MWAP at the MWIA Central Asia Regional Congress, Thailand 2024
From August 22-24, 2024, the Medical Women’s Association of Pakistan (MWAP) actively participated in the MWIA Central Asia Congress in Thailand. Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, Prof. Shamsa Hamayun, Prof. Mahwish Arooj and Prof. Lubna Ansari represented MWAP and Pakistan at CARC. (Image1)
Dr. Wajiha Rizwan, President of MWAP, delivered a powerful keynote address titled “Breaking the Silence: Safeguarding Females from Child Abuse and Neglect.” In her speech, she emphasized the urgent need to protect vulnerable children and presented compelling data from the Child Protection Unit of the Children’s Hospital Lahore, where she serves as Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Organizing Secretary. Her address highlighted the challenges and gaps in child protection and underscored the importance of early intervention.
Prof. Shamsa Hamayun, Senior Vice President of MWAP, Academic Advisor at DME CPSP, and former Vice Chancellor of FJMU Lahore, delivered two insightful talks on “Teenage Pregnancy” and “Navigating Crises with Grace.” She shed light on the pressing issues faced by adolescent girls and highlighted strategies for overcoming these challenges with dignity and strength. Her talks paid tribute to the leadership of Pakistani women in the medical profession, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.
Prof. Mahwish Arooj, Principal of UMDC and a founding member of MWAP, inspired the audience with her talk titled “Every Day We Have an Opportunity to Make an Influence.” She shared her personal journey, emphasizing how dedication and determination can shape the lives of others and create lasting change in the medical field. Her life story served as a beacon of resilience and commitment to improving healthcare and education.
Prof. Lubna Ansari, a member of the MWAP Advisory Board and Director of the PhD program at the University College of Medicine and Dentistry, addressed the critical topic of “Unveiling Gender Disparities for Women in the Asian Medical Landscape.” Her presentation revealed the deep-rooted gender inequalities that persist in healthcare across Asia, calling for urgent reforms and greater opportunities for female healthcare professionals.
MWAP expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, whose unwavering support has played a pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan’s presence within MWIA. Her dedication to empowering women globally has not only inspired MWAP but also uplifted women leaders in the medical community. Dr. Eleanor’s mentorship and encouragement continue to pave the way for MWAP’s achievements on international platforms. (Image 2)
Special thanks were also extended to the Thai Medical Women’s Association (TMWA) and Central Asia Vice President Dr. Darunee for their exceptional hospitality during the congress. MWAP looks forward to working closely with the Association of Medical Women in India (AMWI) and the Thai Medical Women’s Association to foster collaborative efforts aimed at advancing healthcare and bridging gender gaps in the Central Asia region.
Fig 1. MWAP delegates at CARC, 2024
Fig 2. MWAP, TMWA and AMWI representatives with Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi, President, MWIA
MWAP would also like to express gratitude to the Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand, Her Excellency Miss. Rukhsana Afzaal, for joining as Guest of Honour at the Central Asia Regional Congress (CARC) of MWIA. Her presence highlighted the importance of government support in strengthening the role of medical health professionals. Her assurance of Pakistan’s backing in promoting healthcare initiatives and empowering female medical professionals was a significant endorsement, further reinforcing MWAP’s mission on this international platform. (Image 3)
Fig 3. MWAP along with Ambassador of Pakistan to Thailand, Her Excellency Miss. Rukhsana Afzaal
Medical and Dental Camp by Women Medical and Dental College at Barra Hotar
On August 31, 2024, a medical and dental camp was organized by Women Medical and Dental College in collaboration with MWAP and the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) at a middle school in Barra Hotar near Harnoi under leadership of Prof. Salma Kundi (Director KPK, MWAP). From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, around 30 faculty members, including consultants from various disciplines such as medicine, surgery, gynecology, dermatology, eye, ENT, psychiatry, and community medicine (for data collection), provided medical care to approximately 1,500 patients.
Symposium on Mental Health and Women Empowerment
On September 4, 2024, a symposium was held at Women Medical College (WMC) Auditorium, organized by WMC and the Women Institute of Learning and Rehabilitation Sciences (WILRS), in collaboration with the MWAP. The morning session, attended by 1st- and 2nd-year MBBS and DPT/Psychology students, featured impactful presentations on mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicide prevention, and the use of illicit drugs. Speakers included Miss Zainab, Miss Sadiqa, and renowned psychiatrists Dr. Muhammad Sadique and Dr. Ehsan Naveed. The afternoon session, aimed at senior students, focused on women empowerment, leadership, and career counseling, with insightful talks delivered by Dr. Ireej, Dr. Ayesha, Dr. Sammara, Dr. Fatima, and Miss Ayesha Anam. This session was significant in fostering awareness about mental health challenges and empowering future medical professionals with leadership skills and career guidance. The event concluded with the Principal of WMC and Director of MWAP (KPK), Prof. Dr. Salma Aslam Kundi, and Managing Director Dr. Azhar Khan Jadoon distributing shields and certificates to the esteemed speakers.
Webinars:
Director of Continuing Professional Development, Prof. Saima Batool, along with Prof. Salma Kundi, has been hosting regular webinars to promote academic excellence and research. These initiatives include collaborations with the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) for weekly webinars, enhancing knowledge sharing and fostering a culture of continuous learning among healthcare professionals.
Special Edition Announcement of JUMDC: “Bridging the Gender Gap in Health; Challenges and Solutions”
The University of Lahore’s Journal of University College of Medicine & Dentistry (JUMDC), under the leadership of Prof. Mahwish Arooj, Principal of UMDC, has announced a special edition in collaboration with the MWAP. Dr. Eleanor Nwadinobi (President, MWIA) and Dr. Wajiha Rizwan (President, MWAP) have taken on the role of Guest Editors. The special edition, titled “Bridging the Gender Gap in Health: Challenges and Solutions,” will be published free of charge. This edition aims to address critical challenges and propose actionable solutions to close the gender gap in healthcare, offering a platform for research and insights into gender-based health disparities. MWAP invited submissions by October 10, 2024, and the edition will be available by the end of the year through https://journals.uol.edu.pk/jucmd/special-issue.
Dr. Wajiha Rizwan
President, MWAP