ANNA is a sister project of the ISALA program initiated at the University of Antwerp in Belgium. The two projects share a common scientific goal - to understand the complex interactions that occur between the vaginal microbiota and women's health. At our university, the project is coordinated by Dr. Weronika Skowrońska from the Department of Pharmaceutical Biology in collaboration with the Environmental Microbiota Lab.
What is the purpose of the project
Although health problems such as bacterial and fungal vaginitis and urinary tract infections affect nearly half of the women in the world, they remain a significant health challenge. The ANNA project aims to develop innovative solutions to strengthen the body's natural protective mechanisms, focusing on supporting an optimal vaginal microbiota and epithelial barrier. They are intended not only to improve women's quality of life, but also to help prevent serious conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, premature births and sexually transmitted disease infections.
Where its name came from
The project's name is a tribute to Dr. Anna Tomaszewicz-Dobrska, the first woman with a medical degree practicing in the land of Poland, who set new standards in Polish gynecology. She was the first in Warsaw to perform a cesarean section in 1896, introducing innovative surgical methods in the care of parturients. Thanks to innovative solutions, such as the introduction of new hygiene rules and the education of midwives and patients, the mortality rate of women giving birth in her ward dropped to just 1%. Dr. Anna Tomaszewicz-Dobrska was also an active activist in women's organizations and spoke publicly on the importance of women's rights.
Not only the project but also the campaign
It is worth mentioning that the ANNA project is also a social campaign aimed at breaking the taboo surrounding vaginal health, raising awareness of intimate examinations and encouraging women to take active care of their health.
The ANNA project is an investment in the future in which women's health is a priority.