BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Over 250 women and girls in the city availed of free health services during the inter-agency health caravan to culminate the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) held at the St. Vincent Ferrer Gym on December 12, 2023 here.
The health caravan with the theme,” United for a VAW-Free Cordillera”, provided dental services, nutritional assessment, psychosocial support, psychological counseling, family planning and contraceptive insertion, HIV screening, cervical screening, legal assistance, therapeutic services, and PhilHealth services
Aside from the health services, recipients were also given assorted vegetables and multi-vitamins.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa amin lalong-lalo na sa kagaya kong isang teenage mom, ” said Jaycee Khryss Pinos-an who availed of the dental services and cervical screening.
The well-being of women is crucial to creating a healthy and equitable society. When women are empowered to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, they are better able to contribute to their families, communities, and economies, and to reach their full potential.
DOH-CHD-CAR Women and Children Protection Program Coordinator Glenda Dacanay said that in terms of health, violence against women is a public health issue that has significant physical, mental and social consequences. Women who experience violence are at increased risk of chronic health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. They may also have physical injuries that require medical attention such as bruises, cuts, broken bones, and even sexually transmitted infections.
This initiative headed by the Department of Health Cordillera was supported by partner agencies that include the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Population and Development, Philippine National Police, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Dept. of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Philippine Information Agency, and the city government of Baguio. (MAWC/PIA-CAR)
