Harmony Trust marked a significant presence at the 3rd Community Oncology Conference on May 10, 2024, showcasing the progress and outcomes of its community-based project, “Embracing Early Detection and Holistic Measures Countering Breast Cancer.” Syeda Shahida Sultana Elora, Coordinator of Harmony’s Health Program, highlighted the initiative’s achievements since its launch in October 2023.

The initiative is a culmination of lessons from HARMONY’s two-year engagement with the Bangladesh Breast Cancer Awareness Forum. It champions early detection and holistic health in the battle against breast cancer among women in Bangladesh. The programme educates on the cruciality of early diagnosis, regular screenings, and the impact of late-stage cancer identification on the economy and society. It incorporates complementary holistic practices such as yoga and reflexology, while addressing societal stigmas and the need for community support.

Through collaborations with organizations like the Safety & Rights Society, Council Of Minorities, Friends In Village Development Bangladesh, and Action for Social Development, the campaign reaches out to marginalised communities in Dhaka and Moulavi Bazar. It targets Ready-Made Garments (RMG) and construction workers, the Urdu-speaking community, slum residents, tea garden labourers, development workers, and students. In urban setting, sessions are held with underserved communities of Dhaka, including of Adabor, Mohammadpur, Mirpur, Hazaribag, and Savar.