Barbados is on track to become the 12th Caribbean nation to achieve official recognition for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by the end of 2025. This milestone follows a pre-assessment conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), which highlighted significant progress and dedication across the island’s healthcare system. The certification process, expected to conclude by year-end, mirrors successful efforts in Belize, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024. Cuba set the precedent a decade ago as the first country globally to eliminate both HIV and syphilis transmission from mother to child. Last week, a PAHO team, accompanied by a regional laboratory expert, collaborated with Barbados’ national health team to conduct a comprehensive pre-assessment. The review, designed to identify gaps and challenges, included visits to key health facilities such as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, polyclinics, and private medical centers. The delegation evaluated services for pregnant and lactating women, inspected laboratories, and reviewed HIV services, maternal and child clinics, vaccination programs, and disease surveillance systems. Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it reflects the strength of Barbados’ HIV and maternal health services and its commitment to ensuring every child has a healthy start in life. PAHO’s support aims to strengthen health systems, promote health equity, and prevent missed opportunities for disease prevention. WHO certification confirms a country’s ability to deliver high-quality, accessible care to pregnant women and newborns, safeguarding them from HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B transmission.
分类： health
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Free mammograms now available for eligible polyclinic patients
In a significant move to address healthcare accessibility, the Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme has introduced free mammograms for patients at polyclinics across the island who cannot afford the service. This initiative, announced by Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, the Medical Coordinator of the Programme, follows recent donations that have made this life-saving service possible. The announcement was made during the CIBC Walk for the Cure event at Warrens on Sunday. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo emphasized that financial barriers have long prevented many women from accessing essential breast screenings, a concern that prompted the launch of this programme. ‘There are no free mammograms on the island, and that has always been a concern,’ she stated. ‘Many women feel they cannot approach the Cancer Society for help, so they remain untreated.’ The programme has now allocated free mammograms to ten polyclinics, with each facility receiving ten screenings initially. Nurses at these clinics will identify and assist patients who cannot afford the service, ensuring broader access to early detection. In addition to this initiative, Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo highlighted improvements in cancer care services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). The Oncology Department, which previously could only treat six patients daily, will soon expand its capacity to 14 patients per day, thanks to the donation of seven new chairs. This expansion is expected to reduce the chemotherapy waiting list from two and a half months to just two weeks, significantly improving patient outcomes. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo expressed optimism about the impact of these changes, stating, ‘These improvements will make a real difference for patients who are already dealing with the stress of a cancer diagnosis.’
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QEH begins transition to digital medical records
Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to transition from paper-based patient files to secure electronic medical records accessible via mobile phones. This digital overhaul, unveiled on the hospital’s weekly Pulse Radio Show, aims to enhance healthcare efficiency, security, and patient accessibility. Dr. Christine Greenidge, Chief Operations Officer at QEH, detailed the plan, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize patient care. ‘We are working on our digital transformation, where patients will soon be able to access their medical records directly on their mobile devices using a private password,’ she explained. The system will also enable patients to safely share their records with private physicians, particularly beneficial for those traveling abroad. Dr. Greenidge highlighted the importance of supporting elderly patients or those less familiar with technology, suggesting that family members or next of kin assist in navigating the system. Public education programs will be rolled out to ensure widespread adoption. The initiative has already seen progress with the introduction of self-registration in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, a move Dr. Greenidge likened to the modernization of immigration services. ‘Just as passport control has become more efficient, our A&E services are now more timely and digital,’ she noted. This transformation is expected to streamline healthcare delivery, reduce paperwork, and improve overall patient experience.
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Antigua Designated as Caribbean’s First “Blind-Free Zone”
Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant milestone in public health by becoming the Caribbean’s first ‘Blind-Free Zone.’ This pioneering initiative, announced by Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, aims to eradicate preventable blindness through comprehensive eye screenings and early treatment for residents. The announcement was made during the reopening of the Cobbs Cross Clinic, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding community health services. The project, spearheaded by Ambassador Aubrey Webson and supported by the Ministry of Health, will provide free eye screenings, diagnoses, and follow-up care to residents in a designated zone stretching from Jennings to Cobbs Cross. The initiative targets conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which are leading causes of preventable blindness. Minister Joseph emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare, stating that local clinics will be equipped with the necessary infrastructure to ensure residents can protect their vision without traveling far. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance primary healthcare, including the renovation of 17 of the country’s 23 community clinics and the expansion of diagnostic services beyond the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. Joseph hailed the initiative as a testament to innovation, partnership, and vision, showcasing how collaborative efforts can transform public health in the region.
