The University of Mauritius (UoM) is committed to improving health and well-being through collaboration with local, national and international health institutions, professional bodies, research organisations and other stakeholders. Through its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and other academic and research units, the University promotes medical education, health-related research, professional training, knowledge exchange and community engagement to address healthcare needs and public health challenges.

These partnerships support medical and allied-health education, clinical and specialist training, public-health capacity, preventive healthcare, research and community wellbeing.

In 2025, the University of Mauritius (UoM) worked with health institutions at local, national and global level on a sustained programme of health promotion.

Global Collaboration

At the international level, UoM collaborates with overseas universities, medical institutions and research organisations to strengthen medical education, specialist training, health research and the exchange of expertise. Its collaboration with the University of Geneva supports undergraduate medical education, together with a Franco-Mauritian cooperation agreement, involving the University of Bordeaux, CHU de Bordeaux, the University of Réunion and CHU de La Réunion, provides a framework for cooperation in postgraduate medical education and specialist training.

In addition, UoM signed a Research Collaboration Agreement with the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de La Réunion in October 2025 for a 24-month research project entitled “Pédag-OI”. The project focuses on the impact of cultural differences on clinical teaching, supervision and feedback practices among healthcare educators and trainees in the Indian Ocean region. Involving healthcare training settings in Mauritius, Réunion, Madagascar and Seychelles, the research aims to strengthen intercultural competencies and improve clinical teaching and supervision practices.

World Health Organization (WHO): In May–June 2025 WHO, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the NGO VISA and UoM ran a three-week World No-Tobacco Day campaign. The campaign was launched at UoM's Réduit campus in the presence of the WHO Representative and the Minister of Health, and UoM medical, nursing and other students were trained on the harms of tobacco, the tactics of the tobacco industry and the 2022 tobacco regulations. 

WHO also joined UoM students in the national World Cancer Day sensitisation march on 3 February 2025, which ended at UoM's Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium, where UoM's Acting Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University's commitment to collaborating on community health promotion.

The UoM Ayurveda Chair, established through collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, supports education, research, capacity building, community engagement and preventive healthcare initiatives in Ayurveda and integrative health. UoM documentation identifies awareness programmes, preventive health initiatives, Ayurveda and Yoga outreach, research and development of an Ayurveda Centre of Excellence among its activities. The collaboration supports preventive healthcare, health awareness, research, capacity building and community wellbeing.

National Collaboration

At the national level, UoM collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and public healthcare institutions to support medical education, clinical training, professional capacity building and research addressing national health priorities. The University's Doctor of Medicine programme is delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the University of Geneva, contributing to the training of medical professionals for the country's healthcare system. 

The University further promotes knowledge exchange between academia and healthcare professionals through continuing medical education activities involving specialists from public hospitals and national health institutions. These collaborations contribute to strengthening professional competencies, supporting clinical practice and advancing healthcare knowledge. Some collaborations include:

Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National Blood Bank: The Ministry and the Blood Bank supported the UoM–Open University Health & Wellness Event (27–28 October 2025), which offered blood donation and health checks. UoM's MD programme also operates under an agreement with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the University of Geneva, which gives UoM medical students clinical training in public hospitals. Supported by the National Blood Transfusion Service, Blood Donors Association, Medical Society, Rotary Club of Moka, Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE) and Higher Education Commission of Mauritius (HEC). 

The University of Mauritius through its Faculty of Medicine and Health sciences (FMHS), maintains an established institutional collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness for professional and clinical training of students in health-related programmes. The Department of Medicine at FMHS offers a six-year MD programme since 2013 in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. More details are available at:

•  https://www.uom.ac.mu/fmhs/index.php/health-sciences-overview

•  https://www.uom.ac.mu/fmhs/index.php/medicine-overview

U• oM’s health and medical education relies on clinical training and professional placements within Mauritius’ public and specialised healthcare system. The Ministry’s health-professional training framework identifies clinical training arrangements supporting UoM students across a range of health-related disciplines.

For more information: Programmes - MH331A.pdf - Google Drive 

UoM also engaged in an active collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness for delivery of a Postgraduate Diploma in HIV-AIDS Management. Project Assistants were subsequently recruited next year to work closely on this project. The collaboration strengthens postgraduate and professional capacity in HIV/AIDS management and contributes to public-health preparedness and service capacity.

