分类： health

A groundbreaking report released on Monday by the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued a stark warning: the lack of resilience in primary healthcare (PHC) systems across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) could result in catastrophic losses, both in human lives and economic stability. The report, titled “No Time to Wait: Resilience as the Cornerstone of Primary Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean,” was unveiled during PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, attended by health ministers and high-level delegates from the region. The study highlights that a 25–50 per cent reduction in PHC delivery due to a health emergency, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, could lead to up to 165,000 preventable deaths and economic losses ranging from US$7 to 37 billion over one to five years. Among the projected fatalities are 11,300 maternal deaths, 10,000 child deaths, and over 149,000 deaths from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), alongside 14 million unintended pregnancies. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director, emphasized that building robust PHC and resilience are inseparable. “Without resilient PHC, the next crisis will disproportionately affect the poorest and most marginalized communities,” he stated. The report defines resilience as the ability of health systems to maintain essential services equitably before, during, and after shocks, including pandemics, hurricanes, and floods. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the region’s vulnerabilities, with LAC accounting for 30 per cent of global COVID-19 deaths despite representing only 8.5 per cent of the world’s population. Essential services like maternal care, childhood immunization, and chronic disease treatment plummeted by up to 50 per cent, with some countries experiencing gaps for over two years. The region, prone to hurricanes, floods, and vector-borne outbreaks, remains heavily reliant on hospital-centered, fragmented health systems with insufficient investment in PHC. Jaime Saavedra, World Bank’s Director of Human Development for LAC, stressed that strengthening PHC is one of the region’s greatest health challenges. The report outlines a five-point action plan to build resilience, including expanding equitable care models, embedding public health functions within PHC, and ensuring sustainable financing. PAHO urges health leaders to prioritize PHC resilience as a political and economic imperative.

In the wake of her son Michael Hylton’s untimely death from a stroke in 2009, Carol Hylton, a registered nurse from Portland, established Smiley’s Voice Foundation. This organization is dedicated to raising awareness about neurovascular diseases and has since become a beacon of hope and action in the fight against such conditions. The foundation is the driving force behind the annual Black, Red & White Foundation Gala, now in its 12th year, which will take place on November 22 at the Doubletree By Hilton hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

Michael Hylton Jr., affectionately known as ‘Dee Jay Smiley,’ was a vibrant 29-year-old who left an indelible mark on those around him. Described as warm, kind, and deeply respectful, Michael was a humanitarian who always saw the best in people. His passion for music led him to form Crowdpleasers Entertainment, a venture that brought joy to countless events, from weddings to parties at his favorite venue, Ginger Bay Cafe in downtown Hollywood, South Florida.

Last year’s gala raised $5,000, which was donated to the Stroke Unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in St. Andrew, Jamaica. In July 2024, Carol Hylton, alongside Dr. Rosemarie Lewis, coordinated a mission to UHWI, led by renowned South Florida neurosurgeons Dr. Norman Ajiboye and Dr. Brandon Davis. During their time in Jamaica, they performed five critical surgeries in collaboration with Dr. Kevin Wade, a consultant neurointerventional surgeon at UHWI.

Carol Hylton, supported by her husband Michael and daughters Mikara and Marissa, continues to lead Smiley’s Voice Foundation with unwavering dedication. This year, the foundation aims to raise even more funds and honor Michael’s memory by advancing their mission. ‘Michael was a God-fearing young man who loved his family and considered us his foundation,’ Carol shared. ‘We started this Foundation after this life-changing experience to continue his legacy of love. If we can save one person from dying from a stroke or its impact, then we are living the mission of Smiley’s Voice Foundation.’

