Health fair and exhibition marks World Health Day

April 7, 2018

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, April 7, 2018

The PAHO/WHO local office in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and other support agencies hosted a grand health fair and exhibition at the D’urban Park, today. The fair was opened to the public and provided access to free health care services such as blood pressure testing, cholesterol testing, HIV/AIDS testing, eye care, dental care, and among many other services.

Ministers of Public Health receive fresh locally grown fruits as exhibitors emphasize the inclusion of natural foods in one’s diet.

The event was held to observe World Health Day (April 7), under the theme “Universal Health: Everyone, Everywhere”.

The event began at 06:00am with two fitness sessions, the first being an aerobics and Zumba session which lasted for 20 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of cardio exercises. These sessions saw several sectoral representatives from the Ministries of Public Health, Business and Education participating, while representatives from PAHO/WHO, CARICOM and others working with the diplomatic corps, were also involved.

During her opening remarks, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence noted that the “fit and proper” slogan should be everyone’s goal.

“We are here to issue you with the ‘wake-up call’. We are calling on you to take concerted actions to raise awareness and encourage all to commit to practising sounder health habits that will result in a better quality of life.”

Focusing on the ways in which families must take charge of their health, Minister Lawrence told the women present that “…you don’t have to leave your home to come all the way to Zumba… in your own home you can do the pushups, the stretches”. She also called on the men to make it a practice to visit their doctor regularly for checkups.

Ministers of Public Health receive fresh locally grown fruits as exhibitors emphasize the inclusion of natural foods in one’s diet.

The minister also reminded parents that they have an important responsibility to provide their children with a quality life. “Simply ask them to set aside their phones, tablets and computers to go outside and play.”
Also addressing those gathered at the fair was PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, who indicated that “in tandem with the main goal for World Health Day 2018 celebration, PAHO hopes to increase awareness of the need for universal health coverage and access and the benefits that these can bring”.

Dr. Adu-Krow noted that universal health coverage is feasible and Guyana has made significant strides in this area. “Everywhere in Guyana, you can access health care and not pay a dime. Having said that, there are some challenges that we need to think about which is to maintain coverage and meet people’s expectations.”

Those who attended the fair also benefitted from a live show; there were talks on healthy eating and physical exercise while social discussions on domestic violence were held.

The Merundoi ‘street theatre’ also did their part with two compelling dramatic performances namely, ‘Wake-up Call’ and ‘Hard Ears’ which captured the attention of many passers-by and those who visited the booths.

Those participating in the Health Fair included the Vector Control Services, health departments of all ten administrative regions, Non-Governmental Organisations, the United Nations’ Offices, and the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force who conducted road safety talks with the public.