RCSI Bahrain strengthens nursing collaboration with National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences
The delegation from RCSI Medical University of Bahrain led by Professor Kathryn Strachan, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Dr Maryam Alaradi, Senior Lecturer in Nursing and Director of the BSc Nursing Programme, was received by senior representatives from NTUNHS, including Dr Li-Ju Lin, Director of the International and Cross-Strait Education Centre; Dr Yu-Ying Lu, Director of the Research and Development Centre; Dr Lai Ching Ting, Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing; and Mr Michael Lin, Executive Officer of the International Centre.
Over the course of the two-day visit, discussions focused on finalising the collaborative activities set out in the MoU including bilateral student placements, professional development for academic staff, and shared research projects that address global health priorities and strengthen nursing practice. The delegation also conducted an in-depth review of NTUNHS's clinical training facilities, including the clinical simulation centre and the range of learning opportunities offered. The delegation commended the high standards of teaching and commitment to student-centred education, which align with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain's own pedagogical goals.
Upon her return, Professor Kathryn Strachan commented: 'This visit represents a significant advancement in our strategic engagement with NTUNHS, a valued international partner. We are particularly focused on enhancing academic and research exchange programmes that enrich both faculty expertise and student learning as well as exposure to international health systems outside the Middle East.'
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain extends sincere appreciation to His Excellency Bob L.J. Chen, Representative of the Taipei Trade Office in the Kingdom of Bahrain, along with Vice Consul Ms Shadin Lu, for facilitating this visit. This initiative aligns with RCSI Medical University of Bahrain's strategic objective to deliver a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates with the skills, cultural awareness, and clinical insight required to lead in a dynamic and globalised healthcare landscape.
About RCSI Medical University of Bahrain
RCSI Medical University of Bahrain is a constituent university of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which was established in Dublin, Ireland, in 1784. RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, an independent private university, opened its doors to a cohort of 28 medical students in 2004. Today, the purpose-built campus is home to a student body of more than 1,600 across the Schools of Medicine; Nursing and Midwifery and Postgraduate Studies and Research. It is a not-for-profit health sciences institution focused on education and research to drive positive change in all areas of human health worldwide.
For more information, please visit www.rcsi.com/bahrain
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
XIXILI Empowers Nursing Mothers with Expert Advice by Ricca Tai
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 August 2025 - In commemoration of Breastfeeding Week 2025, XIXILI shows its commitment to inclusivity by collaborating with Ricca Tai, a licensed pharmacist with a special focus on mothercare, post-natal wellness, and breastfeeding support, to provide expert breastfeeding advice for mothers. 'Breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging, particularly for new mothers learning how to express milk comfortably and effectively,' says XIXILI spokesperson Grace Tan. 'It's a deeply personal journey that requires patience, support, and the right tools to ensure both mother and baby feel nurtured throughout the experience.' According to Grace, XIXILI remains dedicated to supporting breastfeeding mothers with thoughtfully designed nursing bras that prioritise comfort, functionality, and confidence. This combined initiative with Ricca Tai reflects the brand's ethos of empowering mothers with products that support their needs during this important stage of life. Expert Advice For New Mothers When it comes to breastfeeding, Ricca advises that women obtain an accurate measurement of their nipples to help determine the correct breast shield size, which significantly impacts comfort and milk output. She advises measuring the nipple diameter (excluding the areola) in millimetres after breastfeeding or pumping and adding 2–4 mm to determine the appropriate flange size. A poorly fitted shield may cause discomfort, reduced milk flow, or nipple damage. The Importance of Nursing Bras & Breast Pumps Maintaining proper posture can enhance the pumping experience. An upright, well-supported position with relaxed shoulders is recommended. Hands-free pumping bras or dual-function nursing bras can help keep flanges securely in place, reducing arm strain and allowing mothers to focus on other tasks. Ricca further states that techniques such as applying warm compresses, gentle massage, and maintaining skin-to-skin contact with the baby can also support milk let-down. When selecting a breast pump, she notes that lifestyle requirements should guide the decision. Manual or single electric pumps are suitable for occasional use, whereas double electric or hospital-grade pumps are ideal for regular pumping. For mothers who value discretion and mobility, wearable, hands-free pumps with quiet operation and leak-proof designs are practical options. XIXILI's Innovative Designs For Breastfeeding Mothers The Ultra Soft Pansy Maternity Nursing Bra is designed to offer both comfort and practicality for new mothers. This seamless maternity bra is ideal for wearing at home or on casual days out, providing a wire-free, high-coverage fit. Crafted with ultra-soft, stretchy knitted fabric, it features removable cup pads for optional shaping and coverage, a breathable centre mesh panel for better ventilation, and a wide, snug elastic band under the bust for lasting comfort. The U-shape back wing, adjustable shoulder straps, and three-panel hook fastening offer reliable support, while easy-access clips allow breastfeeding with just one hand. By combining thoughtful design with comfort and elegance, XIXILI's nursing bra and bralette collections are crafted to help mothers feel both supported and confident throughout their breastfeeding journey. The collections are available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. For more information, visit XIXILI's official website. Hashtag: #XIXILI The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. XIXILI A homegrown Malaysian brand, XIXILI offers beautiful fashion lingerie and shapewear in Malaysia that prioritises fit and comfort. With an extensive range of bra sizes from A to I and bands 65 to 110cm, XIXILI caters to women of all shapes and sizes. Expert fitters are dedicated to helping each customer find the perfect bra, boosting confidence and enhancing silhouettes. XIXILI became the first Malaysian lingerie brand to introduce a Try-On in 3D avatar tool, allowing customers to virtually try on XIXILI lingerie using a 3D avatar tailored to their specific body type and measurements. Whether for everyday wear or something special, XIXILI ensures women always look and feel amazing. XIXILI
