The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), in partnership with the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), will host a comprehensive “Give to Gain” Health Fair on March 6, 2026, as a centerpiece of International Women’s Day Week celebrations. The event will take place at the DoGA headquarters on Friendly Alley, St. John’s, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with free admission for all community members regardless of gender.
The fair will commence with a special recognition ceremony honoring four young female philanthropists whose community service embodies the “Give to Gain” philosophy. This plaque presentation ceremony will spotlight women whose contributions have significantly benefited Antiguan society, with organizers encouraging early attendance to show support for these awardees.
Attendees will have access to an extensive array of preventive health services including HIV/AIDS testing, HPV vaccinations, cervical cancer registration, and basic health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and cholesterol levels. The event aims to remove barriers to healthcare access by bringing essential medical services directly to the community.
Jamie Saunder, Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, emphasized the event’s dual purpose: “This initiative not only provides critical health services but also celebrates the often unrecognized women whose generosity strengthens our nation. Their quiet consistency in giving creates ripple effects that benefit our entire society.”
The Directorate encourages widespread participation from individuals, families, and workplace groups, highlighting that preventive health measures require minimal time investment but can yield significant long-term health benefits through early detection and intervention.