HAF Sehat Ki Suraksha – A Movement for Women’s Heart and Hygiene Awareness (WIC Initiative)
Hosted at Kridey Public School in New Delhi, the inaugural event brought together an inspiring coalition of partners including Arogya Seva Foundation, Ayra Foundation, Be Me – Unapologetically Me Foundation, and the Public Health Professionals Coalition for Global Impact, alongside passionate volunteers, doctors, public health experts, under the leadership of our Founder MD, Dr. Amanpreet Singh Wasir and thoughtful advisory guidance of Dr. Aditi Agarwal.
HAF Sehat Ki Suraksha – A Movement for Women’s Heart and Hygiene Awareness – is a pioneering initiative launched as part of the first-ever Women in Cardiology campaign in India by the HridayAmrit Foundation. This transformative movement was created to address two of the most underrepresented yet vital aspects of women’s health: cardiovascular well-being and menstrual hygiene. Hosted at Kridey Public School in New Delhi, the inaugural event brought together an inspiring coalition of partners including Arogya Seva Foundation, Ayra Foundation, Be Me – Unapologetically Me Foundation, and the Public Health Professionals Coalition for Global Impact, alongside passionate volunteers, doctors, public health experts, and student ambassadors.
At the heart of the movement is the aim to empower young girls, women, and their families with crucial knowledge about how heart disease remains the leading cause of death in women. The campaign highlighted how symptoms in women often present differently and are more likely to be dismissed or misdiagnosed. Participants were educated about the role of lifestyle, hormones, stress, and social conditioning in shaping heart health, and were introduced to simple yet effective prevention strategies including physical activity, balanced nutrition, mental well-being, and regular health screening.
Equally important was the focus on menstrual hygiene and breaking the deeply entrenched taboos surrounding menstruation in India. Many girls and even women still face stigma, misinformation, and silence around periods. Our volunteers led engaging sessions that encouraged open conversation, provided scientific education, and created a safe space for questions and shared experiences. Sanitary kits were distributed to girls, and practical demonstrations on menstrual hygiene were conducted to help them manage their cycles with dignity and awareness.
The day featured a wide variety of interactive and impactful activities, including:
- Heart health awareness sessions with symptom recognition and prevention tips
- Educational talks on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health
- Distribution of sanitary napkins and hygiene kits
- Myth-busting discussions around menstruation and heart disease
- Free blood pressure and pulse check-ups for teachers and staff
- Interactive games and quizzes to make learning fun for schoolchildren
- Poster-making and slogan competitions to encourage creative expression
- Group discussions on emotional well-being, self-care, and body positivity
This initiative served not just as a health camp, but as a platform to promote health literacy, empathy, and confidence. Many girls shared that it was the first time they felt comfortable talking about their health openly. Teachers and mothers also joined in, reinforcing the belief that community engagement is essential for sustainable change.
HAF Sehat Ki Suraksha is only the beginning. The HridayAmrit Foundation now looks forward to taking this initiative across India— into schools, colleges, and communities- through a series of awareness drives, interactive sessions, and partnerships. The goal is clear: to create a future where women are not only informed about their hearts and their bodies, but also supported by a society that listens, educates, and acts. Through knowledge, conversation, and compassion, we aim to build a healthier and more empowered generation of Indian women.
