The Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and AIDS
The Standing Committee on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights including HIV and
AIDS is a union of passionate individuals who fight for a positive change-making, and
advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). In SCORA we empower
individuals with knowledge and experience to shape them into leaders, and we especially
equip medical students with the necessary tools to guide others.
A world where everyone can fully exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights, free from stigma and discrimination.
To equip our members with the tools needed to advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights within their communities. This is achieved through building skills and knowledge, offering training on comprehensive sexuality education and reproductive health, exchanging ideas and projects, drafting policies, and collaborating with external partners to create change at local, regional, and international levels.
The Palestinian Medical Students’ Association in Nablus, under the supervision of the Deanship of Student Affairs and the Faculty of Medicine at An-Najah National University, organized an awareness campaign on prostate cancer and diabetes from November 25th to 27th, 2024.
The campaign featured awareness corners at both the New and Old campuses, offering educational and recreational activities. Over 170 men received free prostate cancer diagnostic tests, and more than 50 individuals benefited from diabetes screenings.
From 29th October to 4th November 2024, the Palestinian Medical Students’ Association- Nablus, in collaboration with An-Najah University’s Deanship of Student Affairs, organized breast cancer awareness events across university campuses and An-Najah University Hospital. The campaign emphasized the importance of early detection and aimed to raise funds for cancer patients.
As part of the initiative, students prepared gifts and motivational letters for patients, and free mammogram screenings were offered, with transportation provided. The campaign also highlighted health inequalities, particularly the lack of access to care for women in Gaza, which is exacerbated by the ongoing destruction of infrastructure and the blockade.
Receiving the diagnosis “You have cancer” is one of the most frightening things someone can hear. Cancer patients require emotional support and encouragement throughout their journey to help restore a sense of normalcy. It’s essential to remind them that they are seen, cared for, and appreciated.
As part of our commitment to this mission, and in continuation of the Pink October campaign, PMSA organized a short visit to cancer patients at NNUH on World Cancer Day, February 4th. The purpose of this visit was to acknowledge and appreciate their courage in fighting the disease, offering them a moment of support and connection.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to raise awareness and support for breast cancer patients. The Pink October campaign aims to collect donations for organizations that support breast cancer patients, while also promoting and supporting small projects by university students.
Building on the success of the “One Shekel, Thousand Smiles” campaign in the 21/22 semester, we hosted a second Pink October exhibition, titled A Cure Worth Donating For, with the goal of helping even more people and making this event a recurring tradition for SCORA and PMSA Nablus.
The exhibition was a great success, raising over 100,000 NIS over two months, which was donated to the tumor section at NNUH.
Women and girls in the occupied Palestinian territories face significant risks of gender-based violence, including sexual assault. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 8.8% of individuals in the region have experienced sexual violence, and 8% have faced cyber violence in 2021.
In April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we held a session focused on sexual assault within the framework of the law. The goal was to inform attendees about how to report such incidents, how responsible authorities handle these cases, and how aggressors are dealt with legally. By raising awareness, we aimed to support and empower those who have experienced sexual violence.
Women and girls in the occupied Palestinian territories face significant risks of gender-based violence, including sexual assault. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 8.8% of individuals in the region have experienced sexual violence, and 8% have faced cyber violence in 2021.
In April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we held a session focused on sexual assault within the framework of the law. The goal was to inform attendees about how to report such incidents, how responsible authorities handle these cases, and how aggressors are dealt with legally. By raising awareness, we aimed to support and empower those who have experienced sexual violence.
The “Passion into Action” event aimed to address common concerns among students about balancing their studies with personal interests and hobbies. Many students struggle to find the value in their efforts and forget that they have the power to bring about social change for themselves and others.
To inspire and reassure them, three accomplished women were invited to share their journeys and how their careers shaped their lives and characters. The speakers were Lana Demaidi, a neurosurgical facial aesthetic specialist and pharmacy owner; Enas Samara, a skin specialist and influencer; and Diala Nassif, a pharmacist in charge of medical supply registration and licensing at Al-Karma company. Their inspiring stories provided valuable motivation and reassurance for students.
In July, SCORA hosted a discussion on “Palestinian Feminist Associations and Their Impact on Society.” The event aimed to raise awareness of key community issues and create a safe space for dialogue on the role and influence of feminist associations. Attendees were encouraged to share their views, fostering an inclusive environment for diverse perspectives. This discussion provided valuable insights into the impact of feminist associations on Palestinian society, and the archived content remains a useful resource for those interested in the topic.
Access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is a significant challenge for many young people. A study by UNFPA revealed that most individuals aged 15-18 had little to no access to SRH information from home or school. Based on these findings, SCORA organized a debate for university students to discuss the importance of incorporating SRH education into school curricula. The event created a safe space for attendees to share their opinions, raising awareness about the need for accessible and accurate SRH education to better equip youth for informed decision-making.
Maternal and fetal health are vital components of a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery. Despite medical advancements, complications during pregnancy and childbirth remain significant risks to both mothers and babies. The early stages of embryo development are particularly complex and require careful monitoring to detect potential abnormalities or risks.
This session aimed to raise awareness of the importance of maternal and fetal health, emphasizing the need for effective interventions and strategies to optimize embryo development. By focusing on promoting healthy pregnancies and reducing adverse outcomes, we aim to improve maternal and fetal healthcare and ensure better quality of care for both.
“I am a Child” was an online camp focused on raising awareness about the growing issue of child abuse in the community. The camp aimed to educate participants on how to identify and address child abuse, especially as future caregivers. Conducted over five days, the camp included sessions on pediatric care, psychological impact, SCORA, and SCORP, with a closing ceremony featuring a social worker discussion and a game night.
Event Highlights :
Dr. Akram (Pediatrics) discussing child abuse, its types, symptoms, and potential solutions.
Dr. Ahmad Hanani (Psychology) addressing emotional abuse, its long- and short-term impacts, and how to report it.
The questions will go directly to the LORA
