The Health and Wellness Department of Koiari Park English Church (KPEC) on the Pacific Adventist University (PAU) campus has been actively driving the health message to its church membership and the surrounding community in 2021.
The message on the impacts of lifestyle on overall health has been emphasised to the campus families with several initiatives after PAU community members recently passed away due to ill health.
A recent week of health emphasis featured lectures presented by Adventist medical doctor Robert Jones and several other wellness activities such as medical checks for vendors and customers at the famous PAU Sunday Market.
For PAU faculty and students, medical checks and counselling were conducted on the grounds of KPEC. Walking groups and cooking demonstrations were also organised, and health education awareness flyers were given away.
To close the week, the Health and Wellness team travelled 100 km up the eastern seaboard of Central Province, taking the message to Irupara village.
The team of around 60 people, formed by nurses, health counsellors, a medical doctor and other volunteers, spent an entire day at the village, where 100 people had their blood sugar levels and blood pressure tested for possible signs of hypertension and diabetes. The team also offered individualised counselling based on each participant’s personal health data.
The local United Church congregation joined in after their Sunday church service with many expressing gratitude to PAU for the initiative.
After a later follow up trip in September planned to evaluate the impact, the team aims to expand future programs to city and rural communities in Port Moresby.
