A health campaign that started at a Chadderton surgery and now helps women worldwide has gained a new supporter.

Endometriosis Awareness North, which has provided advice to women as far away as America and India, has welcomed Councillor Arooj Shah, the leader of Oldham Council, as its political ambassador.

The campaign has made progress in raising awareness of the chronic condition at medical conventions and educational establishments.

However, research on endometriosis remains scarce, and political support is limited.

Dr Anita Sharma, the founder of Endometriosis Awareness North, said: "Despite affecting one in 10 women in their electorate, there has been a concerning lack of interest from politicians about endometriosis.

"This might explain why a recent report showed that treatment and progress has not changed for a quarter of a century.

"We needed someone on our side who will encourage decision-makers to think and act.

"Councillor Shah's dynamism is helping to transform Oldham.

"We are delighted she is on our side."

Dr Sharma was inspired to start the campaign after hearing about the struggles of Oldham women Courtney Ormrod and Lucy Bowker.

They endured numerous operations and severe bleeding, which left them unable to work, and faced the 'mental torture' of not being believed by doctors.

Their stories are echoed by women worldwide, including an older woman who had endometriosis cells on her bowels and was told she could not have children.

Cllr Shah said: "Oldham is such a pioneering borough for health and compassion.

"It was the home of Jean Purdy, who was so instrumental in the birth of the first test-tube baby, and hosted the world’s first Covid vaccination clinic for the homeless.

"Oldham leads and others follow, and I hope this is the case for those with this awful condition.

"I actually have friends who have endometriosis, and health inequalities have meant its treatment has been poor.

"I am here to change that and give Dr Sharma and her campaign all the support I can."

Cllr Shah will work to raise the profile of endometriosis and the 'Endo Warriors' – those living with the condition – among her colleagues in the government and opposition parties.

Dr Sharma believes her new ambassador can help reduce the stigma surrounding endometriosis, particularly in ethnic minority communities, where sufferers have a 50 per cent lower chance of being properly diagnosed.

Dr Sharma said: "In some communities, women are not encouraged to come forward and discuss gynaecological conditions, and there are even occasions where decisions are made on their behalf by men in their families.

"We have worked with the likes of the CHAI project to change this but know Cllr Shah will have contacts and ideas on how to help us.

"She is also a positive role model who will persuade women to come forward when they need support."

For more information on Endometriosis Awareness North, visit endometriosisawarenessnorth.com.