We Matter: HPV Awareness Workshop at The Bookworm, Jan 31

HPV, or Human Papilloma Virus, is a commonly found sexually transmitted virus with a prevalence rate of as high as 60 percent among sexually active individuals. While the infection is usually fought off by the body, in some cases if left untreated, it can develop into cancer.

Awareness is key to dealing with this often symptomless illness, and to help educate Beijingers, The Ducreay Foundation will host a workshop to answer any questions about the virus that you may have.

This is the inaugural event organized by The Ducreay Foundation, a family orientated non-profit that looks to promote the economic and social development of women and children through education.

Dahlia Allura Ducreay, founder of the foundation, has worked in cooperation with the Oasis International Hospital and the International Gender, Social Justice and Praxis research project to plan the HPV awareness workshop and campaign.   

Ducreay described to us how she became inspired to set up the event, saying, “HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. I have noticed that in our community this is a subject that is not openly discussed. Education on any matter is the best weapon anyone can have. My aim is to stop sitting on the sidelines and do something about it.”

Education on HPV is particularly important, as early detection of abnormal cells can prevent cervical cancer from developing. If spotted early on, cervical cancer is one of the most easily preventable cancers, as long as women are properly aware of the risks and preventative steps.

Unfortunately, while men can be carriers of HPV and the virus can develop into various cancers including throat cancer, most strains of HPV are symptomless in men.

The event will cover ways to deal with HPV, and answer questions you may have about HPV and the HPV vaccine. There will also be a spoken word performance, a live painting show, and a raffle with a chance to win a free vaccination shot from Oasis International Hospital.

The We Matter: HPV Education event will take place at 6.30pm on Jan 31 at The Bookworm. Tickets cost RMB 50.

Photos: us-east-1.tchyn.io, The Ducreay Foundation