In a significant initiative to advance public health education, Villa College’s Faculty of Health Sciences recently hosted a vital Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Session in collaboration with the esteemed Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). Held at our Ocean View Hall, the event brought together students, staff, and healthcare professionals for a crucial dialogue on women's health, embodying our commitment to education that extends beyond the classroom and into the well-being of our community.
The session's theme, 'Silent Symptoms – Profound Impact', underscored the critical message that awareness and proactive health management are the most powerful tools in combating diseases that often develop without obvious signs. The core objective was to educate young women on a range of female genital cancers, including cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers. The discussion moved beyond simple awareness, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the entire health continuum, from actionable prevention strategies and the importance of early detection to the necessity of regular medical check-ups as a fundamental practice of personal wellness.
The value of this session was greatly enhanced by our partnership with IGMH, whose specialists brought a wealth of clinical experience and knowledge to the forefront. The session was expertly guided by a distinguished panel of facilitators from the hospital, which included Dr Fathimath Shaaheen Waheed, Dr Nauma Habeeb, Dr Fathimath Shara Shareef, and Dr Aishath Zeen Shareef. Their insights provided a clear, authoritative, and accessible pathway for attendees to understand complex medical information, empowering them to take control of their health narrative and make informed decisions.
This initiative is a direct reflection of Villa College's dedication to broader societal goals, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By organising this programme, we actively contribute to Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Quality Education (SDG 4), while our collaboration with IGMH is a prime example of building effective Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). It demonstrates that academic institutions have a profound role to play in public health advocacy by creating platforms for expert knowledge to reach the community directly.
The engaged audience and thoughtful discourse throughout the evening were a testament to the community's demand for credible health information. As an institution, Villa College is proud to have facilitated such an important conversation. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital for their invaluable contribution and look forward to continuing our work in fostering a more informed, healthier, and empowered community through future collaborative efforts.
