Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Nieuw informatiesysteem versterkt Surinames bewaking van diergezondheid

    Nieuw informatiesysteem versterkt Surinames bewaking van diergezondheid

    Suriname has taken a significant leap forward in animal disease monitoring and control with the development of a state-of-the-art Information System on Animal Health. This initiative, supported by Chilean expert José Ignacio Gomez, a specialist in surveillance systems, aims to significantly enhance the nation’s ability to track and manage animal diseases. A dedicated team from the Directorate of Livestock has recently completed training in data analysis, epidemiological assessment, and disease management, equipping them with the necessary expertise to operate the new system effectively. Dr. Gomez highlighted the team’s transformation from novices to experts, stating, ‘The surveillance team had no prior experience but is now fully proficient.’

    A robust surveillance program is critical for any country, not only facilitating cross-border trade in animal products but also safeguarding the economy. The outbreak of animal diseases can lead to skyrocketing food prices and substantial economic losses, making early detection and expert intervention essential. The urgency to remain vigilant has grown as exotic animal diseases edge closer to Suriname. Three severe diseases—Avian Influenza in poultry, African Swine Fever in pigs, and Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle—are already present in various Caribbean, South, and Central American countries. In response, Dr. Gomez and the surveillance team have developed a national emergency plan to address potential outbreaks swiftly.

    Additionally, the team has crafted a comprehensive preparedness plan for critical animal diseases. The implementation of the new animal health and disease surveillance information system marks a significant milestone, with Dr. Gomez noting that only a few well-developed countries possess similar systems. ‘The system is implemented, operational, and user-friendly,’ he emphasized. The platform can be updated anytime, from any location, and is accessible exclusively to authorized users.

    With these advancements, Suriname is leading the Caribbean region in modern animal disease surveillance, bolstering its readiness to combat potential outbreaks effectively.

  • A Baby’s Fight to Survive, Celebrating World Prematurity Day

    A Baby’s Fight to Survive, Celebrating World Prematurity Day

    On November 17, 2025, the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was adorned in purple to mark World Prematurity Day, a global observance honoring the strength of premature infants and their families. The event highlighted the remarkable journeys of babies who have overcome immense challenges, showcasing their resilience and the unwavering support of healthcare professionals. Among the stories shared was that of Jonathan Villanueva, who, two years ago, weighed just 1.5 pounds when born at six months. His father, Jonathan Villanueva Sr., recounted the harrowing experience of watching his son fight for survival in the NICU. Despite ongoing health complications, Jonathan’s progress has been a source of inspiration for his family. The hospital’s dedicated staff, particularly the NICU nurses, played a pivotal role in his recovery. Rocio Brown, a NICU nurse, emphasized the comprehensive care provided to these vulnerable infants, from monitoring vital signs to ensuring their gradual transition off ventilators. Another story of triumph was that of eight-month-old Avyannah Slusher, who spent a month in the NICU. Her mother, Nia Thompson, expressed profound gratitude for the hospital’s compassionate care. The NICU operates on three levels, with Level 3 catering to the most critical cases. Nurse Brown described the emotional reward of seeing babies thrive and return home. Currently, 17 infants remain in the NICU, each fighting for a chance at a future. World Prematurity Day serves as a reminder of the importance of specialized care and the resilience of these tiny warriors.

  • Antigua and Barbuda to Host First Public HIV Awareness Symposium As Cases Rise

    Antigua and Barbuda to Host First Public HIV Awareness Symposium As Cases Rise

    Antigua and Barbuda is set to hold its inaugural public HIV symposium on November 26, as health authorities aim to tackle a concerning uptick in new infections. The event, organized by the AIDS Secretariat, carries the theme “Overcoming Disturbances, Transforming the AIDS Response,” and seeks to enhance public awareness and reinforce prevention strategies. This initiative follows the detection of approximately 25 new HIV cases earlier this year, signaling a worrying reversal after years of declining infection rates. Dr. Maria Pereira, Clinical Care Coordinator, emphasized that the symposium will foster open dialogue. “We’re going to be engaging directly with the public. They’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers on any concerns they may have,” she stated. This marks a significant departure from previous years, where such sessions were exclusively tailored for healthcare professionals. Dr. Pereira attributed the recent surge in infections to unprotected sexual activity and urged residents to undergo regular testing. She highlighted that HIV testing is accessible daily at the AIDS Secretariat or through private providers, with a quick and straightforward pinprick procedure taking just 15 to 20 minutes. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 462-5975. Dr. Pereira also underscored the importance of sustained educational efforts, particularly among younger demographics, to reverse the current trend. The symposium will convene at the Multipurpose Centre and will feature presentations from leading healthcare practitioners.

