For Densle Hannigan, the launch of the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) One Life, One Health mobile health unit in the tranquil community of Mile End in Lodge, St Ann, was a timely way for him to seek assistance for his wife Elaine.

As early as 8:00 am last Friday, the elderly couple was seen making their way to the launch event with Densle declaring that the health unit was a “Godsend”.

“It was convenient. I ensured I got here early to register and I am sitting and enjoying the little ceremony,” said Densle Hannigan.

He pointed out that without the mobile unit he would have to travel two miles every two weeks to the Exchange Health Centre for an assessment of the health challenges facing his wife. But the JASL initiative made it easier for his wife to get registered at Exchange and receive the necessary treatment.

“I was enjoying myself and was pleased with the customer service of the doctors on board the One Life, One Health mobile health units,” he said as he highlighted the compassionate care provided by the medical professionals.

The One Life, One Health project, implemented by JASL, is a beacon of hope for communities like Mile End.

By offering mobile clinics, health worker training, and tailored awareness campaigns, the project aims to bridge the gap in health care access and promote proactive health management.

The launch of this project means that residents of Lodge and surrounding areas now have access to a variety of health services, including free screenings for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, HIV, and syphilis. The mobile units also provide access to medical doctors, wellness workshops, and educational resources, fostering a healthier community.

JASL board member Gervais McLeod, who brought remarks on behalf of Executive Director Kandasi Walton-Levermore, said a key component of the One Life, One Health project is the deployment of JASL mobile health units.

“These units will offer screenings and a range of health services, bringing health care directly to those who might otherwise go without. Today, immediately following this launch, the residents of Lodge and the surrounding communities will have the opportunity to access these mobile clinic services,” he said.

Nicola Sybliss McLeod, project coordinator at JASL, in addressing the launch function, pointed out that the One Life, One Health Project is a full integration into JASL’s everyday services as it expands beyond HIV into non-communicable diseases, zoonotics, and other emerging infectious diseases extending to under served communities islandwide.

“One Life, One Health aims to disseminate accurate information, counter misinformation, facilitate community listening and promote behaviour change. We will engage local communities like Lodge, while empowering them take an active role in safeguarding their health,” said Syblis McLeod.

She noted that since its operation, JASL has emerged in more than 10 rural and inner-city communities St Andrew, Clarendon, Kingston, St Ann, Westmoreland, and St James, providing 400 individuals with access to mobile clinic services and risk communication information.

The official launch last Friday was attended by representatives of USAID, EpiC Jamaica, Ministry of Health, and the North East Regional Health Authority.

The One Life, One Health mobile health unit has served more than 600 people since implementation in April.