Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Minister of Health Receives IAPB Leadership During Official Visit

    Minister of Health Receives IAPB Leadership During Official Visit

    In a significant diplomatic engagement, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Sir Molwyn Joseph, convened with top executives from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) at the Ministry’s Headquarters. The high-level discussion featured IAPB CEO Peter Holland and Communications Director Simon Darvill, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s health diplomacy agenda.

    The high-level consultation serves as a cornerstone of the delegation’s official visit to the Caribbean nation, strategically timed ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026 (CHOGM 2026) and its accompanying Global Summit for Eye Health. Scheduled for global launch on March 4, 2026, the Summit will position Antigua and Barbuda at the forefront of international eye health advocacy.

    Minister Joseph articulated his administration’s unwavering dedication to establishing ocular health as both a national priority and regional imperative. His comprehensive vision emphasized three critical pillars: preventive measures, early detection protocols, and the seamless incorporation of vision care services into primary healthcare systems. The Minister underscored that the country’s participation in the Global Summit demonstrates its proactive stance in combating preventable blindness and visual impairment challenges.

    IAPB leadership applauded the Minister’s pioneering efforts in elevating Antigua and Barbuda’s profile as a vocal proponent for vision health within Commonwealth networks and global health circles. Mr. Darvill emphasized the crucial importance of strategic partnerships and political commitment in achieving the Summit’s objectives and sustaining long-term initiatives.

    The meeting also featured contributions from key government officials including Senator Michael Joseph (Minister of State), Permanent Secretary Mrs. Stacey Gregg-Paige, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro, who provided valuable insights regarding policy harmonization and execution strategies.

    The Ministry anticipates strengthened collaboration with IAPB as preparatory activities accelerate for both CHOGM 2026 and the landmark Global Summit for Eye Health, signaling a new chapter in international health cooperation.

  • Stichting Lobi 58 jaar: focus op preventie, jongeren en uitbreiding SRHR-zorg

    Stichting Lobi 58 jaar: focus op preventie, jongeren en uitbreiding SRHR-zorg

    Suriname’s pioneering sexual and reproductive health institution, Stichting Lobi Health Center (SLHC), celebrates 58 years of service while announcing significant expansions to its preventive healthcare offerings. The organization revealed during its anniversary commemorations that it will introduce Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and launch innovative HPV self-testing kits for cervical cancer screening.

    Established on February 29, 1968, as a family planning initiative, Lobi has evolved into a multidisciplinary public health center that now serves tens of thousands of clients annually through preventive care, testing, counseling, health education, and training programs. The institution has maintained its pioneering role in providing accessible Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, ranging from contraception and HIV testing to comprehensive cervical cancer screening.

    The organization’s impact extends beyond clinical services to include youth education, women’s empowerment programs, and support for vulnerable populations. Lobi also contributes significantly to national policy development in the SRHR sector, aligning its mission with both Sustainable Development Goals and Suriname’s national health priorities.

    Currently operating outreach services across nine of Suriname’s ten districts, Lobi is intensifying its focus on prevention and early detection. The introduction of qualitative HPV self-collection tests aims to increase screening participation by reducing accessibility barriers. Meanwhile, the PrEP initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to HIV prevention in the region.

    General Director Nensy Bandhoe characterized the anniversary as both a reflective moment and a renewal of commitment. “We continue building toward a Suriname where every individual has access to respectful, quality sexual and reproductive healthcare, with emphasis on privacy and confidentiality,” Bandhoe stated.

    The organization acknowledged its collaborative partners, including the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor, PAHO, UNFPA, and other cooperating organizations. Demonstrating its operational effectiveness, Lobi’s team screened nearly 700 women for high-risk HPV types within just three days in late January—a achievement that underscores the critical importance of preventive healthcare initiatives.

  • Opleiding Jeugdtandverzorging 50 jaar: fundament van tandheelkundige zorg

    Opleiding Jeugdtandverzorging 50 jaar: fundament van tandheelkundige zorg

    Suriname’s pioneering Youth Dental Care Foundation (Stichting Jeugdtandverzorging) marks a significant milestone this year, celebrating five decades of transforming oral healthcare accessibility across the nation. Established on March 1, 1976, this innovative training program emerged from Suriname’s healthcare restructuring initiatives that identified critical shortages in dental professionals.

