Understanding the Problem
Breast cancer awareness is a critical health issue worldwide, but in Algeria, it is accompanied by unique psychological barriers. During our campaign with Winnelka, a nonprofit organization supporting vulnerable populations, we discovered that many women felt uncomfortable or fearful discussing breast cancer openly. The stigma and the fear of being judged often prevented them from seeking essential information or early screening.
We lost Sawssan
One poignant moment during our campaign was the opportunity to speak with a brave woman called Sawssan battling advanced breast cancer. She shared her journey, emphasizing the importance of early detection and how her life might have been different if she had been screened earlier.
Tragically, she passed away just a few months after our interview. Her story is a powerful reminder of why breast cancer awareness and early detection are so critical. It underscores the urgency of providing accessible and effective tools to overcome the barriers preventing women from seeking early screenings.
Our Innovative Solution
To address this issue, we turned to technology. We created an immersive 3D virtual medical environment where women could learn about early breast cancer screening in a safe, confidential, and engaging manner. Through a virtual doctor, the platform provided essential information while eliminating the social pressures of a physical setting.
This initiative was unveiled during Pharmex Algeria 2022, where visitors could experience the project using a Meta Quest VR headset.
Challenges Faced and Overcoming Roadblocks
Every innovation comes with its hurdles. This project was no exception:
- Limited resources: I worked alone, using a weak laptop and minimal equipments
- Technical constraints: Rendering a 3D tour video was especially difficult. The laptop couldn’t handle animations or rigging, so the doctor in the
- virtual environment had to remain static.
- Tight deadline: With limited time, I pushed through two sleepless nights to finalize the project.
Despite these obstacles, we successfully delivered a working prototype, offering a glimpse of the project’s potential.
