The version I sent a few minutes ago had an erroneous URL. Please refer to this version. Thanks, NPW
Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/cervical-cancer-1-introduction-iya-bane...
Dear Diya,
Thank you again for your early message on 11 October, representing the first message in our discussion. I enjoyed watching the YouTube videos you shared.
You mentioned, "Being a cancer survivor, the first realization was to extend healthcare privileges to women in remote villages of Sundarbans." Your work is inspiring and I look forward to learning more.
I was interested to see the videos you kindly provided. They gave a picture of dedicated volunteers working with you and village women enthusiastic to care for their health and prevent disease.
You note that you have reached 20,000+ families, 'empowering local women to conduct awareness and train ASHA/local health workers to create cancer awareness and monitor them as part of the Non-Communicable Disease program with local health system support. It's the first of its kind in India!'
I hope that others can learn from your experience. Perhaps other places in Kolkata, or you could share internationally through a publication?
Do other HIFA members in other countries have comparable experience? Please email: hifa@hifaforums.org
"In the villages where I work, awareness sessions have spread like wildfire, and women are coming in large numbers for screening and treatment."
It is very encouraging that there is such good uptake for screening.
You mention that 'about 90% are unaware of cervical cancer [and] cancer is generally perceived in village populations as a death threat while many feel that if they don't have any symptoms, then they are safe'.
Nevertheless you have been successful in encouraging many women to come forward for screening. On the other hand perhaps there are some women who are reluctant to come forward. Have you had conversations with them and what did you learn? Roughly what percentage of women are reluctant and how are you able to reassure them?
Best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org