Shifa Tameer-e Millat University, Islamabad

Urdu

Feeling tired and lethargic?

You might have low blood

Participate in an important research study to help find better ways to treat anaemia in women. Get tested for free and help shape the future of women’s health.

The WOMAN-3 Trial

What is this all about? 

How the study works

Joining is a simple two-stage process.

STAGE 1

Free Screening

We perform a quick, free finger-prick blood test to check for anaemia. You’ll get your results in minutes.

    • Minimal pain finger-prick
    • Brief health questions 
    • Find out if you qualify

STAGE 2

The Full Trial

If you are eligible, you take the trial treatment for 6 menstrual periods. We’ll also give you iron and vitamins that you can take for 3 months.

    • Take tablets during periods
    • Regular check-ups
    • Keep a health diary
Why participate?

You will receive treatment for anaemia while helping us find better ways to treat it.

Free Anaemia Treatment

Receive iron and vitamin supplements at no cost.

Travel Reimbursement

We pay for your transport to all study visits.

Free Menstrual Products

Provided by the trial team for personal use.

Thank You Gift

You will be given a gift of appreciation for your time.

Am I eligible to join?

If you suspect you have anaemia or feel tired and lethargic, you may be invited to be part of the full trial.

Eligibility Criteria

√  You are a woman aged 18 years or older

√  You have periods at least every 38 days

√ You are not pregnant or planning to get pregnant for the duration of the trial

√  Free treatment for infections found (for some participants)

√  Our free test shows you have ‘low anaemia

Meet the Pakistan Team

The WOMAN-3 Trial in Pakistan is led by experts at
Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad

Prof. Rizwana Chaudhri

National Coordinator, Pakistan

Dr. Aasia Kayani

WOMAN-3 Research coordinator

Dr. Kiran Javaid

WOMAN-3 Research coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions and other Tips

Anwers and solutions to your questions

I am already taking iron and folic acid, what do I do?

You can either remain on your current supplements for the next 3 months, before then stopping for the remainder of the trial. Or, you can take the ones supplied by the trial, this will be for a 3-month period only. This is your decision

When should I start completing my diary each cycle?

You should ideally start completing your diary two days before your menstrual period is expected to start. Based on your previous menstrual period, this date can be predicted and written down on your diary to remind you. We will also send you reminders as SMS (WhatsApp) messages or emails before the start date. If your menstrual period begins earlier than expected, start completing your diary as soon as your menstrual period starts.

Trial Update

The lastest news from the WOMAN-3 Trial and from your country 

two researchers looking at an Investigational Medicinal Product ready to randomise a participant
Menstrual bleeding in Pakistan: Cultural beliefs add to chronic anaemia in girls and women
By Professor Rizwana Chaudhri, obstetrician, gynaecologist, and National Coordinator for the WOMAN Trials in Pakistan  In my clinical practice in Pakistan, I routinely encounter women who believe that heavy menstrual bleeding is not only normal but desirable. This misconception...
Picture of Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, founder of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC)
Challenging discrimination in maternal healthcare: interview with Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi 
10 March 2025. In 2002, Nigerian lawyer and civil rights activist, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, founded the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), with two female lawyers in Nigeria seeking justice to prevent maternal deaths. WARDC primarily provides pro bono legal services...
Haleema-and-Amy-in-scrubs-scaled-1-726x1024
International Clinical Trials Day: how our experts are improving women’s health through inclusion
20 May 2025. To mark International Clinical Trials Day, experts at LSHTM’s Clinical Trials Unit explain why including more women in their work is essential to improving maternal health and women’s health, more generally. Credit: LSHTM.  Professor Nike Bello, WOMAN Trials...

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