THREE entities will for the first time join forces on one project with one goal in mind, to raise funds to assist with the uplifting of health benefits in Jamaica.

The Kidney Support Foundation of Jamaica (KSFJ) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica will partner with Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring to host a 5K Health Run/Walk Fair on September 20.

The event, which is scheduled to run off at 6:30 am at the Police Officers Club, is aimed at raising approximately $10 million to assist with the prevention of kidney and renal diseases as well as the Kiwanis Club ‘Eliminate Project’.

Both the KSFJ and the Pharmaceutical Society had previously organised run/walks, and in one instance, had a clash of date, which has now led to the collaboration.

Commander John McFarlane, Chairman of KSFJ, welcomes the partnership.

“The Kiwanis Club is one of our beneficiaries who will benefit from the walk, but the two organisations recognised that our primary focus is the health care of people in this country, so the idea is to raise funds to help programmes of the Pharmaceutical Society and the Kidney Support Foundation,” he told the Jamaica Observer at the event’s launch at Sabina Park yesterday.

McFarlane pointed out that their previous projects enabled them to assist hospitals and families of patients that were unable to afford a sustained programme. This is said to be the main purpose for their continued efforts.

“Our programme is public education primarily, with the provision of resources at the hospitals or for patients, and also for support of the families of patients, because we believe that the family is as integral to the successful treatment of patients as the health care facilities are.

“So we are approaching it from a holistic point of view, but our ultimate aim is for prevention of kidney disease and of renal disease,” he added.

Deborah Manning, president of Kiwanis Club of Constant Spring, explained that her organisation’s involvement is significant to the ‘Eliminate Project’. She elaborated that the project is a global campaign aimed at eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus from 59 countries around the world.

“That has been reduced to 22 (countries) as Kiwanis International and UNICEF have joined in order to raise US$110 million to do this. So far I think that Jamaica has been able to contribute approximately J$2 million towards that project, which is due to be completed at the end of this year, so our partnership in this Run/Walk is extremely important,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Ernestine Watson, first vice-president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica, also welcomed the partnership and encouraged patrons to come out and have fun, while contributing to a worthy cause.

The event, which will be under the patronage of Miss Jamaica Universe 2014, Kaci Fennell, will also allow participants to win sectional prizes for largest team, oldest and youngest participant as well as best dressed team.