Over 200 benefit from Unity Fellowship health fair in St Elizabeth

Two hundred and twenty-five people benefited from Unity Fellowship Jamaica Ministries’ 10th annual community health fair and back-to-school drive in northern St Elizabeth.

The two-day event, held on August 27 and 28 at Roses Valley Primary and Infant School, brought free healthcare services directly to the rural community. The initiative, organised by the religious social justice group, received support from the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education Fund, known as CHASE.

UFJM said residents in remote communities often struggle to access healthcare because of transportation challenges, distance, cost and long waiting periods. The organisation said the need was particularly urgent in Roses Valley after Hurricane Melissa destroyed the closest medical facility in 2025.

Residents received medical screenings and consultations, blood-pressure and blood-sugar checks, body mass index assessments, vision screening, dental services, HIV testing and counselling. The programme also included cancer and diabetes education, along with general health and wellness information.

A dedicated session focused on kidney and renal disease. Participants learned about kidney health, risk factors, warning signs, prevention and the importance of regular health checks. Healthcare professionals from the United States and Jamaica volunteered at the event, including doctors, dentists, dental hygienists and nurses.

Children also received barbering and cosmetology services, including haircuts and hairstyling before the new academic year. UFJM directors Reverend Nevin Powell and Reverend Clarence Edwards thanked the healthcare professionals, volunteers, staff, sponsors, donors, partners and community members who supported the initiative.

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For many residents in rural communities, accessing healthcare can involve transportation challenges, distance, cost and long waiting periods. The health fair sought to remove some of those barriers by bringing a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals directly into Roses Valley, especially after the destruction of the closest medical facility by Hurricane Melissa in 2025.