The FOGSI Run for Gender Equality is specifically organised to spread awareness on Anemia and Rh negative pregnancies among women across the country
Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV) along with Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI) organised the FOGSI Run for Gender Equality (the Run) at Airoli, Navi Mumbai. Part of a 28 city run, the Run for Gender Equality aimed at connecting the country by spreading awareness for specific medical conditions such as anemia and Rh incompatibility during pregnancies. The Run witnessed participation from citizens of Navi Mumbai who came together to demonstrate solidarity for the need for gender equality and the need to build a healthy India with a population of healthy women and healthy pregnancies.
Speaking at the Run, Sanjiv Navangul, MD & CEO, BSV said, “ We are delighted to partner with FOGSI in this run for Gender Equality. As India’s leading women’s healthcare company, BSV aims to save and improve lives of women in India and across the world, with our innovative products and with our campaigns and partnerships that help spread awareness of reproductive health conditions and their management.
Anemia is the underlying cause or contributing factor for 20-40 per cent of maternal deaths in India. Data shows that 45.7 per cent of pregnant women in urban areas and 52.1 per cent in rural areas having hemoglobin levels <11 g/dl1. Another specific challenge that exists in our country today is the significant number of Rh-negative pregnant mothers who are at risk while delivering Rh positive babies. India accounts for close to 13.5 lakh Rh negative pregnant mothers (estimated figures) who are at risk while delivering Rh positive babies. This Run is one significant step towards spreading awareness and taking us closer to our vision of achieving a population of healthy women and a healthy Nation.”
Dr Hrishikesh Pai, President FOGSI and & Trustee FIGO Asia Oceania (International Federation of Gynecology) said, “The Run aims at empowering women by creating awareness and imparting women with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society. It also demonstrates support for women empowerment and the ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Bachoa’ program for educating and creating awareness among young girls in the society, This Run is part of our multi-city Run that showcases our endeavor to bolster meaningful partnerships with companies such as BSV that lead the conversations on women’s reproductive health challenges. There is a need to educate and make women aware of the conditions such as anemia and Rh incompatibility that can affect their pregnancies. While science and innovative treatments available today can help treat/manage these conditions, it is important for pregnant mothers to take care of their health with proper diets and physical activity. This Run also echoes our support in building an Anemia Mukt Bharat where healthy mothers, healthy babies and healthy pregnancies can become a reality.”