by Michelle Pereira for BIS Mumbai

On October 16, 2024, The Stellar Don Bosco Academy (DBA) organized a Women’s Health Awareness Session in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Smart City, Vashi. The session, designed to raise awareness about critical health issues affecting women, was attended by 110 women from migrant communities around Navi Mumbai and Mumbai. 

The ideating team consisted of Fr Barnabe D’souza, Director DBA, Fr Sekhar Mariadas, Administrator of DBA, Mr Mathew George, Coordinator of Don Bosco Development Services (DBDS), and Ms Wenonah Castellino, Advisor to DBA and a member of Rotary Club of Smart City, initiated this session for the ladies. The session featured Rotarian doctors from Rotary Club of Smart City, with Dr Ashwini Suhas as the lead speaker, joined by Dr Nazia and Dr Santoshi.

Mr George began the session by welcoming the attendees and handing over to Ms Wenonah, who highlighted the crucial role women play in maintaining their families' overall health. She introduced the speakers and outlined the session's goals, emphasizing the importance of empowering women with health knowledge.

The main focus of the event was cervical cancer, a topic presented in detail by Dr Suhas. She explained the anatomy of a woman’s body, different types of cancer, and the role of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the development of cervical cancer. Dr Suhas stressed the importance of early detection, explaining how HPV spreads, the risks it poses, symptoms to watch for, and the benefits of timely testing. Most importantly, she advocated for the preventive power of the HPV vaccine, which offers protection against cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers in women.

Key takeaways from the session included a deep understanding of cancer prevention strategies and the crucial role of the HPV vaccine. Dr Suhas shared that the vaccine prevents 70-90% of cervical cancer cases and reduces the risk of other HPV-related cancers, while also offering protection against genital warts and boosting the immune system.

The session concluded with a call to action, urging the audience to spread awareness about HPV vaccination, encourage parents to vaccinate their daughters, and prioritize women's health. The session received positive feedback, and field staff are set to gather more responses from attendees in the coming days.

Don Bosco Academy consistently organizes events aimed at raising awareness and keeping women informed with essential health insights. For women from marginalized communities, who often lack access to private healthcare and counselling, these programs provide crucial information about cancer risks and prevention, empowering them to take proactive steps toward their health.