Earlier this year, in March ProCare Pacific’s Healthy Village Action Zone team partnered with The Fono and several other health providers to host a free community health screening day in Three Kings, Auckland.
It was my first time being involved with such an event and I was genuinely moved by the hard mahi these organisations are putting into our communities.
By making these events a routine part of community life, we can ensure proactive health care and foster stronger, healthier communities.
The dedication and passion shown by their staff deserve recognition, and the turnout on the day reflected the positive impact of their work. Judging by the number of people who attended, the event was clearly a success.
The event offered a wide range of health checks, including bowel screening education, blood pressure and heart rhythm assessments, dental checks, measles immunisation, and many more.
I was fortunate to help out with Arthritis New Zealand’s gout tests and education, which provided a valuable learning opportunity for me.
Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of gout—its symptoms, treatment options, and the importance of early detection and management for our community.
Hats off to our primary health sector for their unwavering commitment to serving our community.
Increasing the frequency of community health check events would greatly enhance our ability to detect health issues early, which is essential for meeting key health targets. Regular screenings empower individuals with timely information and interventions, reducing the risk of complications and supporting overall wellbeing. By making these events a routine part of community life, we can ensure proactive health care and foster stronger, healthier communities.
It was also an opportunity to meet nurses and other health experts who are doing the heavy lifting in our community, to share their knowledge and hear their perspectives on the challenges they face.
Engaging with these professionals not only deepened my appreciation for their commitment, but also highlighted the realities of frontline health care—from resource constraints to the complexities of reaching diverse populations. Their insights underscored how vital community events are for bridging gaps in health-care access, empowering individuals with both information and support and fostering collaborative efforts toward better outcomes.
Hats off to our primary health sector for their unwavering commitment to serving our community. Their tireless efforts and dedication are the backbone of community health initiatives, making a real difference in the lives of so many. We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate professionals championing our collective wellbeing.
— Sione ‘Ulufonua is an emergency nurse based in Tāmaki Makaurau.