In the wake of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has initiated a swift health needs assessment across multiple parishes in Jamaica. The hurricane, which wreaked havoc on the island’s western and southern regions, has left a trail of destruction, particularly impacting public health infrastructure. CARPHA, in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), is spearheading this critical evaluation to pinpoint urgent recovery needs and strategize effective responses. Dr. Horace Cox, CARPHA’s Director of Surveillance, Prevention, and Disease Control, emphasized the agency’s role as the health lead within the Caribbean Community’s disaster response framework. ‘Our mission is to assess the damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa and map out the immediate health requirements of the affected communities,’ Dr. Cox stated. Preliminary findings reveal significant damage to peripheral health facilities, leading to service disruptions and relocations. Dr. Cox highlighted the heightened risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases due to compromised water, sanitation, and hygiene systems. ‘The scarcity of clean water and the proliferation of stagnant water pools pose serious health threats, including the spread of diarrheal diseases and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue,’ he explained. Despite these challenges, Dr. Cox lauded the resilience of healthcare workers and the coordinated efforts of local and regional systems. ‘The dedication of healthcare professionals, even in the face of personal losses, is truly inspiring,’ he remarked. CARPHA has mobilized nearly US$1 million to procure essential supplies, with initial shipments already delivered. The agency plans to deploy additional personnel next week to transition from assessment to implementation of support measures. The findings from this assessment will be presented to the Jamaican government, particularly the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), to inform national recovery plans. A briefing with national stakeholders was scheduled for Thursday evening to discuss the next steps in the recovery process.
分类： health
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Food Safety After the Storm
When a hurricane strikes, its impact goes beyond visible destruction, affecting health, safety, and food systems. In Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, storms like Hurricane Melissa underscore the critical need to integrate food safety and security into recovery plans. As communities rebuild, addressing these challenges becomes paramount.
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Thompson raises concern over ongoing bed shortage at Rand Memorial Hospital
A pressing healthcare crisis has emerged at Rand Memorial Hospital in East Grand Bahama, as MP Kwasi Thompson raised urgent concerns over severe bed shortages and prolonged delays in patient admissions. Thompson, alerted by a constituent, revealed that a family member had been stranded in the hospital’s accident and emergency (A&E) department for days, awaiting transfer to a proper ward. Describing the situation as “unacceptable,” Thompson highlighted overcrowding, inadequate bathroom facilities, and restricted visitation as critical issues. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville acknowledged the problem, labeling it as “cyclic” and apologizing to affected families. He explained that the A&E department often experiences periods of extreme overcrowding, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases. To address the crisis, the government has introduced virtual wards for patients requiring monitoring and is planning to construct two new hospitals. Prime Minister Philip Davis announced plans to seek parliamentary approval for a $230 million loan from the Chinese government to fund the new healthcare facilities, aiming to alleviate the strain on the current system.
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Israeli medical team arrives Thursday for post-hurricane humanitarian mission
A 40-member medical delegation from Israel is set to arrive in Jamaica on Thursday to support humanitarian relief efforts following the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa on parts of the island. This initiative, a collaborative effort between Israel’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was organized at the request of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. The mission seeks to bolster Jamaica’s national response by delivering specialized medical expertise and technical aid to the hardest-hit regions. Dr. Joseph Mendlovic, deputy director-general of Israel’s Ministry of Health, and Professor Ofer Marin, a globally renowned expert in disaster medicine and humanitarian field operations, will lead the delegation. According to Israel’s ambassador to Jamaica, Raslan Abu Rukun, the team will divide into two groups upon arrival, deploying to two hospitals in the affected areas. The delegation includes doctors, nurses, and paramedical professionals specializing in emergency medicine, paediatrics, women’s health, public health, and other critical fields. The team is expected to remain in Jamaica for two weeks, providing essential medical support to those impacted by the hurricane.
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Minimal Saharan Dust Keeps Antigua and Barbuda’s Air Quality at Safe Levels
Residents of Antigua and Barbuda continue to breathe easy as the air quality across the islands remains in the ‘good’ category this week. According to the latest bulletin from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, issued at 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday, only minimal traces of Saharan dust have been detected in the atmosphere. The Air Quality Index (AQI), which measures concentrations of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, currently ranges between 20 and 50, well within safe limits for the general population. Officials have confirmed that no health impacts are expected, and no immediate action is required. The alert level remains at Level I, the lowest on the scale. While the Meteorological Service acknowledged that sensitive groups, including individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, the elderly, and children, are typically more vulnerable during periods of elevated dust, current conditions pose no health risks. The islands’ favorable air quality underscores the absence of significant environmental concerns at this time.
