On August 12, UNIFIL Indian peacekeepers, in collaboration with local NGO SHEILD Association, organized a health and wellness campaign in Souk El Khan, southeastern Lebanon. The event provided vital health services and education to 35 local women, addressing both physical and mental health concerns in a region under constant stress from ongoing exchanges of fire.

The campaign featured breast cancer awareness sessions led by Lt. Col. Shilpi Mankotia of the Indian Battalion, where women learned how to perform breast self-examinations. UNIFIL Indian specialists also offered personalized consultations, nutritional advice, mental wellness activities, and distributed hygiene kits to the attendees.

The situation along the Blue Line is very tense, with daily exchanges of fire that have destroyed neighborhoods and taken lives on both sides. Despite this, an initiative like this campaign offers hope and shows the community that support is available during these difficult times.

Lina Abou Karnib, principal of the Souk El Khan Welfare and Care Centre, emphasized the importance of the campaign: “This campaign came at a time when our women are dealing with so much stress every day,” she said. “Together with UNIFIL peacekeepers, we have really helped address some of the critical healthcare gaps in our community.”

Col. Ajit Singh Negi, the Indian Battalion Commander, thanked the community for their participation and highlighted UNIFIL's ongoing commitment to supporting the people of south Lebanon.

Eva Homsi from SHEILD added, “We are committed to continuing our efforts to help the people of Lebanon in every way we can.”

Follow-up activities are already planned to build on the campaign’s success and keep supporting the community in south Lebanon.