Retired Nurses Association pleased with secondary schools health Fairs

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Retired Nurses Association (SVGRNA), through a grant from the Mustique Charitable Trust (MCT), said it recently concluded highly successful health fairs at three secondary schools.

The events were held at the West St. George Secondary School on February 25; the Georgetown Secondary School on March 4; and the Barrouallie Secondary School on March 11, 2026.

These fairs were organized by the Association’s projects committee under the theme ‘Be Healthy, Know Your Numbers’.

Recognizing the global and local impact of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)—in particular,

Hypertension (HTN) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM)—the Association said it remains dedicated to assist in reducing incidence rates and promoting awareness through testing and educational initiatives.

If left unaddressed, such conditions can result in severe consequences including limb amputations, heart diseases, retinopathy, renal dysfunction, strokes, and premature mortality, the SVGRNA points out.

A total of 312 students were screened for blood pressure and postprandial blood sugar levels, and while some abnormal findings arose, immediate counselling sessions were provided and appropriate follow-up actions were coordinated with relevant stakeholders.

To enhance the event’s excitement, roughly 60 prizes were raffled among the participating students, and a grand prize, a laptop, was won by a student from the Georgetown Secondary School.

The SVGRNA said it is encouraged by the positive feedback from the principals and staff of all three Institutions, and noted that the students showed great enthusiasm for the initiative. The Association has expressed its sincere gratitude to the business houses that generously supported the initiative, and, “Almighty God for the opportunity to be of service to the ongoing contribution to public health”.

It also extended recognition and appreciation to the Nutrition and Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health, principals, staff, parents, and students of the schools involved.

“Students must be healthy to be educated and educated to be healthy”, emphasizing that physical well-being is essential for learning,” Dr. Terry R. Fulmer is quoted as stating.

“This symbiotic relationship between health and learning, coincides with the theme ‘Be Healthy, Know Your Numbers’, together, they advocate for a proactive approach where education provides the tools to manage health, and health provides the foundation for successful learning”.