    The foundation’s journey began through a collaborative partnership with Amsterdam’s Free University, launching a groundbreaking three-year higher professional education program. This initiative specifically targeted providing comprehensive preventive and curative dental services for children and adolescents aged 0-18 years. The program’s institutional framework solidified in 1980 with the formal establishment of the Youth Dental Care Foundation, which became the primary employer for graduates.

    A substantial evolution occurred in 2004 when statutory amendments expanded treatment eligibility to include adult patients, significantly broadening the foundation’s community impact. This expansion received further legal reinforcement through the 2007 Youth Dental Care Practitioners Act, which formally defined professional competencies and scope of practice.

    The most transformative development came in 2016 when the program evolved into a four-year Bachelor of Science degree, redesignating graduates as Oral Health Therapists. This professional designation achieved legal recognition through amendments to the Medical Professions Practice Act in 2022, with the entire program receiving ministerial endorsement from the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in early 2026.

    These dental professionals deliver comprehensive services including school-based health education, preventive treatments such as dental sealants, periodic examinations, hygienic procedures, restorative dentistry, and extractions (excluding wisdom teeth). The growing workforce has enabled service expansion into previously underserved regions including Nickerie, Para, and Sipaliwini districts.

    The foundation currently pursues accreditation from NOVA, aiming to further enhance educational quality standards and potentially establish advanced dental training pathways within Suriname. Presently, the Oral Health Therapist program remains the country’s sole dental training institution, maintaining its vital role in addressing national oral healthcare needs.

  • Directorate of Gender Affairs Invites the Public to Free “Give to Gain” Health Fair

    Directorate of Gender Affairs Invites the Public to Free “Give to Gain” Health Fair

    The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA), in partnership with the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS), will host a comprehensive “Give to Gain” Health Fair on March 6, 2026, as a centerpiece of International Women’s Day Week celebrations. The event will take place at the DoGA headquarters on Friendly Alley, St. John’s, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with free admission for all community members regardless of gender.

    The fair will commence with a special recognition ceremony honoring four young female philanthropists whose community service embodies the “Give to Gain” philosophy. This plaque presentation ceremony will spotlight women whose contributions have significantly benefited Antiguan society, with organizers encouraging early attendance to show support for these awardees.

    Attendees will have access to an extensive array of preventive health services including HIV/AIDS testing, HPV vaccinations, cervical cancer registration, and basic health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI, and cholesterol levels. The event aims to remove barriers to healthcare access by bringing essential medical services directly to the community.

    Jamie Saunder, Director of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, emphasized the event’s dual purpose: “This initiative not only provides critical health services but also celebrates the often unrecognized women whose generosity strengthens our nation. Their quiet consistency in giving creates ripple effects that benefit our entire society.”

    The Directorate encourages widespread participation from individuals, families, and workplace groups, highlighting that preventive health measures require minimal time investment but can yield significant long-term health benefits through early detection and intervention.

  • Saharan dust pushes air quality to moderate levels in Antigua and Barbuda

    Saharan dust pushes air quality to moderate levels in Antigua and Barbuda

    The Meteorological Services of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a significant air quality advisory, forecasting a deterioration to moderate levels beginning Monday afternoon and persisting through Tuesday. This environmental development stems from heightened concentrations of Saharan dust particles originating from North Africa.

    According to the official bulletin released Sunday at 11:45 p.m., this episode represents the fourth substantial influx of Saharan dust to impact the island nation in 2026. Meteorological experts project the Air Quality Index (AQI) to register between 51 and 80 during this period, triggering an official Air Pollution Alert Level II designation across the country.

    While health authorities indicate that the general population faces minimal health risks, the advisory specifically highlights potential moderate health concerns for unusually sensitive demographic groups. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, along with those diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases, are identified as particularly vulnerable. The elderly and children also fall into elevated risk categories during this air quality event.

    The national meteorological agency emphasized that overall air quality remains within acceptable parameters, though certain pollutants may present moderate health implications for a limited segment of the population exceptionally sensitive to air pollution exposure.

    Public health recommendations accompanying the alert advise active children and adults, plus individuals with respiratory conditions, to consciously reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors until air quality conditions improve. Meteorological officials continue to monitor atmospheric conditions and will provide updates as the situation evolves.

