by Father Vivian deSouza for BISMumbai

The Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS) Chinchwad, organized an awareness session on the occasion of women’s day. The session was on ‘Novel Coronavirus and Precautions’ and “Cancer” for the SHG women residing in the slums of Ajanta Nagar in Chinchwad, Pune. 35 women participated in this awareness session which was held under the aegis of ‘COVID-19 Pandemic Emergency Relief Work’ supported by AXA business services.

Dr. Pratima Kale (B.A.M.S) & Smt. Akshada Naik (DBDS Coordinator) were the resource persons. In her session, Naik covered basic information on ‘Corona virus’ such as:

1. Difference between COVID-19, common cold, FLU, Allergies.

2. SARS and COVID-19 and how it spreads.

3. City, State and National situation

4. Clinical features like incubation period, recovery time, signs and symptoms.

5. IgM/IgG test

6. Preventive measures

7. Government guidelines & ‘Arogya Setu App’.

After this, Dr. Kale spoke about ‘Breast Cancer’. Sge dealt with:

1. Causes, risk, Prevention

2. Breast cancer early Detection and diagnosis

3. Understanding Breast cancer diagnosis

4. Treating Breast cancer

5. Breast reconstruction surgery

6. Breast cancer Examination at home

The sessions were interactive and the women from the slums benefited much. Smt. Vibhawari Kamble (Staff- DBDS) did the logistical arrangements. After the session Dettol soap and face masks were distributed to all.