VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 8

As summer winds down, we’re turning up the excitement for one of the biggest moments of the year—the SAPHA Conference & Gala ! 🎉

Tickets are live and selling fast, so secure your spot now to join inspiring panels, connect with changemakers, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of celebration and impact. A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who’s already reserved their seat!

August is also the perfect time to focus on our health and wellness. Last month, we shined a spotlight on Skin Cancer Prevention , a crucial yet often overlooked issue in our community. Don’t miss our latest post with tips for early detection and protecting your skin while still soaking up the summer sun.

💬 We also want to hear from you ! Your feedback helps us shape programs, events, and resources that truly meet the needs of our community. Take our quick survey to share your thoughts. It only takes a few minutes, and will make a world of difference. 

Take the Survey Now →

Inside this edition, you’ll find exciting event updates, new resources (including our latest landscape report linked below!), and interesting public health happenings in the community. 

⬇️ Let’s dive in!! ⬇️

⚡ SAPHA Gala and Conference Updates! ⚡

Tickets are officially live , and our community is already showing incredible support. 

Snag yours at our special early-bird rate before it ends on September 15!

Panels are coming together with inspiring voices from across the field, and we’re excited to build something meaningful together. Huge thanks to those who’ve already grabbed their tickets. We can’t wait to meet you in November!

🎤 Speaker Sneak Peek: We’re thrilled to welcome leaders in health equity, community organizing, and cross-cultural storytelling including Alka Kanaya. MD !

Dr. Kanaya is Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics and a practicing general internist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and lead and founding investigator for the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) Study .

We can't wait to connect, learn, and celebrate with you. Stay tuned for more event highlights!

🌐 New SAPHA Report: Misinformation and South Asian Health

The Misinformation & South Asian Health Landscape Report by SAPHA explores how health misinformation and disinformation spread within South Asian American communities, shaped by cultural norms, social networks, and digital platforms. Through case studies on vaccines, chronic disease, mental health, and reproductive health, the report highlights the real-world consequences of misinformation and offers actionable policy recommendations. 

Readers will gain insights into the unique challenges faced by South Asian communities, examples of community-led solutions, and strategies for culturally responsive intervention.

✅ Access this groundbreaking report here

🚨 Urgent Call: Anemia Crisis in South Asia

Without urgent action , an additional 18 million girls and women in South Asia could become anemic by 2030 , adding to the region’s current burden of 259 million affected due to iron deficiency, poor nutrition, infections, and gender inequities 

Key Highlights:

• Nearly half of all adolescent girls and women in South Asia already suffer from anaemia which is the highest regional prevalence globally 
• From July 9–11, 2025, SAARC , the Government of Sri Lanka, WHO, UNICEF, and partners convened a regional conference in Colombo , bringing together over 100 stakeholders to forge a unified regional strategy and national action plans 
• A new South Asia Anaemia Academic Alliance was launched to tackle research gaps and drive evidence-based interventions across the region

Spotlight on Progress:

• Nepal saw anemia levels drop among women of reproductive age from 41% in 2016 to 34% in 2022 , with projections targeting 27% by 2030 through inclusive health outreach and nutrition integration
• Similar local successes are emerging in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka , using community-based, data-driven strategies to deliver targeted supplements and services 

Why It Matters:

• Anemia weakens immunity, productivity, educational attainment, and maternal health, and contributes to 40% of global low birth weight cases coming from South Asia 
• The economic cost is steep - around $32.5 billion annually but every $1 invested yields about $9.50 in returns through improved health and societal benefits 

🔍 What’s Next?

• Strengthening nutrition programs , anemia screening, iron supplementation, and health worker access in underserved communities.
• Coordinated efforts across health, education, and social sectors to ensure equitable access for all women and girls.
• Continued regional collaboration through SAARC, WHO, and UNICEF to scale solutions and track impact.

By scaling proven interventions and investing in community-based systems, governments and partners in South Asia can turn the tide on anemia and unlock potential across one of the region’s most vulnerable populations.

✅ Read the full article here

🩺 Community Health Spotlight: SACSS x Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

On July 31st, South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS) , transformed its Queens office into a mini health hub, welcoming a dedicated 10-person team from MSKCC to deliver free preventive screenings to over 100 community members with partner Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). 

Services included:

• Free colorectal cancer screenings (including FIT‑kit take-home testing)
• Blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checks
• Multilingual support (Hindi, Urdu, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, and English) in culturally‑rooted environments

Why This Matters

• Barriers are removed: Many residents juggle multiple jobs, care for family, and may lack health insurance making traditional appointments difficult or costly.
• Early detection saves lives: Colorectal cancer, when identified early, becomes highly treatable yet is often under‑screened among older adults who attribute symptoms to everyday stress or aging.
• Language access is equity: Offering care in community languages means residents feel seen, heard, and empowered to act on their health.

✅ Read the full article here

📣 Call for study participants!

Research Institution: University of Rhode Island

Research Institution: Chicago Medical School

This study aims to identify common skin conditions, cultural practices, and barriers to accessing care, with the goal of informing more inclusive and tailored dermatologic services.

Skin is more than just what we see—it’s a reflection of our health, culture, and environment. For South Asians in the U.S., unique skin concerns and cultural practices often go unrecognized in mainstream dermatology. Our study is working to change that by listening to the community, learning about common skin issues, and understanding what makes it hard to get care. The goal is simple: create solutions that celebrate cultural diversity while improving skin health for everyone.

We would greatly appreciate your support in our study by taking part in this short survey that will help us better understand the unique dermatologic needs of the South Asian population and explore whether there is a need for more specialized care or resources. Your input is invaluable and will directly contribute to shaping future community-centered healthcare efforts.

✅ Click here to participate in the study

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