By Christian Appleton
Harper, Maryland County – William V. S. Tubman University, through its College of Health Sciences, successfully hosted its 2026 Health Fair at the Tubman Pavilion in Harper, Maryland County, providing free healthcare services to hundreds of residents and members of the university community. Held under the theme, “Promoting Healthy Living through Prevention, Screening, and Education,” the one-day event ran from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and targeted students, faculty, staff, and the general public across Maryland County. The initiative was supported by the university administration, Partners In Health, the Maryland County Health Team, and students of the College of Health Sciences.
The fair was officially launched by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Rebecca Fe Gueta, who emphasized the university’s commitment to community health and preventive care. Participants benefited from a wide range of free health services, including blood pressure and blood sugar testing, malaria screening, weight measurement, Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation, family planning services, and counseling on stress, depression, and anxiety. Health education sessions were also conducted, while sanitary pads and condoms were distributed as part of the outreach.
Speaking at the event, Josiah Brown Wilson, an instructor in the Department of Public Health and Chair on Publicity for the 2026 Health Fair, emphasized the college’s responsibility beyond classroom instruction. Wilson stated that as a College of Health Sciences, they are not only there to train future healthcare providers but also to extend services to the community. He noted that they cannot remain within the university while people in surrounding communities lack access to essential healthcare. He remarked that although similar initiatives were previously conducted under the university clinic, this marks the first time the College of Health Sciences has independently organized such a large-scale outreach. According to him, the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to serving as a community-centered institution.
Wilson further stressed that healthcare is a universal human right and should be accessible to all, regardless of financial status. He added that the program will be sustained and expanded in the future. He noted that this initiative helps bridge the gap between quality healthcare services and underserved populations while also improving health-seeking behavior in the community. Also speaking, Amani Ade Neo, a faculty member of the College of Health Sciences, described the event as a success and praised the collective efforts of the administration, partners, faculty, and students. Neo expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her leadership.
Meanwhile, Reed J. Harmon II, President of the Student Government Association of Tubman University, welcomed the initiative and pledged continued student leadership support. He stated that health is wealth and affirmed that any effort that promotes the progress of Tubman University will always have their support, urging partners to help expand the initiative’s reach. Beneficiaries of the program also expressed appreciation for the outreach. Dr. Tukundane Benson, Dean of the College of Management and Administration, commended the initiative, noting that it promotes healthy living.
An elderly resident, Lucy F. Wilson, described the process as smooth and impactful, expressing thanks for the knowledge the students have gained and emphasizing the importance of education. Another resident, James T. Shannon of the Bishop Hill Community, highlighted the importance of having such services available locally. He noted that in the past, residents had to travel to Monrovia or other places for treatment, which is difficult for those without financial means. Mr. Anthony F. Doe Jr., of the university’s Financial Aid Office, encouraged regular health checkups and praised the administration for its support. He also acknowledged the growth of the university under the leadership of Dr. Olu Q. Menjay. The 2026 Health Fair stands as a significant step in strengthening community health outreach and reaffirming Tubman University’s role in promoting accessible healthcare in southeastern Liberia.