THE EMPLOYEE CARE Centre in the Port of PE has embarked on a unique health awareness programme, which is a first in National Ports Authority (NPA) countrywide. “This programme is an extract from the government’s health programme which I have tailor-made for NPA employees’ needs. It is over and above the other programmes that we are running, such as medical surveillances and HIV/AIDS,” says Care Centre Manager Veronica Mbeki, who initiated the project. A different health topic is being addressed each month. Highlights for the rest of the year include Men’s Health Awareness Month and a Drug Awareness Week in June, oral health will be addressed in August, women health in September, breast cancer and eye care in October, home based care and diabetes in November and HIV/AIDS will be addressed in the week leading up to 1 December, which is World AIDS Day. World Diabetes Day will be celebrated on 14 November and the International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December. “I am very excited about the session for men, which will be addressed by a male guest speaker. This has never been done before in the port,” says Mbeki. “The objective of the campaign is to increase health awareness as a preventative measure. Knowledge obtained this way is not only limited to employees, but they can share it with family and friends to make an impact on the wider community,” she says.