MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The Manchester Health Department (MHD) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to avoid direct contact with floodwaters in the Content and Williamsfield areas of Manchester. In a media release on Friday, the department highlighted the severe health risks associated with the rising floodwaters, which may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, sewage, and other pollutants. The MHD emphasized that these waters could lead to vector-borne and water-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, particularly as underground sewage systems may have been compromised. Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare for potential emergency evacuations and take immediate precautions to safeguard their health. The MHD is actively monitoring the situation, conducting field assessments, and performing laboratory analyses to mitigate health risks. Additionally, the department is providing health education to the public and encouraging residents to stay informed through official channels. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, or jaundice is urged to report to the nearest health facility promptly.
分类： health
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HerRelief to provide sustainable healthcare, supplies to Hurricane Melissa victims
In the wake of the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, HerRelief Jamaica has announced a robust initiative to deliver urgent medical care to the most affected parishes. Founded by pharmaceutical executive and philanthropist Theresa White, in collaboration with Dr. Kerone Thomas, the organization is mobilizing a team of Jamaican-born female medical professionals to address the pressing healthcare needs of devastated communities. The initiative aims to provide coordinated, compassionate, and sustained medical support, reflecting the founders’ commitment to leveraging their expertise and resources for national recovery. The team, based across the United States, will commence operations on November 21, with Westmoreland being the first stop to assess and plan for residents’ needs. Beyond healthcare, HerRelief Jamaica will also distribute essential supplies such as water tanks, Starlink internet, and generators to parishes including Trelawny and St James. The organization will collaborate with established partners to ensure the efficient collection and shipment of critical relief supplies. Theresa White emphasized the dual focus of the initiative: providing immediate crisis-level medical care and establishing a long-term support framework for underserved and displaced individuals. HerRelief Jamaica will offer a wide array of services, including primary and acute medical care, mental health support, dental services, medication distribution, emergency interventions, and care for chronic illnesses and displaced patients. Through ongoing missions, the organization aims to restore access to essential healthcare services, strengthen community health, and rebuild medical capacity in the affected areas.
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Health ministry to look at alternate strategies for primary healthcare in St James
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has announced a series of emergency measures to address the disruption of primary healthcare services in St. James. During a press briefing in Montego Bay, Dr. Tufton revealed that only eight or nine of the parish’s 24 health centers are fully operational, with the remainder sustaining varying degrees of damage. To bridge the gap, the Ministry has deployed mobile pharmacies and clinics to affected communities while constructing temporary facilities. Additionally, efforts are underway to restore Cornwall Regional Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, which is now operational despite lingering challenges. Dr. Tufton emphasized the urgent need to focus on primary healthcare, particularly in mitigating post-storm environmental risks such as mosquito-borne diseases, rodent infestations, and water and food contamination. The Minister has been actively engaging with vector control workers and public health officers across the region to assess resources, including fogging machines and vehicles, and to ensure readiness for deployment. Dr. Tufton also urged residents to take personal precautions, such as consuming safe water, using repellents, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites, to safeguard their health during this critical period.
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New Dental and Eye Clinic to Be Established in Barbuda
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has greenlit the establishment of a Dental and Eye Clinic in Codrington, Barbuda, marking a significant stride in the Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster healthcare accessibility and equity across the twin-island nation. For years, Barbudans have grappled with the arduous task of seeking dental and eye care, often necessitating costly and inconvenient trips to Antigua for procedures like extractions, fillings, and vision tests. The new clinic aims to bridge this gap by delivering essential oral and vision health services directly to the local community. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Government’s National Health Strategic Plan (2021–2025) and the Barbuda Recovery and Resilience Framework, which emphasize equitable healthcare access and the decentralization of vital social services. Additionally, the project aligns with the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) by fostering climate-resilient, community-based infrastructure that enhances quality of life and promotes sustainable living. The clinic will be integrated within or adjacent to the Barbuda Health Centre, leveraging existing utilities, administrative resources, and security infrastructure to ensure cost-effectiveness and service continuity. Initially, a rotating team of dental surgeons and ophthalmologists from Antigua will staff the clinic, supported by local nurses and technicians. Over time, the Ministry of Health plans to roll out training programs to cultivate local expertise in basic dental and eye care. The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has been tasked with spearheading the project’s planning, coordination, and implementation, in collaboration with regional and international partners like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to secure technical assistance, equipment, and funding. Preparatory works are slated to begin within three months, with full operationalization expected within six to eight months. A comprehensive implementation report, detailing the project’s budget, timelines, staffing, and partnership arrangements, will be submitted to Cabinet within three months. In a related move, the Cabinet also approved the construction of a helipad near the Hanna Thomas Hospital to facilitate swift patient transfers between Antigua and Barbuda, as well as the expansion of a medical laboratory and the establishment of a Blood Bank at the hospital.
