Achievement

In July 2018, a team including President and Medical officer of Pariyaram Grama panchayath visited Malabar Cancer Centre for guidance on implementing a cancer control project in their Panchayath. 

MCC Director suggested planning a project which addresses the risk factors of cancer through community participation. Apart from the cancer specific risk factors, specific focus was given to address all NCD risk factors. The aim should be to eleviate fear and emphasise on prevention
Sensitization workshop at MCC (July 2018): a multi stakeholder workshop to discuss the modus operandi of the project conducted at MCC. 

Participants included all elected representatives of the panchayath, all staff of the Primary health centre in the panchayath including the staff from Homeo and Ayurveda PHCs and representatives of various social organizations in the panchayath. 
 
Committee formation (August 2018): Committees were formed at panchayath level and ward level under the chairmanship of ward member for the coordination of the project.. Members include ward sanitation committee members, ASHA and ADS chairperson and other community leaders and office bearers of various clubs and organizations.
 
Ward level meetings (September- October 2018): After the formation of Ward level committees, program sensitization meetings were conducted in each ward. 

Ward level awareness programs(September- October 2018):  Ward level awareness programs were conducted as part of ward level meetings and these classes were focused on the following themes: Myths and facts on Cancer
 
Capacity building training program (28th October):  capacity building training program in cancer control was conducted for ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and PHC staff. MCC faculty conducted the training program in the panchayath.
 
Observation of national cancer day (November 7th): As part of observing the national cancer day, a group run event was organized. The event was flagged off by MCC director. 
 
Pledge against cancer (November 7): On the eve of national cancer day, students from various schools in the Pariyaram Grama panchayath took a pledge against habits and lifestyle patterns that promote cancer. 

World hypertension day (17th May 2019): as part of awareness generation against lifestyle diseases, panchayath observed world hypertension day. As part of observation, elected representatives checked their blood pressure and encouraged general public to check their blood pressure. 

Initiatives for promoting organic farming (August 2018- ongoing ): Panchayath promoted organic farming by distributing seedlings; encouraging utilization of agriculture land for the cultivation of vegetables, Panchayath also provided facility for exhibiting and selling of organic farm products at ward level and panchayath level. 

Initiatives for promoting plastic waste recycling (August 2018- ongoing): A building was constructed to facilitate plastic waste collection program. Programs are planned in partnership with “clean Kerala Mission”.  Panchayath has already formed a “Haritha Sena” to facilitate plastic waste collection for recycling.
 
Initiatives for discouraging plastic use (August 2018- ongoing): Panchayath adopted green protocol for conducting various programs and functions in the panchayath. Panchayath implemented a policy for strict enforcement of all laws concerning the use, sell and disposal of plastics. 
Mass campaign against Addiction with support of Excise Department: In association with the Excise department “VIMUKTHI campaign”, awareness programs against the use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs were conducted in various schools in the panchayath. 
 
Green Initiative: Panchayath has planted 15000 seedlings of fruit bearing trees per year with the help of National rural employment guarantee scheme workers. These workers are taking care of those seedlings. So far, panchayath has planted 45000 seedlings. Biodiversity parks were established in 13 government schools. 200 houses were elected under “Haritha Bhavanam “Initiative. They are provided with seedlings of various trees and plants. As part of “ente Maram” program , school children were given seedlings of various fruit bearing crops and medicinal plants. 

Baseline Survey evaluation meeting: A baseline survey was conducted in the panchayath in which cancer awareness level of a person from every house in the panchayath was collected. The evaluation of the survey findings pointed out lack of awareness related to certain areas related to cancer. These include the relationship between lack of physical activity and cancer, obesity and cancer, unhealthy food habits and cancer. 

Based on the survey findings, the following activities were suggested.

Phase 1

• Ward level awareness classes on Good Food : What, How and when to eat & Healthy cooking
• Safe food Campaign : Easy method to identify adulteration – (with support of Food safety Department)
• Sampoorna Yoga Gramam: scaling up of Existing Yoga Training under  Plan project
• Fit and Hit: Gymnasium in Associations with Clubs for young generation as part of initiating healthy life styles
• Walkers Club
• Kayika Kaumaram- Physical Training To children- Scaling up of existing Martial arts  training to school Children
• Facilities for sports and games

Phase 2

Setting up of Early cancer detection clinic at PHC 
 
”Nalla Bhakshna Sadass” at wards : Panchayath organised a innovative program called “Nalla Bhakshana Sadass”. This program has two components: an awareness class on good cooking practices and a cooking competition. The winners from the ward level competition will be invited to participate in the Panchayath level mega competition.  Doctors from PHC and AYUSH delivered the message on safe cooking and safe eating practices. Food fest and the competition at the ward level were aimed at promoting healthy local traditional food. The average participation at ward level was 170.the program was well received by the general public. Program was held in all 18 wards. 
  
“Nalla Bhakshana Sadass” at Schools: Various schools in the panchayath also participated in the program. 

Panchayath Level Mega food fest (October 6, 2019): the panchayath level mega food fest was inaugurated by Kadannappally Ramachandran, Honourable Minister, Department of ports.It was also attended by district panchayath president and MCC director.  Participants from 18 wards and 5 government departments took part in the Mega food fest competition. 680 food items were displayed. A team of expert chef, senior dietician and a professional cook evaluated the food preparations. Seminar papers were presented as part of the program by faculty from MCC, Medical College and Food Safety department.
 
Thus a team approach under an able leadership is the success behind this story. Community participation with the help of members of LSG, health workers, with technical support from MCC team definitely helped in motivating people into a mass community awareness against cancer.