‘Walk for Health’

GANGARAM, EAST CANJE – The ‘Walk for Health’ in Region Six is recording overwhelming success. This is according to Chief Executive Officer of the Berbice Regional Health Authority, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo. He indicated that based on the response of residents, Officials of the Berbice Regional Health Authority are hoping to make it an annual event.

A section of the parade

It began on September 11th where some 60 persons, including Minister of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, walked from Crabwood Creek to Skeldon. The walk was held each Saturday thereafter from a different location and would conclude on October 30th. In the earlier stages, the numbers were small but every week more persons came out to ‘Walk for Health’ as they chant different slogans and make persons more health conscious.
The purpose of the walk is for Health Officials to integrate with communities, provide information about the primary health care system, educate persons about the referral system and general services offered at facilities across the Region.
Stops are made at strategic locations and adults and children are vaccinated when necessary. The need for children to be immunised is stressed but even though there is no cost attached to any service given at health facilities in Guyana, there are many children who have not been vaccinated.
During these walks, health officials also take the opportunity to educate persons on chronic diseases and in some cases administer treatment. Shut-ins, disabled persons, newborn babies and those with mental disabilities are also visited. These walks also allow for persons to air their grievances.
Among disclosures made by the walking teams is the fact that visual inspection is to be introduced at health facilities. This involves the use of acetic acid and from this technique changes within cells of the cervix could be detected. This makes it possible for early detection of cancerous cells and treatment. These walks also provide a chance for women to be educated on the importance of breasts self-examination and men about one of the leading causes of death – prostate cancer.
The events are heavily supported by the religious sector, the business community, governmental and non-governmental organisations.
On September 18th, the group marched from Skeldon to Number Sixty-four Village. The following week it was from Number Sixty-three Village to Number Forty-seven Village. The Number 46 to Bush Lot trek was covered on October 2nd, while Kildonan to Williamsburg was on October 9th. On October 16th the group covered the distance between Hampshire and the Canje Bridge. Last Saturday morning, scores of persons braved the rain and marched from Gangaram to the Canje Turn.
This weekend, the group would begin the journey at Gay Park then make its way to New Amsterdam. The organisers are planning to make the trek across the Berbice River Bridge and hand over the idea to officials in Region Five with the expectation that it would later be passed on to Region Four and continue until persons in all geographic locations come out and ‘Walk for Health’.