The second and penultimate day of the community health outreach initiative in Puruni Landing, Region 7, witnessed an impressive turnout as scores of individuals accessed the vital services on offer. Organized by the NGO National Coordinating Coalition Inc. (NGO NCC Inc.) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), and the National Tuberculosis Program, the event aimed to promote holistic well-being within the community.

Immunization Drive
A key tenet of today’s activities was the administration of vaccines. Healthcare professionals diligently provided the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. According to the figures accrued, a total of 28 males and 32 females between the ages of 16 and 45 received their first dose of the HPV vaccine.

Additionally, the outreach facilitated the administration of the Yellow Fever and Tetanus vaccines, further fortifying the community’s defences against these potentially debilitating illnesses. Throughout the day, 10 doses of the Yellow Fever vaccine and 30 doses of the Tetanus vaccine were administered to eligible individuals.

HIV Counseling and Testing
Recognizing the importance of early detection and treatment, the outreach continued today and offered free and confidential HIV counseling and testing services to 29 persons . This endeavor not only raises awareness about HIV prevention but also ensures that those in need receive timely care and support.

Gender-Based Violence Sensitization and Condom Distribution
Addressing the multifaceted aspects of community health, the outreach also focused on gender-based violence sensitization. Through informative sessions, individuals were educated about recognizing and addressing this critical issue, empowering them to break the cycle of abuse and seek assistance when needed.

Furthermore, condom distribution played a vital role in promoting safe sexual practices and preventing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.

Collaborative Efforts for Comprehensive Care
The success of this outreach initiative can be attributed to the seamless collaboration between NGO NCC Inc., the Ministry of Health, NAPS, and the National Tuberculosis Program. By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, the organizations have demonstrated their commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare services to the community. With an addition today of a team stationed at  Bartica 19 person were able to do blood pressure and blood sugar testing.

As the outreach comes to a close tomorrow with the reading of results and distribution of condoms and other informative material . Through this holistic approach, the outreach initiative is not only providing immediate care but also laying the foundation for a healthier and more resilient community.