Group says the project reflects its commitment to the sustainable development of the communities in which it operates
The community of Red Bank in the Stann Creek district of Belize recently celebrated the official opening of its new health clinic, funded by Fyffes.
Many of the banana producer-distributor’s employees in the region are located in the community, it said.
The US$70,000 donation from the multinational fresh produce company facilitated the previously unused health centre’s remodelling and expansion, including two medical consultation rooms, a medication dispensary, a separate medical waste disposal, restrooms, as well as comfortable outdoor and indoor waiting areas.
As a result of this investment, Fyffes said it expected the Red Bank community to be incorporated into the national community medical visits system, including facilitating access to pre and postnatal medical care.
“This project reflects Fyffes commitment to the sustainable development of the communities where we operate and aligns with our priority community focus areas: access to nutrition and health, education, climate change resilience and women’s empowerment,” said Stella Davis, Fyffes sustainability manager.
The new centre will also bring medical services directly to the community, Fyffes stated.
The medical team, led by a rural health nurse, will visit on the first Wednesday of each month to provide ongoing care, including child health clinics, routine vaccinations, family planning, and health education.
“Our vision for the health centre aligns with that of the Ministry of Health: to provide quality medical care and wellbeing for all, now and into the future,” explained Alisha Solís-Augustine, independence polyclinic registered nurse midwife and supervisor.
