KARACHI: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) organised a series of delightful activities for its youngest patients focusing on raising awareness about children’s health and wellbeing in connection with World Children's Day.
The festivities kicked off with a walk and a vibrant art exhibition at the AKU Sports Centre, attended by hospital leadership, faculty, staff, and students from various schools across Karachi.
The following day, the celebrations extended to the pediatric wards and clinics, where the children's ward at AKUH buzzed with excitement.
The Department of Pediatrics and Child Health representatives, along with patients, gathered for a special cake-cutting ceremony led by Dr Fyezah Jehan, Chair, and Dr Ali Faisal Saleem, Vice Chair.
"World Children's Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and spirit of these young souls and to reaffirm our commitment as a society to ensure their wellbeing, safety, and healthy upbringing. We are delighted by the enthusiastic participation of these young champions; their vibrant energy profoundly enriched this celebration," said Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO of AKUH.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, the nursing staff adorned children’s faces with colorful designs using face paints. The events also included a magic show, captivating the young audience with tricks, illusions, and interactive performances.
"Children are the pulse of any nation, and their welfare is a responsibility we all share. I am glad that we can bring them joy through events like these and also reaffirm our dedication to fostering the overall development and happiness of every child under our care," said Dr Fyezah Jehan.
Another engaging activity involved the creation of a handprint tree through painting. Children, along with hospital staff, left their colorful handprints on a paper tree, symbolizing unity, growth, and the collective efforts of the community in nurturing the future generation.
The activities not only brought joy to the young patients but also highlighted the hospital's commitment to making their stay as pleasant as possible.
The events concluded with various stalls set up at the Community Health Centre by pediatric residents and nursing staff, including the Hand Hygiene stall, which aimed to educate children and parents about the importance of hand washing in preventing infections.
The Health Food Plate stall promoted healthy eating habits, emphasising the significance of a balanced diet for children’s growth and development, while the Dental Hygiene stall underscored the importance of regular dental care for children.
The AKUH’s staff by actively participating in the events, showed their commitment to children’s wellbeing, going beyond medical care and embracing a holistic approach.
Through entertainment, education, and community engagement, AKUH not only celebrated World Children’s Day but also reaffirmed its commitment to providing comprehensive care and support for every child under its wing.
