Empowering ASHA Workers: A United Front Against Cancer
A new initiative by the National Association for Reproductive and Child Health of India, in collaboration with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, is training ASHA workers to detect cervical and breast cancer early. This program aims to boost cancer survival rates by catching the disease in its earliest stages.
- Country:
- India
The National Association for Reproductive and Child Health of India, alongside Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, has launched a significant initiative to enhance the skills of Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers in detecting cervical and breast cancer at their earliest stages.
As part of an annual conference, ASHA workers in Delhi received vital training from August 8-10 to recognize symptoms, follow referral protocols, and communicate effectively to dispel cancer-related stigma and fear. The training, described by Dr. Mala Srivastava, president of the association, as hands-on and interactive, introduced ASHAs to both paper-based and mobile-friendly tracking tools.
Dr. Chandra Mansukhani, Vice President of the Association's Delhi Chapter, highlighted the grassroots impact, emphasizing the potential reach to over one million individuals in the first year alone. Dr. Geeta Mendiratta pointed out the transformative partnership between hospitals and grassroots workers, aiming for Stage 1 detection to be the standard.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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