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Merck Foundation Health Media Training provided for African Media to raise awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma and Supporting Girl Education during the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative
Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025, in presence of Merck Foundation CEO, Dr. Rasha Kelej and African&Asian First Ladies, who are the Ambassadors of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. During the Summit, Merck Foundation Health Media Training session was also conducted on Day 2, for African journalists, to emphasize on the important role the media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to Break Infertility Stigma, Support Girl Education, Stop Gender Based Violence, End Child Marriage, End FGM, and Empower Women at all levels. Moreover, to raise awareness about early detection&prevention of Diabetes&Hypertension. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, Chairperson of MFFLI Summit, and President of 'More Than a Mother' campaign, emphasized, 'I strongly believe that media has the power to shape mindsets and create a culture shift. Journalists can drive real change through their daily reporting by raising awareness about critical social and health issues—such as breaking the stigma of infertility, promoting girls' education, ending child marriage, stopping gender-based violence, and encouraging early detection and prevention of diabetes and hypertension.' Watch the Merck Foundation Health Media Training session here: The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of 'Merck Foundation More than a Mother' Community Awareness Program. Since 2017, Merck Foundation has provided their Health Media Training for more than 3,700 media representatives from 35 countries in Africa. During the 7 th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit, two important occasions were marked; the 8 th Anniversary of Merck Foundation and 13 years of Merck Foundation's development programs that started in 2012. On the Day 1, the Plenary Session of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative -MFFLI Summit took place, featuring a high-level panel discussion with the participating First Ladies of Africa and Asia. Moreover, a high-level panel discussion was held with African Ministers and top healthcare experts from across the globe. Link to Live Stream of Inaugural Session of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative – MFFLI Summit 2025: During the Day 2 of the conference, two Medical and Scientific Sessions on Oncology and Diabetes&Hypertension also took place. During the 7th Edition of MFFLI Summit, the Call for Applications for 8 annual Merck Foundation Awards in partnership with African and Asian First Ladies were announced for best Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and emerging talents. 'I strongly believe that these awards encourage creative storytelling to raise awareness about critical social and health issues. Since 2017, we have been launching these awards together with my esteemed sisters, the African and Asian First Ladies, who are also the Ambassadors of the Merck Foundation More Than a Mother Campaign. I am looking forward to all the entries from young talents for these important awards,' Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej added. Details of the Awards: Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: Media representatives and students are invited to showcase work raising awareness about Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create long or short films (drama, documentary, or docudrama) addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs delivering impactful messages on Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs addressing Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girls' Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/or Stopping GBV. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': Media representatives are invited to showcase work promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African filmmakers, film students, and young talents are invited to create films promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African fashion students and designers are invited to create designs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': African singers and musical artists are invited to create songs promoting healthy lifestyles and raising awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Entries for all awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard: Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Zawya
Global hunger declines, but rises in Africa and western Asia: United Nation (UN) report
An estimated 8.2 percent of the global population, or about 673 million people, experienced hunger in 2024, down from 8.5 percent in 2023 and 8.7 percent in 2022. However, progress was not consistent across the globe, as hunger continued to rise in most subregions of Africa and western Asia, according to this year's The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2025) report published today by five specialized agencies of the United Nations. Launched during the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, SOFI 2025 indicates that between 638 and 720 million people faced hunger in 2024. Based on the point estimate* of 673 million, this represents a decrease of 15 million people from 2023 and of 22 million from 2022. While the decline is welcome, the latest estimates remain above pre-pandemic levels, with the high food inflation of recent years contributing to the slow recovery in food security. Notable improvements are seen in southern Asia and Latin America. The prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) in Asia fell from 7.9 percent in 2022 to 6.7 percent, or 323 million people, in 2024. Additionally, Latin America and the Caribbean as a region saw the PoU fall to 5.1 percent, or 34 million people, in 2024, down from a peak of 6.1 percent in 2020. Unfortunately, this positive trend contrasts sharply with the steady rise in hunger across Africa and western Asia, including in many countries affected by prolonged food crises. The proportion of the population facing hunger in Africa surpassed 20 percent in 2024, affecting 307 million people, while in western Asia an estimated 12.7 percent of the population, or more than 