For more information:

https://www.uom.ac.mu/images/FILES/Vacancy/2024/FMHS/ProjAssistantMay.pdf 

Local Collaboration

The NGO VISA, the Blood Donors Association, the Rotary Club of Moka and other local NGOs partnered with UoM on the above activities.

UoM also collaborates with healthcare professionals, professional associations and non-governmental organisations to promote health education, professional development and community well-being. Through its Department of Health Sciences, the University maintains links with organisations such as the Occupational Therapists' Association Mauritius, the Mauritius Physiotherapists' Association and the Social Security Medical Practitioners Union to support continuing professional development and knowledge sharing.

The Department also engages with community organisations, including the Global Rainbow Foundation and Joie de Vivre Universelle, through outreach and community-based activities aimed at promoting health, inclusion and well-being.

Other local collaborations include:

• The Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research (CBBR) collaborates with the UoM on health technologies/biomaterials research.

• The SSR Medical College (located in Belle Rive/ Dagotiere) offers an MBBS program whose examinations and degrees are tied to local accreditation standards and frameworks involving the University of Mauritius.

(For more information about SSR MC Course details with UoM:  https://www.ssrmedicalcollege.com/main.php?do=clientsitecontent&action=home&pageid=course)

• The UoM Centre for Innovative & Lifelong Learning (CILL), organised a transformative Stress Management Workshop in collaboration with JCI Quatre-Bornes on May 20, 2025.

• UoM & Association Kinouété; A workshop was organised on September 16, 2025 demonstrating a detailed range of services with a particular focus on mental health initiatives and support programmes for incarcerated individuals. Firsthand observations from the field was shared by Law & Criminal justice students, highlighting the challenges that contribute to the deterioration of mental well-being within the prison environment.

The University of Mauritius (UoM) recognises the importance of promoting good health and well-being and is committed to contributing to healthier and more resilient communities through its teaching, research, community engagement and outreach activities.

The University undertakes and supports health-related outreach initiatives and community engagement activities aimed at raising awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles and improving health and well-being among members of the local community. These initiatives may include health education and awareness campaigns, public health promotion, hygiene and nutrition education, physical activity and exercise, disease prevention, mental well-being and other health-related topics relevant to the needs of the community.

Through the expertise of its academic staff, collaboration with relevant public and private institutions, and the involvement of students in community-oriented activities, UoM contributes to disseminating health knowledge and encouraging the adoption of healthier behaviours. Such engagement provides opportunities to connect academic knowledge and research with practical community needs, while fostering social responsibility and active citizenship among students. In 2025, the following events were organized:

Health & Wellness Event (27–28 Oct 2025): As part of its 60th anniversary, UoM, with the Open University of Mauritius and the UoM Medical Society (FMHS students), organised a two-day Health & Wellness Event at the Paul Octave Wiehe Auditorium, Réduit, with support from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Blood Bank, the Blood Donors Association, the Rotary Club of Moka and NGOs.

It offered a blood donation drive and a range of health checks, free of charge and open to the public and promoted physical, mental and emotional well-being. The event was opened by the President of the Republic, who announced that the State House health track would reopen to the public at weekends as a contribution to the event.

World Cancer Day March (3 Feb 2025): UoM students joined the Ministry of Health, WHO, cancer survivors and NGOs in a public sensitisation walk from Quatre Bornes to Réduit promoting cancer prevention and early detection.

https://www.afro.who.int/countries/mauritius/news/who-joins-ministry-health-and-wellness-sensitization-march-against-cancer

Sport for children in care (8 Nov 2025): UoM introduced badminton and air badminton to children of SOS Children's Villages, promoting physical activity among children without parental care. The event “Shuttling Hope, Inspiring Futures” - An Initiation to Badminton and Air Badminton" for the children of the SOS Children's Village was successfully held on Saturday 08 November 2025 at the University of Mauritius Sports Complex.

This initiative forms part of the UoM 60th Anniversary Celebrations and was organised by the UoM Badminton Staff Club, under the aegis of the University Staff Club. Its aim was to offer an inspiring and enriching sports experience to the children of the SOS Children’s Village, in line with the University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and social responsibility.

