PUAN alumni are always on the look out for giving back to their communities. Dr. Ambreen Syed, a public health specialist passionate about environmental health, is making waves in her community by promoting healthy smiles. A proud alumna of the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Program (2021), Dr. Syed leveraged the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) Alumni Small Grant (ASG) program to launch a impactful project that educated and empowered young people on the importance of clean water and oral hygiene.
A Dedication to Public Wellbeing
Dr. Syed’s commitment to public health is rooted in her extensive experience in environmental health and toxicology. Her impressive background, which includes a post-doctorate from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This fuels her drive to address environmental concerns that directly impact community well-being. Throughout her work, Dr. Syed has championed initiatives focused on clean water, fluoride awareness, oral hygiene, and achieving holistic community health. She has always tried her level best to give back to communities as she feel indebted to her Fulbright degree.
Building Advocates for the Future
The ASG project, titled “Building a Generation of Advocates for Clean Water and Oral Hygiene,” aimed to cultivate a deep understanding of the critical link between clean water, fluoride levels, and oral health. The ASG program is exclusively for PUAN alumni. Her project targeted 110 direct beneficiaries, focusing on empowering 50 young women and 50 young men. Alumni Small Grant’s impact extended to an estimated 1010 indirect beneficiaries, creating a significant ripple effect of awareness throughout the community.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Education
The project employed a diverse range of activities to achieve its goals. Informative seminars laid the groundwork for knowledge dissemination, while expert dentist sessions provided practical guidance on maintaining good oral hygiene. Interactive quizzes kept the learning process engaging, and water quality training sessions equipped participants with the tools to assess the safety of their water sources. An art contest provided a creative outlet for participants to express their understanding of the project’s objectives, while expert speaker sessions broadened perspectives on environmental and oral health. The project culminated in a closing ceremony where certificates were distributed, celebrating the participants’ commitment and fostering a sense of accomplishment.
A Catalyst for Lasting Change
The project’s success lies in its ability to spark a lasting change in community behavior.
“The expert dentist sessions not only provided knowledge but also led to a shift in oral hygiene practices,” shared Dr. Syed. “Hands-on water quality training sessions were particularly impactful, as they piqued student interest and highlighted the connection between water pollution and overall health.”
The project resonated deeply with the participants. One anonymous beneficiary, a 14-year-old student from Islamabad, shared a powerful story: “During a water quality training session, I learned that fluoride exposure can potentially cause health issues. This prompted me to test the water at home, and I was surprised to discover that the fluoride levels exceeded the WHO’s safe limit. This experience highlighted the importance of water quality for everyone.
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