39 million people, may have faced hunger in 2024. It is projected that 512 million people could be chronically undernourished by 2030. Almost 60 percent of those will be in Africa. This highlights the immense challenge of achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), warned the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations agency for children (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Tracking nutrition targets From 2023 to 2024, the global prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity – an assessment registering the experience of constraints on access to adequate food during part of the year – decreased slightly, from 28.4 to 28.0 percent, accounting for 2.3 billion people. This is 335 million more than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and 683 million more than in 2015, when the Sustainable Development Agenda was adopted. Among the indicators of child nutrition, the prevalence of stunting in children under five declined from 26.4 percent in 2012 to 23.2 percent in 2024, reflecting global progress. The prevalence of child overweight (5.3 percent in 2012 and 5.5 percent in 2024), and in child wasting (7.4 percent in 2012 and 6.6 percent in 2024) remains largely unchanged. The percentage of infants under six months exclusively breastfed increased significantly, from 37.0 percent in 2012 to 47.8 percent in 2023, reflecting growing recognition of its health benefits. The prevalence of adult obesity rose from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 15.8 percent in 2022. New data show an increase in the global prevalence of anaemia among women aged 15 to 49, from 27.6 percent in 2012 to 30.7 percent in 2023. Estimates for a new SDG indicator introduced in the report reveal that about one-third of children aged 6 to 23 months and two-thirds of women aged 15 to 49 years met minimum dietary diversity. Food inflation SOFI 2025 also examines the causes and consequences of the 2021–2023 food price surge and its impact on food security and nutrition. The report highlights that the global policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic – characterized by extensive fiscal and monetary interventions – combined with the impacts of the war in Ukraine and extreme weather events, contributed to recent inflationary pressures. This food price inflation has hindered the post-pandemic recovery in food security and nutrition. Since 2020, global food price inflation has consistently outpaced headline inflation. The gap peaked in January 2023, with food inflation reaching 13.6 percent, 5.1 percentage points above the headline rate of 8.5 percent. Low-income countries have been particularly hit hard by rising food prices. While median global food price inflation increased from 2.3 percent in December 2020 to 13.6 percent in early 2023, it climbed even higher in low-income countries, peaking at 30 percent in May 2023. Despite rising global food prices, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 2.76 billion in 2019 to 2.60 billion in 2024. However, the improvement was uneven. In low-income countries, where the cost of a healthy diet rose more sharply than in higher-income countries, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet increased from 464 million in 2019 to 545 million in 2024. In lower-middle-income countries (excluding India), the number rose from 79 million in 2019 to 869 million over the same period. The report recommends a combination of policy responses to food price inflation. They include targeted and time-bound fiscal measures, such as social protection programs, to safeguard vulnerable households; credible and transparent monetary policies to contain inflationary pressures; and strategic investments in agrifood R&D, transport and production infrastructure, and market information systems to improve productivity and resilience. What they said FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu: 'While it is encouraging to see a decrease in the global hunger rate, we must recognize that progress is uneven. SOFI 2025 serves as a critical reminder that we need to intensify efforts to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. To achieve this, we must work collaboratively and innovatively with governments, organizations, and communities to address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially in regions where hunger remains persistent.' IFAD President, Alvaro Lario: 'In times of rising food prices and disrupted global value chains, we must step up our investments in rural and agricultural transformation. These investments are not only essential for ensuring food and nutrition security – they are also critical for global stability.' UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell: 'Every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive. Yet over 190 million children under the age of 5 are affected by undernutrition, which can have negative consequences for their physical and mental development. This robs them of the chance to live to their fullest potential. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report for 2025 underscores the need to act urgently for the world's youngest and most vulnerable children, as rising food prices could deepen nutrition insecurity for millions of families. We must work in collaboration with governments, the private sector and communities themselves to ensure that vulnerable families have access to food that is affordable and with adequate nutrition for children to develop. That includes strengthening social protection programs and teaching parents about locally produced nutritious food for children, including the importance of breastfeeding, which provides the best start to a baby's life. WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain: 'Hunger remains at alarming levels, yet the funding needed to tackle it is falling. Last year, WFP reached 124 million people with lifesaving food assistance. This year, funding cuts of up to 40 percent mean that tens of millions of people will lose the vital lifeline we provide. While the small reduction in overall rates of food insecurity is welcome, the continued failure to provide critical aid to people in desperate need will soon wipe out these hard-won gains, sparking further instability in volatile regions of the world.' WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus:"In recent years, the world has made good progress in reducing stunting and supporting exclusive breastfeeding, but there is still much to be done to relieve millions of people from the burdens of food insecurity and malnutrition. This report provides encouraging news, but also shows where the gaps are and who is being left behind, and where we must direct our efforts to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy and nutritious diet." Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).