The UoM received around 15 to 20 children from the SOS Children’s Village, with 15 University Staff Volunteers helpers including the Coach and Aatish Lubah, who took part in a day filled with joy, energy and discovery. The activities included badminton and air badminton sessions, fun games and friendly matches.

Nutrition (12 Sept 2025): Food donation to the Southern Handicapped Association SEN school at Riambel, accompanied by a nutrition talk.

In the context of the University of Mauritius 60th Anniversary Celebrations, the Centre for Information Technology and Systems (CITS) organised a lunch on Friday 12 September 2025 for 63 students of the Southern Handicapped Association at Riambel. A team of 11 CITS staff participated in this activity. Gifts were also distributed to the students during the event.

The University of Mauritius (UoM) provides a diverse range of sports infrastructure serving the University community and the wider public. Facilities include the Multipurpose Gymnasium, Students’ Centre, Pétanque Pitch, Outdoor Football Ground, Beach Sports Pitch and access to the Maryse Justin Athletics Stadium. These facilities are regularly used by students and staff for training, recreational activities, university competitions and organised sports programmes.

Beyond campus life, UoM’s sporting infrastructure extends its reach to local communities, sports clubs, national teams, sporting federations and corporate organisations. Facilities accommodate regular training, tournaments, championships, sports days, recreational programmes and corporate team-building activities. Through corporate events or one off events, members of the public have access to UoM Sports Facilities.

The Multipurpose Gymnasium has hosted training and competitions linked to major sporting events, including the Indian Ocean Volleyball Club Champions Cup (Zone 7) was held from 3-4 March 2025 and it was opened to the general public to attend, free of charge. The Beach Sports Pitch has also supported the preparation of the Mauritian U20 National Beach Volleyball Team for the Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI) Games, where Mauritius secured a gold medal.

The Maryse Justin Athletics Stadium, adjoining the University, is managed through a collaborative arrangement involving the relevant national sporting authorities and has served athletics for several decades. It is an important venue for training, athlete development and national competitions. Through regular and one-off bookings, UoM facilities are accessible for activities ranging from grassroots participation to organised competitive sport. Sports such as futsal, football, volleyball, beach volleyball, badminton, table tennis and pétanque are regularly accommodated.

Corporate organisations also make use of the facilities for sports, recreation, employee wellness and team-building programmes. This shared-use approach strengthens links between the University, communities, sporting organisations and the corporate sector.

Students/Staff bookings

Both students and staff can book a paid two-hour slot as follows subject to availability:

• Weekdays: 18:00–20:00 and 20:00–22:00
• Saturday: 16:00–18:00 and 18:00–20:00

Corporate bookings

UoM sports facilities are also available for corporate bookings for training and recreational purposes. Regular two-hour slots are available as follows:

• Weekdays: 18:00–20:00 and 20:00–22:00
• Saturday: 16:00–18:00 and 18:00–20:00

One-off events

Sports facilities may also be booked for one-off events, including sports days, tournaments and other specific sports-related activities, subject to availability and the applicable booking procedures.

Please see the links for bookings:

https://www.uom.ac.mu/SPORTS/index.php/rental-registration/rental-fees/rental-charges-uom-students-staff

https://www.uom.ac.mu/SPORTS/index.php/rental-registration/rental-fees/rental-charges-membership-scheme-for-corporate-external-bodies

UoM’s sports infrastructure therefore contributes not only to campus wellbeing but also to community engagement, national sports development and active lifestyles. Together, these facilities position the University as an accessible and inclusive sporting hub connecting the campus and the community at large.

The University of Mauritius recognises that access to sexual and reproductive health care services is an essential component of student health, well-being and overall development. The institution is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment in which students can access appropriate health information, guidance and services relating to sexual and reproductive health without discrimination or stigma.

Among the measures implemented to support students in this area are initiatives to raise awareness of HIV, promote preventive practices, and encourage early testing and diagnosis. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (NDCCI AIDS Unit), the University of Mauritius provides access to sexual and reproductive health care services through caravan sessions on HIV and AIDS awareness. This is organised on a monthly basis on campus, especially during term time and includes free testing for the benefit of the University community as a whole. Trained professionals from the Unit are present to ensure that the sessions are conducted smoothly and in full compliance with the health and safety regulations.

In 2025, HIV and AIDS awareness and testing caravan sessions were held on 9 occasions.

