NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of Health Dr. the Hon. Duane Sands said the Government is launching an initiative to increase community engagement for better health outcomes.

"There is no one who better knows what a community needs than those who make up that community.  The Ministry of Health is only there to assist and guide," Dr. Sands said at a press conference to announce the initiative at his office, Thursday, May 31, 2018.

He said the Ministry is piloting a program in the Eastern part of the island, specifically in Elizabeth Estates and surrounding areas, called the ‘Community Health Committee (CHC)’.

Dr. Sands applauded the work of Rev. Roderick Rolle, pastor of Believers Gospel Chapel on Prince Charles Drive, the Elizabeth CHC Choir, Ted Thompson and other Committee members.

"Now while I called believers Gospel, this is not limited to that religious organization.  We want all the members of the Elizabeth Community including Fox Hill, Eastwood, Colony Village, Sans Souci, Yamacraw, Star Estates and Nassau East to take part."

He said the Ministry's National HIV/AIDS program will also hold a community HIV testing event on the grounds of the Elizabeth Estates Clinic, Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

Dr. Sands said he will be there to get his early HIV test done.