A discussion about the Lancet Commission on Women and Cancer - Dr Ophira Ginsburg and Dr Carinna Hockham

This episode features a discussion with Dr Ophira Ginsburg and Dr Carinna Hockham about the Lancet Commission on Women and Cancer, currently underway. The Commission is exploring the relationship between gender, power and cancer, and is taking an intentionally broad, intersectional feminist approach to its investigation. Despite the Commission’s title the work is inclusive of all genders insofar as to explore how one’s gender identity might contribute to a person’s marginalised identities, which can influence cancer risk and cancer outcomes. For more information on the Lancet Commission on Women and Cancer click here. Dr. Ophira Ginsburg is a medical oncologist and global women’s health researcher with nearly 20 years of experience in global cancer prevention and control. Formerly based at the University of Toronto, Canada, she was a Medical Officer at the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland has served as an ad hoc consultant to several UN agencies. Recently Dr Ophira commenced a new role at the USA National Cancer Institute’s Center for Global Health as Senior Scientific Officer, Senior Advisor for Clinical Research. We spoke to Dr Ophira following London Cancer Week, while she was a senior visiting scientist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Leon France, a specialized agency of the World Health Organization. Dr Carinna Hockham is a postdoctoral Research Associate in the Global Women’s Health Program at The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London

Perspectives, practices, and environmental footprints related to menstrual hygiene management in India

It is crucial that awareness and uptake of environment-friendly menstrual hygiene practices increase, but we must be aware of the challenges and misinformation that exist in this space. The most widely used menstrual products (disposable sanitary pads) are non-biodegradable so their disposal and waste management raise major

environmental concerns. And while awareness of different types of menstrual products and practices (including more environment-friendly approaches) is slowly increasing in India,

misconceptions remain around associated hygiene and related matters. To further explore this, The George Institute’s Global Women's Health Program conducted a pilot study on “Perspectives, practices, and environmental footprints related to menstrual hygiene among girls and women in India”. The research team used a qualitative and exploratory approach to familiarise themselves with prevalent menstrual hygiene practices and perspectives, and life cycle assessment to estimate carbon dioxide emissions and freshwater use associated with the sourcing, manufacture, use, and post-use treatment and disposal of menstrual hygiene products. You can hear findings from the study in The Scan podcasts focused on menstrual hygiene management. In the second episode with this focus, we discuss the stigma and challenges around sustainable menstrual health practices in India with experts Dr JK Lakshmi, Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute, Kamal Nayak, Founder of Good Universe, and Dr Arundati Muralidharan, a public health professional engaged in research and policy advocacy in menstrual health. The discussion also includes the perspectives of Archana Sali, an IT professional and Amrita Suresh, author of a book on menstrual cups.

Tackling the stigma: let's talk about menstrual health in India

Menstruation is a major taboo in India, with huge society-wide stigma around hygiene-related menstrual practices and needs . It is crucial to raise awareness around menstrual hygiene management to ensure the adoption of safe and sustainable menstrual practices. This must extend to sharing information on the range of sanitation products available and the respective impact these have on environment. In this episode of The Scan, we discuss the stigma and challenges around menstrual practices in India, hearing from from Dr JK Lakshmi, Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute, Kamal Nayak, Founder of Good Universe, and Dr Arundati Muralidharan, a public health professional engaged in research and policy advocacy in menstrual health. The discussion also includes the perspectives of Archana Sali, an IT professional and Amrita Suresh, author of a book on menstrual cups.

Primary health care a fundamental right of communities in India

Primary health care is a cornerstone of a vibrant health system. It caters to the health needs of communities especially the vulnerable. Canvassing the significant health challenges across society through care delivery that must, fundamentally, be good quality, accessible, equitable, and affordable in times of crisis and calm

In this episode of The Scan, we interview Drs Bob Mash and David Peiris, both experts in primary health care and founding members of the Primary Health Care Research Consortium (PHCRC). They reflect on their journey and the role research plays in addressing the challenges faced by primary health care, defining solutions that bolster community level care.

ASHAs the backbone of India's primary health care

Community health workers or ASHAs (accredited social health activists) are a key resource in India’s health care system as non-physician health workers, affording vital connection between consumers and the health care system. Drawn from within the community, their unique reach and familiarity with the local population is a great asset that can be leveraged to improve healthcare delivery.

In this episode of The Scan, we hear from Dr Rohina Joshi, Scientia Associate Professor of Global Health at UNSW's School of Population Health, and Senior Manager and Senior Research Fellow at The George Institute, she is an in-house expert on community health workers. She reflects on how ASHAs first came to play a role in India’s health systems as connectors with marginalised communities, and how they are now the backbone of primary health care in the country. Rohina also considers how COVID-19 has challenged the work of ASHAs, and describes the vulnerabilities they face. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living through crisis: the COVID-19 situation in India

Over recent weeks, India has become the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an over-burdened healthcare system, widely reported shortages of essential oxygen supplies, escalating case rates and lives lost. In this context, The George Institute for Global Health, India have released this special episode. Experts reflect on the huge challenges facing the country and its people, including of the shadow pandemic of domestic violence, and the mental health impacts of – and coping strategies for – living through crisis.

Fighting stigma in mental health in India

Stigma is a big barrier to seeking and providing mental health care in rural areas. In this podcast, our researchers talk about the various types of stigma that exists and how it inhibits people from seeking mental health care. The anti-stigma campaign implemented by The George Institute India in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh is described in great detail along with efforts now being made to scale it up. Those who are interviewed in the episode include Dr Pallab Maulik, Head, Research, TGI. Amanpreet, Senior Research Fellow. Mercian Daniel, Program Manager. Santosh, Head of Field operations at Ballabgarh, Haryana.

Tackling common mental disorder in rural areas in India

Common mental disorders are on the rise in rural areas of India. In this podcast George Institute researchers describe how mental health can be taken to rural areas by empowering community health workers to diagnose common mental disorders. The program known as SMARTmental health has yielded promising results in the pilot phase and it is now being scaled up in Haryana and in Andhra Pradesh. 

The Scan Trailer

Listen to our trailer for The Scan, a podcast from The George Institute for Global Health exploring the latest research, emerging evidence, and crucial progress towards improving health all over the world.