ANMDA conducted a workshop on Health awareness and first aid on 31st of March 2019 in Strathfield Council Town Hall in Sydney. The initiative was a part of ANMDA’s focus on raising awareness and prevention of Chronic Diseases like Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.

There has been a growing need for basic first aid skills for new arrivals and also for visiting parents. The program was attended by almost 180 participants, Nepali migrants living in the catchment area of Strathfield Council and the local suburb of Auburn. This was done in collaboration with Strathfield Council, Auburn Nepalese Association and Non-Resident Nepalese Association Australia and funding assistance was provided by Sydney Local Health District. All participants were assessed for their metabolic profile like weight, height, blood pressure and random Blood sugar level. A team of volunteers of Nepali speaking Registered Nurses made this possible.

Following their metabolic parameters were measured, a group of Nepali speaking GP volunteers provided one to one consult regarding their health issues. There was a short formal program that started with the national anthem of Australia and Nepal and was addressed by ANMDA president Dr Ghana Shyam Chapagain, Strathfield Council Mayor Gulian Vicari, NRNA NSW coordinator Mr Nandu Gururng and Executive Manager Community partnership Strathfield council Ms Yvonne Yun. There was a short cultural performance by local Nepali artists. The third session was largely educational with presentations by Dr Surendra Khanal, Dr Prabin Pathak and Dr Anju Pande followed by a discussion on diabetes, heart diseases and a healthy lifestyle. The last session was led by the local Western Suburbs Cadet Division of St John Ambulance (NSW) who explained and practically demonstrated the basic Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation techniques. The participants were able to have practical hands-on techniques of CPR. There was plenty of healthy food, children activities and also opportunities to have informal chats regarding a healthy lifestyle and healthy living.