  • TinyHope Marks Prematurity Awareness Day with Call for Greater Support for Preterm Families

    TinyHope Marks Prematurity Awareness Day with Call for Greater Support for Preterm Families

    TinyHope, a local support group dedicated to families of preterm infants, has united with the global community to mark Prematurity Awareness Day 2025. This year’s theme, ‘Give preterm babies a strong start for a hopeful future,’ underscores the importance of early intervention and compassionate care for these vulnerable newborns. In a heartfelt statement, the organization emphasized that even the smallest beginnings warrant steadfast support and opportunities to flourish. TinyHope, renowned for its guidance and emotional assistance to parents facing the challenges of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), reaffirmed its mission to enhance community awareness and build meaningful connections among families impacted by prematurity. The group aspires to ignite awareness, fortify community bonds, and inspire conversations that empower parents throughout their journey, even after leaving the NICU. Honoring the ‘brave little fighters’ and the families and healthcare teams who nurture them, TinyHope expressed profound gratitude for their resilience, stating, ‘Your strength lights the path toward brighter tomorrows.’ The organization pledged its unwavering support, both now and in the future, through its network of dedicated support members.

  • Pancreatic cancer: Silent nature, growing threat

    Pancreatic cancer: Silent nature, growing threat

    Trinidad and Tobago is grappling with the devastating loss of Alexandra Kong, a 24-year-old fourth-year medical student at the University of the West Indies (UWI), who succumbed to pancreatic cancer on November 5. Her untimely death has sparked a national conversation about one of the deadliest and most elusive forms of cancer, drawing attention to the urgent need for awareness, early detection, and improved treatment options.

    Dr. Fawwaz Mohammed, a renowned hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon with 18 years of experience, provided critical insights into the disease. He explained that the pancreas, located behind the stomach, plays a dual role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatic cancer arises from uncontrolled cell growth, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounting for 95% of cases globally and in Trinidad and Tobago.

    Risk factors include smoking, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, heavy alcohol use, age over 60, and family history. However, the disease’s silent progression and the pancreas’ deep abdominal location make early detection challenging. Symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss often appear only in advanced stages.

    Despite the lack of a reliable screening test, Trinidad and Tobago boasts advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, including CT scans, MRI, and the complex Whipple’s procedure. Dr. Mohammed emphasized the importance of lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and public education campaigns similar to those for breast cancer.

    Looking ahead, advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and genetics offer hope for improved outcomes. Minimally invasive robotic surgeries, 3D/4D imaging, and innovative chemotherapeutic drugs are transforming cancer care. Dr. Mohammed remains optimistic, urging early detection and a holistic approach to health to combat this silent killer.

  • US delivers HIV prevention drug to two African states

    US delivers HIV prevention drug to two African states

    In a significant move to combat HIV in Africa, the United States has initiated the delivery of Lenacapavir, a revolutionary injectable treatment, to Eswatini and Zambia. This development comes despite President Donald Trump’s substantial reductions in global aid earlier this year. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Gilead Sciences, the pharmaceutical company behind the drug. Approximately 1,000 doses have already been dispatched, with administration set to commence this week, according to Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. Jeremy Lewin, a State Department aid coordinator, revealed plans to fund two million doses for low- and middle-income African nations, aiming for completion by 2028, potentially as early as mid-2027. Lenacapavir, requiring only biannual administration, marks a significant advancement over daily pill regimens, offering a promising reduction in new HIV infections, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women. Despite the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to foreign aid and HIV/AIDS prevention programs, this initiative underscores a targeted approach to health assistance. Gilead Sciences’ Chairman and CEO, Daniel O’Day, highlighted the historic nature of this rollout, noting it as the first instance of a medication being introduced in Africa the same year it was approved in the US. However, this effort is shadowed by grim forecasts regarding the impact of reduced global aid, with experts predicting an additional 22.6 million preventable deaths by 2030 due to aid cuts by the US and European countries.

  • Syphilis rise among pregnant women

    Syphilis rise among pregnant women

    A concerning spike in syphilis infections among pregnant women has been revealed by Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh, a prominent obstetrician and gynaecologist, during a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) event. The ceremony, held at the Health Ministry’s headquarters in Port of Spain on November 18, marked the handover of telehealth kits and computers to support efforts to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of diseases. Dr. Sirjusingh highlighted that the number of cases has surged dramatically, with nearly 200 cases reported this year compared to the usual 30 to 40 cases annually. The ministry is now investigating the underlying causes of this resurgence and implementing strategies to enhance treatment and reduce transmission. Dr. Sirjusingh emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment with penicillin, which can effectively prevent complications if administered at least six weeks before delivery. He urged pregnant women to seek early antenatal care to ensure timely testing and treatment. Syphilis, often asymptomatic in women, can lead to severe outcomes such as miscarriage, foetal death, and long-term developmental issues in infants. While maternal HIV cases have declined due to robust healthcare programmes, the rise in syphilis cases, including among children, remains a pressing concern. PAHO initiatives are ongoing to validate progress in eliminating mother-to-child transmission, but the increasing number of detected cases underscores the need for heightened public health efforts.

