LEBANON: United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Nepali peacekeepers organized a health awareness campaign benefiting women from host communities in south-eastern Lebanon, on Lebanon’s Mother Day.
A medical team led by Dr. Sandhya Khwaju organized a health awareness session for 23 women in the village of Houla. The activity was organized virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The issues covered during the session – conducted in coordination with the Houla Municipality – were breast cancer, menstrual hygiene, and other female health-related issues.
Dr. Khwaju spoke at length on the prevention and early detection of breast cancer, besides imparting knowledge on the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Nepali Battalion (NEPBATT) Commander Lt. Col. Rajib Thapa distributed COVID-19 preventive and first aid kits as well as sanitary pads and medicines to all the participants.
The event was organized as part of UNIFIL’s broader FAST (Female Assessment/Analysis and Support Team) initiative launched in November 2015. At UNIFIL, the establishment of FAST ensured that each community interaction was conducted with the participation of female members. Since then, there has been an increase in community activities involving women and children.
Dr. Khwaju is also a member of FAST.
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