Tag: Goa health initiatives

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Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter Women’s Group Raises Awareness at Lok Utsav Festival

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji, January 31, 2026:
The Women’s Group of the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter actively took part in the Lok Utsav festival held on January 27, 2026, using the platform to raise awareness about hemophilia — a genetic bleeding disorder that affects the body’s ability to clot blood and requires lifelong management.


Members of the group distributed educational pamphlets and engaged with festival-goers through one-on-one interactions, sharing information on the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options available for hemophilia. Volunteers also spoke about the social and medical challenges faced by individuals and families living with bleeding disorders.

Speaking at the event, Sabina DaCunha, Women’s Wing President of the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter, highlighted the critical role of awareness and early diagnosis. She noted that while hemophilia predominantly affects men, women are carriers of the gene and may themselves experience symptoms such as heavy or prolonged bleeding and irregular menstrual cycles. She stressed the importance of testing for bleeding disorders to prevent long-term complications and permanent disability caused by delayed detection.

The Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter is affiliated with the Hemophilia Federation (India), a national patient organisation supporting over 30,000 individuals across the country. Through advocacy, education and community outreach, the organisation works to improve access to care while reducing stigma associated with bleeding disorders.

Advisor to the Hemophilia Society Panaji Chapter, Prakash Kamat, also addressed visitors during the event. Avelino de Sa, Founder and President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa, and Festakar Marius Fernandes, were present and extended their support to the awareness initiative.

The participation at Lok Utsav forms part of the chapter’s ongoing community health efforts aimed at empowering families with information, encouraging early diagnosis and fostering a more inclusive environment for people living with hemophilia.

EduConnect

Goa Launches Statewide “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” at Morpirla Village Panchayat Hall

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Goa | 16th June 2025 — In a significant move to promote child health, sanitation, and public awareness, the Directorate of Health Services Goa, in collaboration with the State Family Welfare Bureau (SFWB) and Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli, officially launched the “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” at the Village Panchayat Hall, Morpirla.

The launch event marked the beginning of a sustained, community-driven public health initiative aimed at preventing diarrhoeal diseases through education, hygiene promotion, and nutritional awareness, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

Dignitaries Lead the Campaign with a Unified Message

The event was graced by key healthcare professionals and community leaders. The dignified launch was led by:

  • Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi, Medical Officer, SFWB, Directorate of Health Services, Panaji
  • Dr. Benedicta Dias, Health Officer, Ayushman Arogya Mandir – PHC Balli
  • Dr. Meenal
  • Maria Murena Miranda, Headmistress, local school
  • Along with dedicated members of the local Health Team

Together, they underscored the urgent need to combat diarrhoeal illnesses, which continue to be a leading cause of preventable deaths among children under five in India.

Educational Talk on Hygiene, Nutrition & Breastfeeding

Dr. Prashant Suryawanshi delivered an impactful awareness session focused on:

  • Importance of handwashing, especially before meals and after using toilets
  • Consuming safe and clean drinking water
  • Sanitation and proper waste disposal as critical preventive measures
  • Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months as a key strategy to improve infant immunity and reduce infections

The talk encouraged active participation from both students and parents, emphasizing that prevention begins at home.

Creative Competitions to Engage and Educate

To involve the community creatively, the event featured:

  • 🎨 Poster and Rangoli Competitions on the theme “Stop Diarrhoea”, showcasing vibrant student talent
  • 🍽️ Nutritional Food Exhibition by parents, who prepared and displayed wholesome dishes that promoted healthy eating habits

These activities made health education interactive and accessible, especially for young minds. Winners across categories were recognized and awarded, encouraging broader community involvement.

Impact and Way Forward

The event succeeded in sensitizing the community—especially school children and parents—on critical health practices. It helped cultivate a shared understanding of how hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition collectively play a pivotal role in diarrhoea prevention.

The campaign’s launch set a strong precedent for similar awareness drives across Goa, supporting the broader goals of Ayushman Bharat and National Health Mission (NHM) in reducing child morbidity and improving public health outcomes.

“Awareness is the first step towards prevention. This campaign will go a long way in ensuring that every child in Goa has access to a healthy, hygienic start to life,” said Dr. Benedicta Dias.

The “Stop Diarrhoea Campaign” continues to be a shining example of how grassroots engagement, community participation, and healthcare leadership can come together to drive meaningful change.