  • GFNC warns: Do not trust the taste-test

    GFNC warns: Do not trust the taste-test

    The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has issued a critical public health advisory warning parents and caregivers against the dangers of serving alcohol-containing beverages to children. The council emphasized that using taste-testing alone to determine alcohol content is dangerously unreliable, as an adult’s alcohol tolerance differs significantly from a child’s physiological capacity.

    According to the GFNC, beverages with any detectable alcohol content—ranging from minimal 0.5% to concentrations exceeding 10%—are inappropriate for children and should never be provided to minors below the legal drinking age. The advisory specifically directs parents, guardians, vendors, and school administrators to meticulously examine beverage labels to ensure complete absence of alcohol before serving drinks to children.

    The health authority highlighted neurodevelopmental concerns, noting that human brain development continues into the mid-20s, making alcohol exposure particularly harmful during childhood and adolescence. The GFNC strongly recommends that adults consistently select alcohol-free alternatives for children and verify product labeling during purchases.

    The council encourages public engagement through its official website (https://gfnc.gov.gd/about-us/) and social media channels (https://linktr.ee/473GFNC) for additional nutritional guidance. The announcement concludes with GFNC’s foundational message: ‘Eat Local: Strengthen Food and Nutrition Security in Grenada.’

  • GFNC: Poor handling of fish leads to nutrient loss and illness

    GFNC: Poor handling of fish leads to nutrient loss and illness

    The Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) has released comprehensive guidance on maximizing the health benefits of the nation’s abundant seafood supply. Grenada’s waters provide a diverse array of species including yellowfin and blackfin tuna, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, marlin, and various shellfish such as lobster and shrimp. These marine resources offer substantial nutritional value through high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular and cognitive health, and essential vitamins that support immune function.

    The Council emphasizes that these health benefits can only be preserved through proper handling techniques from point of purchase to preparation. Unlike many other food products, fish is particularly susceptible to rapid quality deterioration due to bacterial proliferation and enzymatic activity when exposed to elevated temperatures.

    Critical recommendations include transporting freshly purchased fish in insulated coolers with adequate ice to maintain temperatures below 4°C during transit. This initial chilling phase represents one of the most effective interventions for preventing nutrient degradation and reducing foodborne illness risks.

    Upon reaching the kitchen, immediate processing is advised. Fish should be cleaned, portioned, and either refrigerated near 0°C or frozen at -18°C without delay. Temperature control remains paramount throughout handling, as pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and Aeromonas pose significant health threats if allowed to multiply.

    The GFNC addresses seasoning practices, noting that while immediate pre-cooking seasoning generally yields optimal texture and flavor, pre-seasoning before freezing can be safe if performed hygienically and followed by immediate freezing. Research cited from the International Journal of Food Science & Technology indicates that certain herbs and spices—including thyme, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and rosemary—may provide additional preservation benefits through their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties during chilled storage.

    The Council frames proper fish handling not merely as a culinary concern but as a fundamental public health investment. When handled correctly, Grenada’s seafood resources represent a powerful nutritional asset for building healthy families and communities.

  • VMS slaat alarm over besteding SZF-middelen

    VMS slaat alarm over besteding SZF-middelen

    Suriname’s healthcare system faces a deepening structural crisis as the Association of Medical Professionals (VMS) reveals serious concerns regarding financial management and governance within the State Hospital Fund (SZF). The alarming disclosures center on questionable financial arrangements and the hiring of highly-paid advisors without direct patient care value, raising fundamental questions about priorities and internal controls within the organization.

    Against the backdrop of an already strained healthcare infrastructure, these developments strike at the core of trust and accountable governance. The system has been significantly weakened by chronic shortages of medications and medical supplies, logistical challenges, and the continuous exodus of qualified healthcare personnel seeking opportunities abroad. Patients experience the consequences of these systemic failures on a daily basis.

    The VMS emphasizes that in a period of scarce resources where healthcare institutions struggle to maintain basic facilities, any expenditure not directly contributing to patient care becomes difficult to justify. Both management and board members responsible for appointments and function acceptances within SZF must be fully accountable for their complex and responsible tasks, particularly regarding the proper allocation of precious resources.

    The fund serves approximately 80% of insured individuals in Suriname, handling billions of Surinamese dollars annually. The association expresses particular concern about the oversight mechanisms of the fund while healthcare quality continues to deteriorate under persistent pressure.