HIV and AIDS awareness and Testing Caravan

The University of Mauritius (UoM) recognises that good mental health is essential to students’ learning, personal development and overall well-being. The University actively promotes positive mental health across its student community.

Actively promoting good mental health

Wellness Awareness Campaign – 16 and 18 September 2025. As part of its 60th Anniversary, the University ran a campus-wide awareness campaign inviting staff and students to pause, reflect and look after their well-being. The posters were designed by the UoM Students’ Psychology Society and the campaign was led by Dr Fiona Grant, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. The posters shared practical tips (moving the body, prioritising sleep, practising mindfulness, expressing feelings, staying connected and limiting negative self-talk), encouraged mutual support, aimed to reduce the stigma around mental health, and signposted the UoM community to sources of professional help.

Health & Wellness Event – 27–28 October 2025. The UoM, with the Open University of Mauritius and the UoM Medical Society, organised a two-day Health & Wellness Event at the Paul Octave Wiehe Auditorium, Réduit, with the support of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and NGOs. Open free of charge to students, staff and the public, the event promoted physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Stress Management & Personal Resilience Workshop – 16 April 2025. The Students’ Union, with students of the BSc (Hons) Web & Multimedia Development (Cohort 2024), organised a workshop to equip students with practical strategies for handling academic, personal and professional pressures. It covered stress management, emotional intelligence, AI-related anxiety and adaptability in uncertain times.

Youth Friendly Sexual Health Clinic. The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the University of Mauritius, has set up a Youth Friendly Sexual Health Clinic on the UoM campus to provide comprehensive care that addresses the needs of young people in March 2025. The clinic is open to all UoM students and staff. Its services include psychological counselling to support mental and emotional well-being and mental health assessment, alongside doctors’ consultations, vitals and BMI check-ups, contraception, pregnancy kits, rapid HIV/STI testing and STI screening, PrEP and PEP services, and referral to further care where needed. The University shared details of the clinic with all students and staff (academic and non-academic), together with its banner, logo and a flyer on rapid STI testing, to make sure everyone knows the service is available. 

Free mental health support for students

Student counselling and referral. Students who have difficulties in their studies, personal problems, trauma, mental health issues or conflicts with peers that may affect their studies are referred to the Admissions and Student Records Office (ASRO), which offers them guidance and counselling. Depending on each case, students are given advice or referred to their Programme Coordinators and Lecturers for individual consideration and, where necessary, to the UoM Psychologists, family counsellors, emotional support services and psychiatrists.

Free Access to Professional Mental Health Support

Since 2018, the University has engaged clinical psychologists to provide independent, confidential one-to-one counselling to staff and students. This is a first point of contact for professional, personal, financial, social or practical concerns. The service is being strengthened through the creation of a new Counsellor post.

To ensure continuity of support, the University has partnered with Befrienders (Mauritius), a non-religious NGO whose trained volunteers provide free, confidential emotional support to anyone who is lonely, in distress or in despair. Throughout 2025, Befrienders (Mauritius) held regular counselling sessions on campus every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, free of charge to UoM staff and students.

Free counselling for UoM staff and students – key facts

• Provider: Befrienders (Mauritius), in partnership with UoM
• Cost: free of charge
• When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Where: office near the MCB ATM, UoM campus
• How to book: email app.psychologists@uom.ac.mu
• More about Befrienders (Mauritius): http://www.befriendersmauritius.com/

The University of Mauritius operates a fully smoke-free campus. Under the University’s No-Smoking and No-Alcohol Policy, smoking is strictly prohibited both inside and outside all buildings across all UoM premises. There are no designated smoking areas, and the policy applies equally to all staff, students and visitors.

The policy is set out in an official notice published by the Office of the Chief of Facilities and Services on 31 October 2025. Anyone breaching the policy faces strict disciplinary action by the University, in addition to the penalties set out in national law. The notice is publicly available on the University’s website at https://www.uom.ac.mu/images/files/facilities/SmokeNAlcoholonCampus.pdf and is reproduced below.

