Greenstar Social Marketing (GSM) – an independent network member of ‘Population Services International’, recently organized an informative Focus Group Meeting on Breast Cancer, Post Abortion Care & Family Planning at the Arena Recreational Complex in Karachi. The session provided a safe space for the audience, especially females to learn about causes, symptoms and prevention measures regarding these health challenges.
The panel of experts from Greenstar and public-health authorities, was headed by Dr. Rufina Soomro, an accomplished Breast Surgeon, who discussed the commonality, dangers and prevention of Breast Cancer. Greenstar continues to create public-awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment.
Deliberations were also held, to resolve the issues pertaining to low Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR), since Pakistan has a low CPR and the fertility rate is declining due to induced abortions, being used to manage unwanted pregnancies. Complications of miscarriages/abortion account for 10-12% of maternal deaths. Around 9,700 women die each year in Pakistan due to abortions in unsafe settings. The event highlighted a variety of efforts being made to expand access to high-quality post-abortion care (PAC) services.
The CEO of GSM – Dr. Syed Azizur Rab said “Greenstar’s long term mission is to reduce the mortality rate of Breast-Cancer, through early detection and more awareness. An estimated 890,000 induced abortions occur annually in Pakistan, while 1 out of 6 pregnancies is terminated mostly in an unsafe manner. For the first time in the history of our country, crucial Maternal and Child-Health was an agenda in Prime Minister’s opening speech to the nation. This has encouraged Greenstar Social Marketing to accelerate the Family Planning (FP2020) efforts, to avert unsafe abortions and ensure regular follow-up, advocacy and coordination at the Provincial and Federal level.”
Professor Rufina Soomro, stated that; “It is a pleasure to see Greenstar come forward and host this session on sensitive health issues. It is not easy for women to discuss health issues and deadly diseases, such as Breast Cancer openly. This program empowers women to share their concerns and take better care of themselves. The wellbeing of our country is directly linked to the health of our female population. We must continue our efforts to impart accurate knowledge and valuable advice to the feminine community. ”