    The medical association calls for organizational strengthening of SZF through the inclusion of expert professionals with demonstrated financial and administrative experience, coupled with deep understanding of healthcare practice. Responsible and well-considered policy choices must remain central to any reform efforts.

    Transparency, professionalism, and collaboration with all stakeholders are identified as essential components for restoring confidence in the system. The VMS has expressed its commitment to actively contribute to necessary reforms aimed at creating an effective, sustainable, and equitable healthcare system for Suriname.

  • Dementia patient goes missing from hospital

    Dementia patient goes missing from hospital

    A Bahamian family has leveled serious negligence allegations against Princess Margaret Hospital following the disappearance of their 72-year-old dementia patient relative shortly after admission. Felix Beneby, who was hospitalized on Saturday morning for hernia complications and scheduled for surgery, mysteriously left the medical facility without staff detection and was later discovered at his sister’s residence approximately 3.4 miles away.

    According to family accounts, Mr. Beneby was admitted through emergency services following a four-hour ambulance delay. His son, Solomon Beneby, expressed profound distress over the incident, highlighting that hospital staff allegedly knew about the disappearance during Saturday evening yet failed to notify relatives until Sunday morning.

    The family’s concerns are compounded by the patient’s critical medical condition. “The emotional and psychological trauma currently being experienced by my family cannot be expressed in words,” stated Solomon Beneby. “To walk at night from PMH to Malcolm Road with a hernia pending surgery scheduled for Monday, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of each step on that uneven path.”

    Medical professionals familiar with such cases note that hernia patients typically require careful monitoring as displacement of stabilizing devices could trigger severe internal bleeding. The family now demands explanations regarding security protocols and communication procedures that allowed the vulnerable patient to exit unnoticed and why emergency contacts weren’t immediately notified.

    The Public Hospitals Authority has not responded to media inquiries regarding the incident. This event has reignited existing concerns about patient safety standards at the Nassau-based healthcare facility, marking another episode in ongoing scrutiny of the institution’s care protocols.

  • LAC advances in eradicating hunger for the fourth consecutive year

    LAC advances in eradicating hunger for the fourth consecutive year

    A landmark collaborative report reveals that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has achieved a notable reduction in undernourishment for the fourth consecutive year. According to the 2025 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition, the prevalence of hunger has declined to 5.1% of the regional population in 2024, marking a substantial improvement from the 6.1% peak recorded in 2020. This progress translates to 6.2 million fewer individuals experiencing food deprivation across the region.

    The comprehensive assessment, jointly produced by five United Nations agencies including FAO, IFAD, PAHO/WHO, WFP, and UNICEF, highlights particularly impressive advancements in South America. This subregion has achieved an average hunger prevalence of just 3.8%, reflecting a reduction of nearly one percentage point between 2022 and 2024. Several nations including Brazil, Costa Rica, Guyana, and Uruguay have emerged as regional leaders with hunger rates falling below 2.5%, while Chile and Mexico approach this benchmark.

    Despite these encouraging developments, the report underscores persistent disparities. The Caribbean subregion continues to face severe challenges, with hunger affecting 17.5% of its population, largely driven by Haiti’s alarming 54.2% undernourishment rate. Moderate or severe food insecurity impacted 25.2% of LAC’s population in 2024, showing improvement from the 2020 peak of 33.7% yet remaining concerning. A significant gender gap persists, with food insecurity rates 5.3 percentage points higher among women compared to men.

    The analysis further reveals a complex nutritional landscape where progress coexists with serious public health challenges. While stunting among children under five has decreased to 12.4%, adult obesity rates have doubled since 2000, now affecting nearly 30% of the population. The region faces the highest global cost for a healthy diet at $5.16 per day, though affordability has improved slightly with 15.4 million more people able to access nutritious food compared to 2021.

    UN officials emphasize that despite measurable progress, profound inequalities continue to affect vulnerable populations. Rocío Medina Bolívar of IFAD noted that ‘women and rural communities experience higher levels of food insecurity,’ urging targeted investments in rural development. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa highlighted the need to transform food environments dominated by ultra-processed products, while UNICEF’s Roberto Benes called for strengthened multisectoral systems to address the region’s complex nutrition challenges.