KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding food safety. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Dr. Tufton emphasized the heightened risks of food contamination and foodborne illnesses due to widespread power outages across the island. He stressed that the lack of refrigeration in affected areas could lead to the spoilage of meat and other perishable items, while rodents and insects could further exacerbate the problem by spreading diseases. To mitigate these risks, approximately 400 environmental health officers will be deployed starting Monday to inspect food establishments and ensure consumer safety. Dr. Tufton urged residents to discard spoiled or flood-exposed food items and report such cases to local public health departments or police stations. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring water quality and sanitation, as contaminated water and improper waste disposal could lead to additional health hazards. The minister warned of increased risks of diseases like leptospirosis and gastroenteritis, which tend to rise after heavy rainfall and flooding. Public health inspectors will conduct sanitation assessments in shelters and affected communities, while vector control efforts will be intensified to combat the expected surge in mosquito, fly, and rodent populations. Dr. Tufton called on the public to use mosquito repellent, cover water containers, and dispose of waste properly to prevent stagnant water from becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects.
分类： health
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#MelissaAftermath: Tufton says teams accessing reports of dead bodies in remote areas
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced a coordinated effort involving environmental health teams, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and other agencies to address critical issues in remote communities. Reports of deceased individuals and animals stranded in isolated areas have prompted urgent action. Dr. Tufton emphasized that while access to some regions remains challenging due to damaged roadways, progress is being made. ‘With improved communication, cleared roads, and enhanced mobility, we are now able to target specific areas and collaborate with authorities to secure others,’ he stated during a press briefing on Saturday. The minister highlighted the challenges of reaching marooned bodies and ensuring proper disposal of animal carcasses, noting that the JDF is providing air support to access affected zones. Additionally, Dr. Tufton mentioned that injured individuals, such as a man who suffered a broken leg and waited three days for medical attention, are being assisted. While official death toll figures are pending, the current count stands at 19, with updates expected from the Minister of Information, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, once police reports are finalized.
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Cayman Islands blood bank sends donation to Jamaica
In a remarkable display of regional solidarity, the Cayman Islands Blood Bank has dispatched a vital shipment of 51 units of red cells and 72 units of plasma to Jamaica’s National Blood Transfusion Service. This donation, facilitated by the Health Services Authority (HSA), marks the first of several planned contributions to aid Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The initiative was spurred by an overwhelming public response, with 65 donors—including 13 first-time contributors—stepping forward to meet an urgent call for blood. This surge in donations far exceeds the usual daily average of fewer than 10 units, highlighting the community’s generosity. Dr. Lundie Richards, a consultant haematologist-oncologist at the HSA, praised the effort, describing it as a testament to humanity’s capacity for compassion. The HSA emphasized that this donation is part of a broader strategy to enhance regional health collaboration and emergency preparedness. Lizzette Yearwood, CEO of the HSA, lauded the initiative as lifesaving and urged continued donor participation, noting that blood has a limited shelf life of 35 days. Cayman Islands Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks also commended the donors, encouraging eligible individuals to contribute to both regional and local blood supplies. The Cayman Islands Blood Bank, which offers comprehensive blood-banking services, has also expanded its platelet availability and transfusion-medicine capabilities. Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has called for public blood donations as soon as conditions permit, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa.
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#MelissaAftermath: Field hospital to be deployed to Black River, says Tufton
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on St Elizabeth, Jamaica, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton has announced the deployment of a field hospital to Black River within 24 hours. The initiative aims to restore critical health services disrupted by the hurricane. The field hospital, equipped with an operating theatre, diagnostic tools, and medical staff, will be set up by the non-governmental organization Samaritan’s Purse in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other government agencies. Dr. Tufton emphasized that the facility will provide immediate support while assessments of the damaged Black River Hospital are conducted. Additionally, another field hospital is expected from Spain, with ongoing discussions to establish more facilities in Trelawny and Westmoreland through partnerships with Canada and India. The minister highlighted the need for psychological support for traumatized health workers and called for increased blood donations to address the surge in trauma and emergency cases. Over 200 health workers will also participate in a nationwide clean-up effort to assist hospitals in the most affected areas. Restoration of primary health facilities across the island is anticipated within the next week.