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WISH calls on media houses to stop sensationalizing suicide reporting
The Wellness Initiative for Stronger Health (WISH) has voiced deep concern following two apparent suicide attempts in Freetown and Ottos, underscoring the urgent need for improved mental health services in Antigua and Barbuda. The organization highlighted significant gaps in healthcare coverage, particularly in mental wellness initiatives and outpatient services, which are essential for fostering a supportive environment for those in need. While acknowledging Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s renewed commitment to advancing the national mental health framework, WISH emphasized the critical importance of ensuring accessible, lifesaving care for individuals living with mental illnesses. During World Suicide Prevention Month in September, WISH reiterated the importance of community awareness, urging citizens to recognize warning signs and provide timely support to loved ones experiencing distress, loneliness, or helplessness. The organization also called on local media to adopt best practices in reporting on suicide, prioritizing empathy and compassion over sensationalism. WISH remains dedicated to advocating for mental wellbeing and expressed gratitude to its partners and supporters at local, regional, and international levels. The group’s efforts aim to address the systemic challenges in mental health care and promote a more inclusive and supportive society.
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Cobbs Cross Clinic Reopens After Years of Closure
The Cobbs Cross Clinic, a vital healthcare facility in St. Paul, Antigua and Barbuda, has officially reopened on October 6, 2025, after being closed for over two decades. The reopening ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph, and St. Paul MP E.P. Chet Greene. The clinic, which had been shut down in 2003 due to severe disrepair, has been fully rebuilt to provide comprehensive primary healthcare services to the communities of St. Paul’s, Falmouth, and English Harbour. Permanent Secretary for Primary Health Care, Stacey Gregg-Paige, emphasized that the reopening signifies a commitment to equitable and dignified healthcare. The clinic will offer a range of services including maternal and child care, immunizations, chronic disease management, family planning, wound care, and home visits. Minister Greene highlighted the event as a new chapter in healthcare for St. Paul, while Health Minister Joseph described it as historic, noting that it is the first time a parliamentarian has opened two clinics in one year. The government’s broader goal is to establish a robust primary healthcare network, with plans to introduce national health insurance legislation by early next year. The ceremony also featured cultural performances and a ribbon-cutting event, officially marking the clinic’s reopening.
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Record turnout for ‘Walk for the Cure’ as breast cancer awareness deepens
The Warrens business district in Barbados was awash with a vibrant pink hue on Sunday as an estimated 20,000 participants gathered for the 2025 CIBC Walk for the Cure. This event marked one of the largest turnouts in its history, showcasing a profound display of unity and commitment to breast cancer awareness. Kemar Polius, Head of CIBC Barbados, expressed his awe at the scene, describing it as “a sight to behold.” He shared his experiences from similar walks in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas, emphasizing that the Barbadian event was unparalleled in its scale and impact. Polius highlighted that the CIBC Caribbean has raised over US$5 million regionally, with more than BDS$1 million contributed in Barbados, to support cancer-fighting initiatives through the Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society. President Dame Sandra Mason, in her final public appearance before her term ends on November 29, officially opened the event and participated in the walk. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, Medical Coordinator of the Breast Screening Programme, noted the significant progress Barbados has made in raising awareness and reducing the stigma associated with breast cancer. She emphasized the importance of early detection and revealed the introduction of a new $1 million mammogram machine that offers a more comfortable screening experience for both women and men. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo expressed gratitude for the widespread support from Corporate Barbados and the general public, underscoring the collective effort in advancing breast cancer awareness and treatment.
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BACSWN set to roll out new aviation emergency-response network across Bahamas
Executives from the Bahamas Aviation, Climate & Severe Weather Network (BACSWN) recently conducted a site visit to Long Island, engaging with health officials and residents while inspecting facilities at Stella Maris and Deadman’s Cay airports. This visit followed a series of town-hall meetings on Cat Island and virtual consultations with residents of Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay. The initiative is part of a broader plan to establish a nationwide aviation emergency-response network, including aviation trauma centers, air-ambulance bases, and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).