As Prostate Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, the Jamaica Observer conducted a street survey in New Kingston to gauge public sentiment on prostate cancer screening. Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer in Jamaica, with 1,561 new cases reported in 2020. Early detection through screening methods, such as digital rectal examinations and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, is crucial for effective management. In Jamaica, screening is recommended starting at age 40. However, public attitudes toward these screenings vary widely. Many respondents expressed positive views, emphasizing the importance of health checks. One individual stated, ‘You have to feel good about checking your health to know what’s going on in your system.’ Another older participant added, ‘I have no reservations; it’s about knowing your health status.’ Yet, discomfort and stigma remain significant barriers. Younger men, in particular, cited ‘comfortability’ as a deterrent, with one admitting, ‘I wouldn’t do it personally.’ Others expressed unease with the digital rectal examination method, with one man stating, ‘I don’t think it’s appropriate for someone to be examining you through your anal.’ An older gentleman noted that age influences acceptance, explaining that younger individuals often associate the procedure with stigma. A woman highlighted societal perceptions, saying, ‘They don’t want to be seen as gay.’ Despite these challenges, most respondents agreed that increased education and open dialogue could help reduce stigma and encourage more men to undergo screening. Many pledged to support others in taking this vital step for their health.

Latoya Minott Smikle, a mother of five, has turned her personal tragedy into a mission to support others battling sickle cell disease. During her fourth pregnancy, Smikle discovered that her newborn son, Aiden-Jon Amir Hall, had sickle cell anaemia, a severe genetic blood disorder. She also learned that she, her partner, and their three other children were carriers of the sickle cell trait. After a courageous five-and-a-half-year battle, Aiden-Jon passed away in 2022 due to complications from the disease. In his memory, Smikle established the Aiden-Jon Amir Hall Foundation, aiming to raise $1 million this year to provide financial aid to six individuals living with sickle cell disease and to raise awareness about the condition. Smikle’s journey began when she lived next to a family affected by the disease, witnessing their struggles firsthand. She never imagined she would face the same reality. Aiden-Jon’s diagnosis was followed by the shocking revelation that her entire family carried the trait. The disease, which causes red blood cells to become rigid and crescent-shaped, leads to severe pain, anaemia, and organ damage. Smikle’s life became a cycle of late-night hospital visits, financial strain, and emotional turmoil as she cared for her son while balancing work and family responsibilities. She highlighted the lack of empathy and systemic gaps in support for sickle cell patients and their families. The Sickle Cell Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, provides essential services but remains underfunded. Smikle’s foundation seeks to address these challenges by offering financial assistance and building a supportive community. She has identified six beneficiaries, including the child of a single father needing surgery. A fundraising dinner in October aims to meet the $1 million target. Smikle believes her son’s life, though short, had a profound impact, and she is determined to continue his legacy by helping others. ‘I want to help someone else’s child live longer and healthier,’ she said, reflecting on her mission to bring hope to those in need.

A prominent Jamaican urologist, Dr. Colette Antoine, is advocating for a significant shift in prostate cancer screening practices, urging a move away from the traditional digital rectal examination (DRE) towards the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Dr. Antoine highlights the DRE’s limited sensitivity in detecting early-stage prostate cancer, emphasizing the PSA test’s superior ability to identify potential issues before symptoms manifest. Prostate cancer remains the leading cause of death among Jamaican men and the most prevalent cancer in the country. The PSA test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, with elevated levels often indicating the presence of cancer. In contrast, the DRE involves a physical examination of the prostate through the rectum, which can miss cancers located on the front wall of the gland. Dr. Antoine’s stance aligns with the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), which recently criticized the DRE as an outdated and ineffective method. Historically, the DRE has been more widely promoted in Jamaica due to its cost-effectiveness compared to the PSA test, which is more expensive. However, Dr. Antoine stresses that combining both tests offers the most comprehensive screening approach. Despite the social stigma surrounding the DRE, particularly in Jamaica where homophobic attitudes are prevalent, urologist Dr. Dean Wong notes that many men privately consent to the exam without hesitation. Dr. Antoine observes that asymptomatic men are increasingly receptive to screening, partly due to her being a woman, while symptomatic men are more likely to agree due to the urgency of their condition. Younger men, in particular, are becoming more proactive, often opting for multiple screenings annually.