FMIC

Lifestyle choices such as smoking, late marriages and the decision not to breastfeed are among some of the factors that increase the risk of breast cancer in women. The Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan estimates that 150,000 Afghan women are currently battling the disease.

As part of health activities of Community Engagement Project, a Health Awareness Session on the use of ultrasound and mammography in early detection of breast cancer was conducted for female teachers of Jamal Mina School. The school is located in the neighbouring community adjacent to FMIC. The session was conducted by Dr Sahar Maroof and Ms Aqila Kazimy from the FMIC Radiology department and was attended by around 65 school teachers.

The instructor described self-breast examination in detail and also explained in local languages. Discussion over topic received considerable attention of the attendees. The session was interesting and new for the participants and they got information about the topic.

The school management appreciated the programme and suggested that such sessions on different health topics should continue for teachers and students in future. They were of the view that good health is very important for an educational environment. The school teachers suggested that when the school reopens more sessions on different health topics should be arranged for the students along with some posters on promoting healthy lifestyles, for example, how to maintain sanitation and hygiene and safe drinking water.

The awareness sessions provide awareness on a diversity of workplace safety and health topics, support and information on worker protection and injury and illness prevention. They also provide an opportunity for community health promoters to take part in activities and trainings that help develop and enrich their knowledge and skills in promoting occupational safety and health in their communities.​