Lyrone Burrows, a BACSWN executive, explained that the project stems from the group’s Heads of Agreement with the Bahamian government, which authorizes BACSWN to provide aviation meteorology services and live flight tracking. These services will form the foundation for a parallel emergency-response system designed to benefit both international aviators and local communities. Burrows emphasized the group’s commitment to creating trauma centers near every international airport, supported by ambulances, trained medical staff, and dedicated air-evacuation hubs. Four strategic locations across the southern, central, and northern Bahamas have already been identified for these bases.
The goal is to reduce emergency-response times to 30–40 minutes by positioning aircraft and personnel closer to high-risk areas. Burrows highlighted that this initiative will significantly improve access to life-saving interventions, with all activities being coordinated with relevant government ministries and agencies. BACSWN has partnered with Response Plus Medical (RPM), a global aviation emergency-services provider based in Abu Dhabi, to implement the project. RPM plans to deploy up to 50 aviation-based ambulances, over 200 medical professionals, and a HEMS network. Additionally, RPM will establish training centers in the Bahamas to prepare locals for new roles created by the project.
During their visit to Long Island, the BACSWN team met with Health Administrator Anya Forbes and toured the Simms Community Clinic with Head Nurse Stubbs. They also inspected both airports, where Bahamas Airports Authority executive Euley Glinton expressed strong support for the plan, noting its potential to enhance medical and firefighting capabilities for both aviation users and the broader community. Public meetings were held in Clarence Town and North Long Island High School, with Island Administrator Jandilee Archer delivering opening remarks.
Burrows encouraged residents to prepare for economic opportunities tied to the project’s rollout, including new jobs, real estate rentals, and support services. While BACSWN officials did not provide a specific start date for construction or deployment, they confirmed that the emergency-response network will be introduced in phases over the coming months, with government oversight and regulatory collaboration at each stage.
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Study finds women have higher genetic risk of depression
A landmark study conducted by Australian researchers has uncovered significant genetic differences in the risk of clinical depression between men and women. Published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, the research analyzed the DNA of nearly 200,000 individuals with depression, marking it as one of the largest studies of its kind. The findings revealed that women possess nearly twice as many genetic markers associated with depression compared to men. Led by the Berghofer Medical Research Institute, the study identified approximately 13,000 genetic markers linked to depression in women, versus 7,000 in men. These genetic variations could influence biological pathways related to metabolism and hormone production, potentially explaining why women with depression often experience symptoms like weight fluctuations and altered energy levels. Researcher Jodi Thomas emphasized that understanding these genetic differences could pave the way for more personalized and effective treatments. The study also highlighted a historical bias in medical research, with most depression medications and studies predominantly focused on male participants. Clinical depression, affecting over 300 million people globally according to the World Health Organization, remains one of the most prevalent mental health disorders. This groundbreaking research offers new insights into the biological underpinnings of depression and underscores the need for gender-specific approaches in mental health treatment.
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Mental health crisis
As global statistics reveal that a significant portion of the population will face mental health challenges at some point in their lives, Jamaican health officials are advocating for a comprehensive, society-wide strategy to tackle this pressing issue. In preparation for World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2025, Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the widespread nature of mental health concerns in Jamaica, citing a local study that found 40% of Jamaicans experience mental health issues during their lifetime. These include conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Dr. Tufton highlighted that mental health has emerged as a leading non-communicable disease in the country, necessitating collective action across all sectors of society. He stressed that addressing mental health is not the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Health but requires involvement from communities, schools, faith-based organizations, and the private sector. Supporting this call, Nurse Carol Baker-Burke, the Ministry’s Community Mental Health Coordinator, underscored the need for a unified approach to improve mental health outcomes nationwide. Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, emphasized that individuals with mental health conditions can achieve recovery and lead productive lives with proper treatment. Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Kristen Robinson-Barrett urged Jamaicans to seek support early, starting at the community level, to prevent crises. Meanwhile, the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) encouraged Jamaicans to prioritize mental and physical well-being by engaging in activities such as healthy eating, exercise, and spending time in nature. UDC General Manager Bobby Honeyghan highlighted the importance of public spaces like Harmony Beach Park and Dunn’s River Falls in promoting relaxation and resilience. The government’s commitment to creating recreational spaces, such as the upcoming Portmore Resilience Park, reflects its dedication to fostering health and healing across the island.