BY JOY OFASIA
Members of the Solomon Islands Women in Nius Network gathered over the weekend at Captain’s Point in Henderson for a special health and wellness session on cervical cancer awareness and prevention.
The training, led by the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), focused on helping women journalists better understand the importance of early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
SIPPA Communications Officer Jordy Toiraena said the session aimed to give participants life-saving knowledge about cervical cancer and the need for regular health checkups.
“The awareness is important so that women can prioritize their health, make informed decisions about preventative measures like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations and screening, and advocate for their wellbeing in the workplace,” Jordy said.
He added that knowing the risks and symptoms, and understanding the available prevention methods, allows women to take control of their health.
“The knowledge empowers women to detect the disease early, potentially saving their lives and improving treatment outcomes,” he said.
During the session, Solomon Islands Women in Nius Network (SIWINN) members learned about the HPV vaccine, regular cervical cancer screenings, and how these can prevent serious health issues. SIPPA also encouraged the women to take advantage of free health checkups that can help detect any possible health concerns early.
“SIPPA is here to support women’s health by offering simple checkups that can make a big difference,” Jordy said.
The health session was part of a larger meeting where SIWINN members also took time to plan for the future of the organization.
SIWINN, a nonprofit group, provides a platform for women working in the media to connect, support each other, and create a safe space to share ideas and information.
