A recent free health fair served almost 1,900 people in a neighborhood outside Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay. The March 29-April 2 event, which took place at the Amanecer Family Health Unit in the Boquerón neighborhood, Areguá, was the result of a partnership between Asunción Adventist Sanitarium (SAA) and AdventHealth, regional church leaders reported.
During the health fair local residents received specialized care, cardiological and laboratory studies, health talks, and medicines. The specialties included family medicine for adults and children, cardiology, gynecology, urology, psychology, and ophthalmology, with prescription of free glasses. Also, people who visited the fair could have access to ultrasounds, ECGs, and pap smears as needed. The event included a special program for children.
“We have been pleasantly surprised with the number of people who came to be treated,” said SAA director Juan Castro, adding, “In addition to the specialties provided, women received a free pass to undergo a mammogram study at Asunción Adventist Sanitorium.”
Local city council member Hebert Roa shared how thankful he was for the initiative. “I thank God for the wonderful medical care provided by the Adventist sanitarium. Without their support, it would not have been possible for so many people to receive care and leave with a smile. We thank the team of doctors and nurses and the pastor for their impressive work during these five days,” Roa said.
Medical care in the ADRA Paraguay mobile unit. [Photo: Paraguay Union of Churches Mission] Patients waiting for a consultation with a physician received a missionary book. [Photo: Paraguay Union of Churches Mission] General view of the Amanecer Family Health Unit, where the event took place. [Photo: Paraguay Union of Churches Mission]
Solidarity and Community Engagement
Organizers reported that the initiative was possible thanks to the joint effort of 17 volunteer professionals from the United States, along with local staff and doctors and nurses from SAA. The Municipality of Areguá, ADRA Paraguay, and the local Adventist church also played a key role in supporting the logistics and assisting the patients during the health fair.
Brittany Browning, project leader for AdventHealth, commented on the experience for doctors who volunteer. “This is my third year coming to do mission in Paraguay. The doctors are very happy to be able to help people in this community through their specialties. Through AdventHealth we have donated brushes, medicines, and glasses for patients who needed them. In addition, we donated an ultrasound machine for the Adventist sanitarium. With God’s help and guidance, our plan is to return every year to continue providing medical care,” she said.
Spiritual Growth and Ongoing Commitment
Beyond medical care, the activity also included a spiritual component, organizers reported. About 90 people requested Bible studies. Areguá Adventist Church has already begun to organize the follow-up for all those who showed interested in knowing more.
“I’m leaving full of blessings,” said local resident Alicia Nuñez. “We received not only medicines and health care but also words of encouragement.” Nuñez shared that her children felt happy that they were taken care of and received medicines. “May God’s blessing be on all those who made this service possible with love, effort, and dedication,” she said.
The free health fair took place in the days leading up to Easter, a special time focused on serving and bringing hope to the community, organizers said. It also renewed the commitment to serve to benefit others. “Asunción Adventist Sanitarium remains steadfast in its commitment to wholistic health,” they said.
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Spanish-language news site.