Kottapuram Integrated Development Society(KIDS) has initiated a new venture – ” Mobile Mammography Unit” as part of Caritas India’s Ashakiranam Cancer Care Programmes in Kerala. This was launched on the International Women’s’ Day Programme to ensure accessibility, availability, and affordability of early detection of breast cancer which was reported the highest number of cancer cases reported from the State.

It was also a painful fact that most of the cancer cases reported at the advance stage reported by renowned oncologists from leading hospitals in the city including Lisie, Aster Medicity, Lakeshore, Renai & Rajagiri. The whole initiatives to reach the unreached, generate awareness among the public on the significance of early detection and breaking through the culture of silence regarding cancer at the grassroots. 

The Mobile Mammography Unit is funded by Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI) and Italian Bishop’s Conference. His Grace Bishop Joseph Karikkasserry blessed the Mammography Unit and Shri Benny Bahnan M.P inaugurated the programme. Fr.Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India in his Keynote message applauds KIDS for owning the Ashakiranam programme, he also shared about the significance of early screening of breast cancer to prevent cancer among women.

His Grace Bishop Joseph Karikkasserry acknowledged Caritas India’s contribution and support to Kottapuram Diocese to the communities during the time of 2018 and 2019 flood and also the great timely launch of Ashakiranam Cancer Care programme which was also the great felt need of the communities in preventive, curative, restorative and rehabilitative support. Shri Benny Behnanan M.P has acknowledged C.I’s support in time and promised to pay one-day running cost of Rs.15000/- immediately and also discussed that he would like to link the same with some possible CSR initiatives soon.

Almost 3000 SHG women participated in the programme. The event also witnessed the Loans disbursed to SHG women by the Kerala State Backward class Cooperation, Govt.ID cards to artisans from SHGs, Exhibition of environment-friendly products prepared by differently-abled and SHG women and also Cultural events by various SHG Federation Units

The whole new initiative of “Health on Wheels” is a historical milestone for the Caritas India Ashakiranam Cancer Care Campaign.

Celebrations were also organised by Caritas India Anti-Human Trafficking programmes in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh with the theme, “Each for Equal”. The day was celebrated with women, men, children, and survivors of human trafficking. It was a day to honour to recognise the achievements of the women in the past and the present. Mrs. Padmini Brahma, a Social Activist encouraged and emphasized the topic of women and social entrepreneurship. She mentioned that women are strong enough to stand on their own feet contribute towards nation-building. Thousands of women from 110 villages participated in the celebration.

“Every woman is the architect of the society” expressed Fr. Paul with all the women members of Caritas India and wished a wonderful journey and life ahead. The National office made a special effort to celebrate this important day to respect and honor the women who are an indispensable part of the family. “Women need to be valued and feel safe, let us make the international women’s day, not for one day but every day of the year” shared Pooja Rana, Assistant Manager, Humanitarian Aid, and Disaster Risk Reduction while sharing her views on the international women’s day.