is needed, students are referred to the VCare Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre for specialized counselling and therapeutic support.

In addition, the ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Society (VCHS) formed by the Faculty of Health Sciences in collaboration with alumni and student representatives plays a pivotal role in promoting ongoing reproductive health awareness, through partnerships with national health stakeholders, VCHS organizes peer-led activities and awareness sessions to enhance student knowledge on reproductive and sexual health. The College also provides continuous support through its Health and Reproductive Awareness Corners, available for students and staff. These spaces serve as safe, accessible points for health education, resource sharing, and confidential consultations, further supported by the digital health portal

Through the combined efforts of the VCare Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Society (VCHS), and ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ Health Services, ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ demonstrates a strong commitment to sexual and reproductive health, well-being, and inclusivity. By integrating peer-led education, professional counselling, and strategic collaborations with national stakeholders, the College ensures that reproductive health services are accessible, confidential, and student-centered. These initiatives not only address the immediate health needs of the community but also foster a culture of responsibility, empowerment, and respect for diversity, contributing to the achievement of SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and reinforcing ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ’s leadership in promoting holistic student health in the Maldives.