THE Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) hosted its first-ever health fair on Friday, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, offering free health screenings to staff, clients and members of the public.

Held at IPED’s office at 253-254 South Road, Bourda, Georgetown, the fair provided free screenings and information on cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, eye health, dental care, HPV, and HIV, along with a blood-donation drive.

The initiative forms part of IPED’s ongoing efforts to promote health and wellness among its staff, clients and the wider community, as the organisation marks its 40th anniversary this year.

Beyond providing thousands of Guyanese with the tools, confidence and support to turn their ideas into viable businesses, IPED said it is now placing greater emphasis on health and wellness as part of its mission to ensure that no one is left behind and its clients are empowered.

Health fair organiser and Officer in Charge of IPED’s Human Resource Department, Denisha Jones, said the event was designed to raise awareness about the importance of health.

“We’re trying to let persons know that health plays a big part in life, because we know some persons try not to exercise or try to be healthy,” she said.

Jones noted that although this was IPED’s first health fair, the organisation hopes to make it an annual event, depending on the response.

“We’re hoping that it could be a once-a-year thing, since this is the first, so we’re testing the waters here,” she said.