Notice: Prohibition of Smoking and of Consuming Alcoholic Drinks on UoM Premises (31 October 2025)

The University of Mauritius (UoM) actively promotes good mental health among its staff and provides them with free access to professional mental health support. In 2025, the Office of Human Resources conducted a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) across all staff categories to identify skills gaps and development requirements. The findings of this assessment highlighted a significant demand for training in areas related to well-being. Notably, Stress Management emerged as one of the highest priority training themes requested by staff.

In response to this clear demand, the Office of Human Resources has prioritised the development and delivery of targeted workshops, such as the Stress Management and Mindfulness sessions, to equip staff with the necessary tools to navigate professional pressures effectively. This strategic approach ensures that staff development initiatives are directly aligned with the expressed needs of the UoM community.

In 2025, as part of its 60th Anniversary, the University ran a programme of staff wellbeing initiatives, led by the Office of Human Resources and the Psychology Unit of the Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH). The programme combined an awareness campaign, two free workshops for staff and free on-campus counselling.

Actively Promoting Good Mental Health

1. Wellness Awareness Campaign – September 2025

In September 2025, the University launched a campus-wide awareness campaign inviting staff and students to pause, reflect and look after their wellbeing. The posters were designed by the UoM Students’ Psychology Society, and the campaign was led by Dr Fiona Grant, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, FSSH.

• 16 September 2025: two posters circulated to staff with practical wellbeing tips: moving the body, prioritising sleep, practising mindfulness, expressing feelings, staying connected and limiting negative self-talk.

• 18 September 2025: two further posters highlighting the importance of supporting one another and working together to foster mental health across the UoM community.

The campaign aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to encourage open, judgement-free conversations. It also signposted staff to key resources and contact details for professional help.

2. Stress Management and Mindfulness Workshop – 23 September 2025

Following the campaign, a free half-day workshop on Stress Management and Mindfulness was held for UoM staff on 23 September 2025, from 09:00 to 11:30, in Lecture Theatre 1. It was led by Dr Fiona Grant, with Dr Roshan Unmar, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering, as guest speaker on meditation.

Opening the session, Dr Grant reframed the University’s motto, “Scientia Salus Patriae”, as “Knowledge at the Service of the Wellbeing of the Nation”. Participants then:

• learned the difference between healthy and toxic stress, and the Stress–Performance Curve;

• discussed common workplace stressors and how to recognise the physical, emotional, behavioural and mental signs of stress in colleagues;

• practised stress-management techniques, including mindful breathing, time management and lifestyle planning;

• took part in a guided meditation and visualisation session with Dr Unmar.

3. Self-awareness, Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing Workshop – 13 November 2025

With staff facing growing work pressure and tight deadlines, the University held a second free workshop for staff on Thursday 13 November 2025, in Lecture Theatre II, to help them maintain a healthy work-life balance. Organised by the Office of Human Resources and the FSSH Psychology Unit, it was delivered by Mrs Smita Rampat and Dr Mylene Lecoq-Bamboche, Lecturers in Psychology, FSSH.

The workshop aimed to help staff:

• develop greater self-awareness and emotional control;

• understand the key components of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and build emotional regulation;

• learn practical techniques to improve empathy and communication;

• apply EI principles in their daily and professional lives.

Through reflective exercises, participants identified the core values that anchor their identity and resilience. They learned the “90-second emotion rule” and a simple Pause–Breathe–Respond technique for choosing conscious responses over impulsive reactions. Sessions also covered empathy, healthy boundaries and small “identity-based habits” that build wellbeing at work and at home.

Free Access to Professional Mental Health Support

Since 2018, the University has engaged clinical psychologists to provide independent, confidential one-to-one counselling to staff and students. This is a first point of contact for professional, personal, financial, social or practical concerns. The service is being strengthened through the creation of a new Counsellor post.

To ensure continuity of support, the University has partnered with Befrienders (Mauritius), a non-religious NGO whose trained volunteers provide free, confidential emotional support to anyone who is lonely, in distress or in despair. Throughout 2025, Befrienders (Mauritius) held regular counselling sessions on campus every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, free of charge to UoM staff and students.

Free counselling for UoM staff and students – key facts

• Provider: Befrienders (Mauritius), in partnership with UoM

• Cost: free of charge

• When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

• Where: office near the MCB ATM, UoM campus

• How to book: email app.psychologists@uom.ac.mu

• More about Befrienders (Mauritius): http://www.befriendersmauritius.com/

“Let’s Talk!” counselling poster