Health fair in a mosque: putting policy into practice

Towards the end of 2001, the Scottish Executive Health Department published a unique report, 'Fair for All', on the issue of addressing the health needs of ethnic minorities. One of the recommendations contained within the report was that different groups and organizations within communities should work together to provide services to minority groups. This descriptive paper is an illustration of how a settled community, in this case a Muslim community, was encouraged to become involved in its own health care by holding a health fair at its mosque.

The health fair was organized by the Minority Ethnic Health Inclusion Project, in collaboration with the Local Health Care Co-operative, and in co-operation with Edinburgh Central Mosque. The health fair was held over two consecutive Fridays in May 2003 and focused primarily on diabetes, high blood pressure, healthy eating and oral hygiene, as well as providing information on cancer and local community services.

The health fair was well received on both days, with around 200 men and 120 women participating. In total, there were 99 recorded blood pressure measurements and 81 blood glucose checks, and the community dental service was very well received.

Strong participation by the community shows that people from ethnic minorities are interested in their health and will participate in health-related activities arranged for them. The success of this health fair shows that, as proposed by the Scottish Executive, different groups and organizations within the community can work together to provide services to minority ethnic groups.