Zonta club in the Philippines focuses on medical mission

For the last 10 years, the Zonta Club of Mandaluyong-San Juan II, District 17, in the Philippines, has supported a medical mission to benefit families in their community with a multitude of issues.

Until 2010, the project support residents who struggled in the aftermath of a strong typhoon.

From 2010 to 2012, the service focus fell to health education. The club held a symposium on preventing teen pregnancy that was attended by 100 teenage boys and girls, as well as young mothers. The project over these years also supported cataract screenings, donated medical supplies and food to areas affected by disasters, and more.

In 2012, the focus switched to livelihood projects at the women's correctional institute. The work during this time, until 2014, also included providing medical care, such as breast cancer exams.

The work to prevent breast cancer continued through 2016. In this period, free operations were available for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Informative lectures were also given to women to better understand the care.

In 2016, the medical mission held dental service events and free ultrasound screenings for cervical cancer. These events were specifically targeted at low-income families in order to offer treatment as well as education. The mission during this time also partnered with other organizations to offer treatment for skin diseases, sick babies and hair and nail issues. The previous programs such as cataract and breast cancer screenings, teenage pregnancy prevention and putting an end to violence against women also continued.

In the 2016-2018 Biennium, the club continued adding to the medical mission by educating women in the correctional institute and offering programs such as diabetes management.

For the current biennium, club members will continue many of the programs, including dental exams, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and free medication.