The Endometriosis Support & Awareness Foundation (ESAF) is initiating an awareness event titled ‘Unstoppable’ which is scheduled to take place on the 31st of March 2023 at Nuga Rosmead from 6.45 pm to 9.00 PM. The event’s core purpose is to raise awareness about Endometriosis and generate funding for ESAF, a non-profit foundation, which is currently self-funded. 

The event promises to be an evening filled with insightful and inspiring conversations and will be led by Prof. Hemantha Senanayake. Participants will witness a thought-provoking panel discussion with other distinguished doctors as well and ESAF’s founder, Rashani Meegama. In addition, the foundation will unveil a cinematic educational video produced by ESAF Sri Lanka. The evening will conclude with cocktails, music and dinner. If you wish to attend, tickets can be purchased by calling Himasha on +94 779988481. Each ticket is priced at Rs. 12,500 with proceeds going towards the foundation’s fundraising activities. You can also choose to become a sponsor. 

ESAF has mapped out a robust roadmap of awareness campaigns and projects to create broad awareness and promote early diagnosis and disease management. They work closely with medical and other experts in related areas, as well as global Endometriosis organisations and treatment facilities, to ensure that Sri Lankan women receive the best possible care and support. 

What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a debilitating disease that affects millions of women worldwide. It can cause immense pain, infertility/sub-fertility, chronic fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for endometriosis. However, if diagnosed early, it can be successfully managed. This is why it is crucial to create awareness at every level of society, including the primary medical care levels of our country. This is where the Endometriosis Support & Awareness Foundation (ESAF) comes in, striving to increase disease recognition, advocate for early diagnosis, and educate the public on successful disease management options. 

Endometriosis is often misunderstood in Sri Lanka due to several reasons. There is a lack of awareness and education about the condition among the general public, healthcare professionals, and even among women themselves. As a result, many women may not be able to recognise the symptoms of endometriosis and may dismiss them as normal menstrual pain. Another aspect of this is the stigma surrounding women’s reproductive health in Sri Lanka contributes to the misconceptions surrounding endometriosis. Women may be reluctant to seek medical attention or discuss their symptoms due to cultural and social taboos surrounding menstruation and reproductive health.

Unfortunately, there is a severe gap with regards to primary medical care for early symptom recognition of patients who walk in with one or more symptoms that might be indicative of a possible endometriosis diagnosis. This means that affected women may not receive a proper diagnosis or treatment, leading to a delay in diagnosis and worsening of symptoms. Overall, the lack of awareness, stigma, and inadequate medical care for endometriosis in Sri Lanka contributes to the misunderstanding and underdiagnosis of the condition. This is why organisations like the Endometriosis Support & Awareness Foundation (ESAF) are working towards raising awareness and advocating for early diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis in Sri Lanka.