Community Health Screening and Awareness Program Empowers Elders in Paddipalai with The Aram Initiative

As part of our Health Enhancement Pillar, Vanni Hope, in partnership with The Aram Initiative, recently completed a dedicated Health Screening and Awareness Program for elders living in the remote Mahiladitheevu village in the Paddipalai Division of Batticaloa District.

This one-day program brought together medical officers, public health inspectors, field health workers and dental professionals & students to deliver free health and dental checks for elders who rarely have access to regular medical or dental care.

Early Detection for Better Wellbeing

The initiative reached 175 elderly people, each receiving a comprehensive check-up that included blood pressure measurement, blood sugar testing, BMI and waist circumference checks, vision testing, mobility tests and dental screening.

Many elders in rural areas live with untreated health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and poor oral health, which can have a huge impact on overall wellbeing. By providing individual health assessments, dental checks and written reports, the program helped elders understand their health status and take simple steps to improve it. Those with concerns were referred to local health services for further evaluation and treatment.

Free Dental Checks Make a Big Difference

Dental care is often overlooked in rural areas. For many elders, this program was the first time they had their teeth and gums checked by a dental professional in years. Basic dental checks help identify problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral pain that can impact nutrition and quality of life.

By providing this free service alongside general health checks, the program offered truly whole-person care, ensuring elders could get practical advice and referrals to maintain both physical and dental health.

Supporting Rural Health with Global Partnerships

This project demonstrates how partnerships between local healthcare staff and young adults from The Aram Initiative, part of the Sri Lankan diaspora in the UK, can provide meaningful support to individuals who are often overlooked.

Volunteers from The Aram Initiative supported the Vanni Hope team in organising and running the day’s program, helping connect village elders with younger generations who care deeply about the future of their communities.

The local Ministry of Health Office and its dedicated PHIs and dental assistants ensured that medical and dental care reached every elder mobilised for screening.

Small Steps, Big Change

Beyond medical and dental checks, elders had the opportunity to learn about simple, healthy habits to prevent chronic diseases and protect their teeth and gums. In remote communities like Mahiladitheevu, awareness like this can be life-changing and help prevent hospital visits and long-term pain.

Our Gratitude

Vanni Hope extends heartfelt thanks to The Aram Initiative for partnering with us on this important program, and to the local health and dental staff for delivering respectful community care that values every older person.

Together, we are building healthier communities, one check up at a time.