The community of Red Bank, in the Stann Creek district of Belize, home to approximately 3,000 residents and many of Fyffes employees recently celebrated the official opening of its new health clinic funded by the country’s largest banana producer and distributor.
The $70,000 donation from the multinational fresh produce company Fyffes has 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 expects the Red Bank community will be incorporated into the national community medical visits system including facilitating access to pre and postnatal medical care.
The new centre will also bring medical services directly to the community. 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.
"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.
"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.
The inauguration of the health clinic brought together dignitaries as Hon. Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Transport and Area Representative as well as representatives from the National Health Insurance, the Independence Polyclinic, and community leaders and health workers from Red Bank.
Each of them made remarks to the attendees, emphasising the importance of accessible healthcare and the positive impact this centre will have on the community.
