AUA BSN and HENAR Collaborate to Advance Diabetes and Hypertension Self-Management in Rural Armenia

YEREVAN, Armenia — The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the American University of Armenia (AUA) is pleased to highlight its recent collaboration with HENAR Foundation, aimed at improving healthcare delivery in remote regions of Armenia.

As a leading force in bringing essential services to underserved communities, HENAR continues to address critical gaps in healthcare access nationwide. Through this partnership, nursing students from the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (TCHS), will be engaged in the training and capacity building of Community Health Workers (CHWs), contributing to strengthening care for some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.

As part of their preparation, students participated in a three-day workshop on diabetes and hypertension self-management created and led by Shehnaaz Mohamed, lecturer at the AUA TCHS, and co-facilitated with Araz Bouronsouzian (MPH ’26) of HENAR and TCHS lecturer Vicky Herkelian.

The program covered key topics such as disease causes, types of diabetes, and both pharmacological and lifestyle-based management approaches. Students were also introduced to motivational interviewing techniques and behavior change models used in chronic disease prevention and care, alongside the socioecological model, to better understand the broader influences on health behaviors.

Designed to be highly interactive, the workshop featured simulations, group discussions, a role play, and hands-on development of educational materials.

Participants reported a rewarding experience, with evaluations reflecting increased knowledge, heightened awareness, and a deeper appreciation for a holistic approach to chronic disease management.

The students will apply what they learned by continuing their engagement with HENAR’s CHW initiative through structured community health activities, including health education, training support, and future capacity-building efforts for CHWs across the Syunik region of Armenia.

The AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences works actively to improve population health and health services in Armenia and the region through interdisciplinary education and development of health professionals to be leaders in public health, nursing, health services research and evaluation, and health care delivery and management.