By Our Correspondent
MUZAFFARABAD: A Community Health and Wellness Fair was organised at a Kashmiri refugees camp here to promote public health awareness among displaced Kashmiris from Indian-occupied Kashmir, residing in camps across Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The event was arranged by Ms Ayesha Habib, a lecturer at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) and PhD scholar at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), as part of her ongoing research on identity and traditional healing practices among the displaced population.
The fair was held in collaboration with the Refugee Management Cell and the Rehabilitation Department of AJK, with support from the Directorate of Health Services and the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP).
A range of activities were conducted to raise awareness about dengue prevention, maternal and child nutrition, and overall wellness. Health staff from the AJK government provided free dengue screening services, while UNWFP professionals carried out nutrition assessments for children and expectant mothers.
A female doctor from the AIMS hospital offered culturally sensitive consultations for women, addressing common health concerns in the camp. The event also featured a “Faith Healing Corner”, where a local spiritual healer shared traditional and spiritual perspectives on wellbeing — reflecting the community’s belief in combining dua (prayer) with dawa (medicine) for holistic healing.
Interactive sessions, quizzes and drawing competitions were held for children to reinforce hygiene and disease prevention messages.
The event led to a pledge by the refugee community that they would uphold cleanliness, prevent disease and work collectively towards a healthier living environment.
Organisers described the event as a small but meaningful step towards community-led health empowerment for displaced populations in the region.