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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease outbreak
The Ministry of Health in Grenada has swiftly mobilized to address a confirmed cluster of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases, primarily affecting early childhood institutions across the island. While most cases are mild, the ministry has implemented immediate containment and prevention measures to safeguard children, families, and communities. HFMD, a common viral illness, predominantly impacts young children, particularly those in daycare and preschool settings. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, reduced appetite, painful mouth sores, and a rash or blisters on the hands and feet. Most children recover fully within 7 to 10 days. Children under 10 years old are most vulnerable, especially in environments with close contact and shared play. The disease spreads through contact with nasal secretions, saliva, or fluid from blisters, touching contaminated surfaces, or close interactions like hugging or sharing utensils. To combat the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has launched sanitation and deep cleaning of affected facilities, conducted health education sessions for staff and parents, and enhanced surveillance and monitoring initiatives. Public health officials are collaborating with schools, healthcare providers, and community leaders to contain the spread. Parents and caregivers are urged to practice frequent handwashing, disinfect toys and surfaces, keep symptomatic children at home, avoid sharing personal items, and teach children proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Early detection, responsible care, and community cooperation are crucial to limiting the spread of HFMD. For further information, individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Health or their nearest medical station.
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CIU Donates $10,000 to SLBMC’s PINKparty Campaign Supporting Breast Cancer Care
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has secured a significant boost to its breast cancer awareness efforts with a $10,000 XCD donation from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). This contribution supports the 13th annual PINKparty campaign, which has achieved a record-breaking fundraising milestone this year. The funds raised will be directed toward the hospital’s ambitious goal of acquiring a new mammogram system, estimated at $250,000 XCD, to enhance breast cancer care in Antigua and Barbuda. The CIU’s donation underscores its ongoing partnership with SLBMC, which also included sponsorship of the recent Multidisciplinary Cancer Symposium. This event united regional healthcare professionals to explore innovative strategies in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Charmaine Quinland-Donovan, CEO of the CIU, emphasized the Unit’s dedication to fostering tangible community impact through healthcare initiatives. She stated, ‘Supporting SLBMC’s PINKparty campaign allows us to play a meaningful role in advancing cancer awareness and care.’ SLBMC expressed profound gratitude for the CIU’s unwavering support, noting that contributions like these bring the hospital closer to its $100,000 fundraising target. While October concludes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SLBMC encourages continued engagement through donations and the purchase of commemorative PINKparty T-shirts.
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QEH’s Paediatric Department gets needed equipment
The Paediatrics Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados has received a significant boost in its capacity to provide enhanced care and comfort to its young patients, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Barbados South Charitable Trust, CIBC Caribbean, and the Bridge Supermarket. A generous donation of $75,000 worth of specialized medical equipment has been made to the department, marking a pivotal moment in the hospital’s commitment to improving pediatric healthcare.
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New MRI Facility “One of the Most Advanced in the Region,” Says Prime Minister Drew
In a significant development for healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew has praised the construction of a state-of-the-art MRI facility at the Joseph N. France General Hospital, calling it “one of the most advanced in the region.” The announcement was made during a parliamentary address on October 31, 2025. Dr. Drew highlighted the facility’s cutting-edge technology and robust design, emphasizing its ability to withstand Category Five hurricanes. This marks a pivotal upgrade from the current containerized MRI system, offering enhanced diagnostic capabilities for a range of diseases. The Prime Minister also commended Huggins Construction for their meticulous work in meeting manufacturer specifications, ensuring the facility’s excellence. The MRI machine is slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2026, promising to revolutionize healthcare accessibility and quality in the Federation.
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iciHaiti – Post-Melissa : Health sector review
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought devastating winds and torrential rains to Haiti, Dr. Bertrand Sinal, the Minister of Public Health, convened a critical meeting with key health sector partners. The session focused on evaluating the hurricane’s impact and strategizing a response to ensure the continuity of essential health services across the nation. The assessment highlighted minimal damage to health facilities in most departments, with only minor incidents reported at Saint-Antoine Hospital in Jérémie and Immaculée Conception Hospital in Port-de-Paix. Additionally, a flash flood affected the courtyard of the South Departmental Hospital in Les Cayes. Dr. Sinal praised the dedication of health workers and the support from international organizations like PAHO/WHO and UNICEF. He emphasized the need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance and vigilance against potential health risks, particularly waterborne diseases, in the hurricane’s aftermath.
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Woman Ends Breast Cancer Month with Completion of Treatment
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, Belizeans have been proudly donning pink to show solidarity with those affected by the disease. The month ended on a triumphant note as Janine Cattouse, a 36-year-old literature and religion teacher, rang the bell at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital’s oncology unit, symbolizing the completion of her breast cancer treatment. Diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in August 2024, Cattouse endured a year of intensive chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and radiation. Her journey, marked by resilience and hope, culminated in a heartfelt ceremony attended by family, friends, and her medical team. Cattouse expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support she received, particularly from the nurses who went above and beyond their duties. As a teacher at St. Catherine Academy, she used her experience to inspire her students, demonstrating courage and faith even on her most challenging days. Cattouse’s story highlights the importance of purpose and perseverance in overcoming life’s toughest battles. She hopes her journey will raise awareness about triple-positive breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease, and encourage others to keep fighting. Through her ordeal, Cattouse’s faith has deepened, reinforcing her belief that with prayer and support, anything is possible.