Art Competition HER Climate

Jhpiego is a nonprofit organization for international health affiliated with Johns Hopkins University. On September 10th, Jhpiego Pakistan in collaboration with NUST School of Health Sciences (NSHS), proudly hosted an Art Competition aimed at addressing climate change and its impact on health and communities. The event organized by Community Medicine /Public Health Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Farah Rashid and Focal Person of the event was Dr Hafiz M.Ali Khan at NSHS  and featured the participation of students from NSHS, Bahria University, SZAMBU and Fazia Medical College. The event was attended by Dr. Zaeem Zia, District Health Officer Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Ashraf, Principal of NSHS and Prof. Dr. Osman Hasan, Pro-Rector of NUST.

Themed “HER Climate” — with HER standing for Healthy Communities and Environment Resilient — the competition sought to engage students in a creative exploration of climate issues through their artwork. The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 100 students from multiple universities, who showcased their creativity while reflecting on the crucial intersection of climate and community health.

Dr. Zaeem Zia, District Health Officer, highlighted the importance of youth involvement in addressing climate change: “It is essential that we engage young people in conversations about climate change. Their innovative ideas and perspectives are critical to developing solutions for a sustainable future. The artwork displayed today reflects their commitment to making a difference.”

Prof. Dr. Rizwan Ashraf, Principal of NSHS, shared his enthusiasm for the event: “We are thrilled to have hosted this event, which not only showcases the talents of our students but also raises awareness about the impact of climate change. It is through initiatives like these that we can inspire the next generation to take action and contribute to a healthier planet.”

Prof. Dr. Osman Hasan, Pro-Rector of NUST, emphasized the university’s role in promoting environmental awareness: “At NUST, we are dedicated to integrating environmental consciousness into our educational framework. This art competition is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity and responsibility among our students, encouraging them to think critically about environmental issues.”

Dr. Aminah Khan, Jhpiego’s Country Director, expressed the organization’s commitment to the cause: “Jhpiego recognizes the significant role that environmental factors play in community health. By collaborating on this event, we aim to highlight the urgent need for climate action and inspire young people to be proactive in addressing these challenges. Our hope is that these young artists will lead the way in creating a sustainable future.”

The competition concluded with awards for the top 10 participants. The top three winners were honored with trophies, certificates, and Jhpiego goody bags.