IN observance of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, hosted a health drive on Saturday at the Ruimveldt Children’s Aid Centre.The health drive is part of a list of activities for the Golden Jubilee, and its aim is to promote a healthy country.

At Saturday’s health drive, youths assembled to take advantage of free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose testing. Persons were also able to check their Body Mass Index (BMI) and receive counselling.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Gillian Frank, Director of Youth in the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, said the health drive helped the youth by raising their awareness of mental health while supporting efforts to combat non-communicable diseases.

“Over 22 youth got tested, spoke with doctors about health problems they were experiencing, and counsellors made the event a success.”

The director explained that the ministry has embarked on several regional activities in Guyana, which will coincide with the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

She said that on May 24th there will be an Inter-School Regional Speech Competition, and on August 12th there will be a Youth Village at the National Park, and these will showcase different job opportunities in Guyana for youth development.