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On Mother’s Day, Nepalese peacekeepers organize health awareness session for local women

On the occasion of the Mother’s Day observed in Lebanon (21 March), UNIFIL Nepalese peacekeepers organized a health awareness campaign this week, benefiting women from host communities in south-eastern Lebanon.

On 23 March, 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.

Nepalese 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.

Meanwhile, marking the 43rd UNIFIL Establishment Day on 19 March, each of the 222 Nepalese peacekeepers born in the month of March planted as many tree saplings in and around all five NEPBATT positions spread across 96 square kilometres area. The “Born Free, Plant a Tree” campaign saw the plantation of various species like cedar, olive, guava, apple, fig and pine.

(UN Photos / Warrant Officer Ramesh Karki)