  • Bodoe: Couva hospital may open by end of 2025

    Bodoe: Couva hospital may open by end of 2025

    Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe has acknowledged the ongoing shortage of nurses in Trinidad and Tobago but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to opening the Couva Children’s Hospital. Speaking in response to queries about the facility’s readiness, Bodoe stated, “A plan is in place, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks.” This follows Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath’s announcement on November 15 that the hospital is expected to admit its first group of young patients soon. Padarath made the remarks during his feature address at Bachhe Kaand 2025: The Children’s Chapter. However, Idi Stuart, president of the National Nursing Association, has raised concerns about staffing shortages, warning that opening a new hospital could strain resources and compromise patient care. When asked about Stuart’s concerns, Bodoe acknowledged the nurse shortage but emphasized ongoing efforts to address it through training and recruitment. He assured that all necessary resources, both human and material, would be allocated appropriately. Bodoe clarified that the hospital is not yet operational and confirmed that no patients are currently being treated there. He expressed hope for the facility’s opening by the end of the year, pending favorable conditions. The Couva Hospital, initially opened ceremoniously in August 2015 by then-Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has been a subject of political contention since its inception. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was repurposed as a treatment facility. Developed in partnership with Shanghai Construction Group International (Caribbean) Ltd., the hospital was designed to provide advanced medical services and support training in medicine, nursing, pharmacology, and optometry. The facility features two three-storey towers with a combined 230 beds, diagnostic and imaging units, surgical theaters, and a helipad for emergency airlifts. The initial reported cost of the project was $1.6 billion.

  • Dermatology Solutions Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation, Growth, and Beauty

    Dermatology Solutions Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation, Growth, and Beauty

    Dermatology Solutions has recently introduced the groundbreaking Cool 360 Body Contouring device, marking a significant leap in non-surgical body sculpting. This state-of-the-art technology surpasses traditional cool contouring methods by delivering superior fat reduction and more precise body shaping, ensuring clients achieve enhanced results with unmatched comfort and efficiency. The device exemplifies the clinic’s commitment to integrating advanced technology with clinical expertise. Beyond this innovation, Dermatology Solutions continues to broaden its extensive range of treatments, which span medical and surgical dermatology to a diverse array of aesthetic therapies. Services include consultations, chemical peels, Vibraderm microdermabrasion, facials, massages, and skin surgeries, all conducted by highly skilled professionals. The clinic also offers a variety of cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, microneedling, electrocautery, and advanced Aerolase laser treatments. Dr. Arusha Campbell-Chambers, the clinic’s principal, emphasized the importance of personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique skin journey. She highlighted the clinic’s dedication to staying at the forefront of dermatological advancements, ensuring results-driven treatments aligned with international standards. The clinic recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, with notable figures such as Dr. Horace Chang, Deputy Prime Minister, and Jason Russell, President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, commending its achievements. Dermatology Solutions remains a trusted destination for those seeking both medical precision and cosmetic rejuvenation.

  • Adrian Richardson Hosts Second Annual Health Fair in St. Phillip South

    Adrian Richardson Hosts Second Annual Health Fair in St. Phillip South

    On Sunday, November 16, 2025, Adrian Richardson, the ABLP’s political aspirant for St. Phillip South, spearheaded his second annual Health Fair at the St. Phillips Village Playing Field. Addressing prevalent health issues within the constituency, Richardson highlighted the alarming rates of diabetes and mental health conditions. Known as the ‘Action Man,’ Richardson emphasized that adopting healthier eating habits and regular exercise could significantly mitigate the impact of diabetes, asserting that it need not be a lifelong burden. He also pointed out that stress is a critical factor exacerbating mental health issues, urging the community to reduce exposure to negativity and foster environments that promote positive growth. The event featured a team of healthcare professionals from the American University of Antigua, including Ms. Chaniel Imhoff, who specialize in mental health, nutrition, and general health. Richardson, who has a strong religious background, has consistently advocated for a healthier, more positive lifestyle. He concluded by encouraging everyone to prioritize their health, stating that without it, all other aspects of life lose their value.