The higher education’s role in the multisectoral evolution of the diabetes mobile unit programme

Abstract Background The global prevalence of obesity and diabetes is increasing. Overweight and obesity during early childhood increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The diabetes mobile unit (DMU) programme is a collaborative initiative between the Bahrain Diabetes Society, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Medical University of Bahrain, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders. Objectives To develop a sustainable educational programme to empower nursing and medical students to educate schoolchildren on healthy lifestyle choices and potentially reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Results The DMU programme is incorporated into the undergraduate nursing and medical curricula. It fosters experiential learning in public health education and promotion, encourages trainee-trainer mentorship, and cultivates essential graduate skills, thus enhancing their career prospects. Since 2012, the programme inducted 300 staff and students and educated 7,000 children. In 2023, the programme was re-launched in alignment with RCSI’s three strategic pillars: learning and teaching, research, and community engagement. The programme expanded its stakeholders’ network and incorporated strategies to promote interprofessional learning among staff, students, and alumni. The outcome of these endeavours included publishing an interactive storybook, creating innovative educational tools, and ongoing research. Conclusions This novel programme highlights the role of higher education in promoting multisectoral collaboration for public health awareness initiatives. The key to the programme’s success is synchronizing education, research and community engagement in higher education curricula and various contexts. Key messages • Multisectoral collaboration is essential in developing evidence-based and culturally congruent programmes. • Linking education, research, and community is vital to achieving sustainable development goals.