A Social Leader Advocating for RH Camp in Remote Settings

Taiyab Miya Mukeri, a respected community leader and former ward chairperson from Malangwa Municipality-6, passionately advocates for social and health issues within his Muslim community. He expressed his gratitude for the recent Reproductive Health (RH) camp organized by BWSN in partnership with the municipality, emphasizing the importance of targeting ultra-poor and marginalized communities. Mukeri stressed the need for more frequent and sustained camps, noting that a single two-day event is insufficient to reach everyone. He highlighted the common issue of women in these communities prioritizing household duties over their own health, arguing that regular camps, combined with health awareness campaigns, could significantly improve health-seeking behaviors.

Mukeri also pointed out the unique challenges women face, particularly their hesitation to discuss health issues, even with family members. He suggested a comprehensive approach, including pre-camp activities like health education sessions, public meetings, and youth engagement to overcome this barrier and create a healthier community.

He praised the RH camp for bringing specialist doctors directly to the community, free of charge. He explained that such comprehensive, fully funded camps were previously unavailable, making it extremely difficult for the ultra-poor to access comprehesive reproductive health services like pelvic organ prolapse, cervical cancer, breast cancer, fistula, family planning, gender based violence. This initiative, he said, brought much-needed care directly to their doorsteps, removing the financial burden of seeking specialized treatment.

"There is a huge need for multiple follow-up camps, incorporating ongoing awareness programs," Mukeri concluded. "Capacity-building initiatives for local health workers and strengthening services at the peripheral health faclities are also crucial . This will ensure the continuous provision of RH services and create a sustained positive impact on the health of community women."