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Pharmacist warns of chronic illness drug access challenges
A prominent figure in the pharmaceutical sector has raised concerns about the ongoing difficulties in delivering essential medications to patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Marlon Ward Rogers, President of the Barbados Pharmaceutical Society, highlighted the dual challenges of supply chain disruptions and escalating drug prices during a recent interview with Barbados TODAY. NCDs, which include conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, are responsible for 80% of deaths in the region, underscoring the urgency of addressing these issues. Ward Rogers emphasized the critical need for public awareness and patient education to ensure adherence to medication regimens and regular health check-ups. Despite these challenges, he assured that there is currently no shortage of drug supplies, though patients may face higher costs for certain medications. He attributed the intermittent shortages to global supply chain issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine. Ward Rogers also noted that while brand-name medications might occasionally be unavailable, generic alternatives often remain accessible. As he begins his new term leading the society, his focus will remain on advancing the pharmacy profession and ensuring patients receive optimal care, including through enhanced continuing education initiatives.
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Benches champion breastfeeding in public spaces
Barbados has taken a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers with the launch of a pioneering initiative last weekend. The Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Foundation (BCNF), in collaboration with Antilles Outdoor, introduced the country’s first series of public markers designed to promote breastfeeding awareness. Four vividly branded benches, each bearing the empowering message “See It. Support It,” have been installed at key locations including Belleville, Sunset Crest, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and Randall Phillips Polyclinic. These benches aim to normalize and celebrate public breastfeeding while emphasizing the importance of providing mothers with comfort, respect, and encouragement. Dr. Alison Bernard, executive director of BCNF, emphasized the initiative’s core message: “Every mother should feel confident and supported to feed her child wherever she needs to. These benches send a simple message: No judgment, no side eye; just see it and support it. When we support breastfeeding, we support families and strengthen our nation.” The project, part of the foundation’s #TakeASeatForBreastfeeding campaign, integrates community education with social media outreach and broader partnerships to create healthier environments for women and children. The public is encouraged to visit the benches, take photos, and share messages of support using hashtags like #NoSideEyeSupport and #FirstSeatForLife. Adam Gibbs, innovation director at Antilles Outdoor, highlighted the initiative’s broader significance: “Public spaces tell stories about who we are. By dedicating these benches to breastfeeding awareness, we’re helping make acceptance and inclusion a visible part of everyday life in Barbados.” The campaign aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, underscoring Barbados’ commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes through community action and education.
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Ministry of Health Continues Distribution of Prescription Glasses from Recent Health Fair
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced the ongoing distribution of prescription glasses for individuals who participated in the recent Health Fair. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to enhance access to quality healthcare and vision services for all citizens. Participants who underwent eye examinations during the Health Fair are urged to collect their glasses at the Ministry of Health Headquarters during specified hours. The collection schedule is as follows: Tuesday, November 5th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday, November 6th and Thursday, November 7th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Friday, November 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants must present a valid form of identification when collecting their glasses. The Ministry expressed its gratitude to all Health Fair participants and reiterated its dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and vision services for the community.
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Haiti announces measures to tackle cholera outbreak after Hurricane Melissa
Port-au-Prince, Haiti – In response to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Haiti’s Ministry of Health has unveiled a series of urgent measures to address escalating public health risks. The hurricane, which claimed 31 lives, left 20 injured, and 21 missing, has exacerbated existing health crises, including a surge in cholera cases and heightened threats of diarrheal diseases, typhoid, and malaria. Health Minister Sinal Bertrand highlighted the government’s focus on the most severely impacted regions, particularly the Great South, where emergency aid is being dispatched and damaged health facilities are undergoing repairs. To curb the spread of diseases, authorities are ramping up prevention campaigns emphasizing hygiene, food safety, and sanitation. Large-scale fumigation and waste cleanup operations are also underway in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. Since January, Haiti has reported 2,900 cholera cases, underscoring the critical need for clean water access, improved sanitation, and active citizen involvement. Additionally, the government is preparing to launch an HPV vaccination campaign aimed at safeguarding vulnerable adolescents from cervical cancer.
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CARPHA and UWI Step In to Support Jamaica
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has swiftly mobilized a high-level team to assist Jamaica. Led by Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar, the team includes representatives from CARICOM, CDEMA, the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology. Their primary objective is to assess and address the urgent public health needs across the island. Dr. Indar has already met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton to strategize CARPHA’s response. The team has also conducted visits to hospitals and shelters in the most severely affected parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, Hanover, and Westmoreland. Concurrently, the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, has rolled out a series of support measures for students impacted by the hurricane. These include the provision of safe spaces, psychosocial services, flexible academic arrangements, and a significant 50% tuition discount for the first semester. Additionally, face-to-face classes at the western campus have been postponed to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.