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Diabetes remains a persistent chronic disease in the Federation
The St. Kitts Diabetes Association has raised urgent concerns about the escalating diabetes crisis in the Federation, with over 3,000 individuals currently diagnosed and the numbers expected to rise. Dr. Reginald O’Loughlin, Public Relations Officer of the Association, emphasized the severity of the situation during an interview with SKNVibes News. He highlighted that many patients are diagnosed only after developing severe complications such as kidney failure, amputations, and blindness. Globally, diabetes affects over 600 million people, and projections for 2025 indicate no signs of decline. In St. Kitts and Nevis, new cases are identified weekly, with men often delaying medical attention until the disease has advanced. Dr. O’Loughlin stressed the importance of preventive measures, including healthier diets and regular exercise, to combat the epidemic. Additionally, the Association has observed borderline diabetic symptoms in school-aged children, attributing part of the problem to unhealthy food options sold near schools. Discussions are ongoing about implementing taxes on sugary beverages to curb consumption and fund healthcare initiatives.
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Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association joins global community to mark 2025 World Diabetes Day
The Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association (ABDA) is set to join the global community in commemorating World Diabetes Day and Awareness Month in 2025, focusing on the theme ‘Diabetes and the Workplace.’ Observed annually on November 14, World Diabetes Day (WDD) stands as the largest global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes, emphasizing prevention, early diagnosis, and access to care and treatment. The blue circle, symbolizing life, health, and unity, serves as the global emblem for diabetes, reflecting hope and a collective commitment to improving diabetes awareness and support. With nearly 589 million adults worldwide living with diabetes—40% of whom are unaware of their condition—the campaign highlights the critical role workplaces play in supporting diabetes prevention and care. In Antigua and Barbuda, approximately 11.7% of adults aged 20-79 live with diabetes, underscoring the urgency of the issue. ABDA President Charity Dublin emphasized the importance of workplace wellness initiatives, stating, ‘Healthier work environments can significantly enhance employees’ efforts to lead healthier lives.’ ABDA has outlined a series of activities for November 2025, including media engagements, workplace screenings, public webinars, and health fairs, aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and supporting individuals living with diabetes. The association also acknowledged its key partners, including the Ministry of Health and various local organizations, for their continued support in this vital initiative.
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New QEH discharge system rolls out to speed up bed management
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has implemented a new system of daily discharge boards across its wards to streamline patient flow, optimize bed management, and keep families informed throughout the care process. The initiative, introduced earlier this month, is being rolled out in phases and aims to provide patients, their families, and healthcare teams with clear insights into expected discharge dates, enabling better planning and coordination.
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Taiwan Donates Occupational Therapy Equipment to Support Mental Health Recovery in St. Kitts and Nevis
In a significant move to bolster mental health recovery, Taiwan has donated a range of occupational therapy equipment to St. Kitts and Nevis. The donation ceremony, held at JNF Hospital on November 12th, 2025, was attended by Ambassador Edward Lin-Wen Tao and Third Secretary Ms. Ping-Yu Feng. The equipment, including craft materials, baking tools, an oven, washing machine, microwave, exercise bike, and treadmill, was handed over to Mr. Curtis Martin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. These items are expected to aid psychiatric patients in rebuilding daily living skills and supporting safe indoor rehabilitation at the Day Treatment Center. The initiative is part of the Mental Health System Enhancement Project managed by Ms. Ivy Shih of the TaiwanICDF Technical Mission. The project underscores the importance of not only medical treatment but also restoring independence and dignity in mental health recovery. Dr. Jenson Morton, Director of Health Institutions, highlighted that the upgraded occupational therapy center will offer more diverse therapies benefiting both patients and caregivers. Ambassador Tao expressed pride in Taiwan’s role as a reliable partner in strengthening public health, while Permanent Secretary Martin emphasized that the donation represents an investment in dignity and recovery, reflecting the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Zorgwekkende toename hiv-gevallen onder jongeren en kwetsbare groepen
Suriname is grappling with a concerning surge in HIV infections, particularly among young people under 25 and adults aged 35 to 45, according to recent analyses by the national HIV program. Monique Holtuin, the HIV focal point at the Ministry of Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, revealed that an estimated 8,000 people are living with HIV in the country. While approximately 4,000 individuals are aware of their status and 85% of them are receiving proper care, the other half remains unaware, posing a significant risk for further transmission. Holtuin emphasized the urgency of early testing, especially among youth, who often develop symptoms years after contracting the virus. Children born to HIV-positive mothers are also vulnerable, as some mothers avoid treatment due to stigma, leading to preventable mother-to-child transmissions. The MSM (men who have sex with men) community faces heightened risks due to unprotected contact and societal marginalization. Holtuin highlighted the lack of awareness and misconceptions about HIV, stressing the importance of condom use and regular testing. She advocated for comprehensive sexual education in schools to empower young people with knowledge and encourage behavioral change. Holtuin underscored the need for sustained care, medication adherence, and societal efforts to eliminate stigma, aiming for a future where people feel free to test openly and discuss their health without fear.
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Climate crisis is a health crisis, says WHO chief
GENEVA, Switzerland — The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the urgent need to integrate health into formal negotiations at the COP climate summits, declaring that the climate crisis is fundamentally a health crisis. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking at a press conference in Geneva, highlighted the critical link between climate change and public health, urging for greater focus on this intersection in global climate discussions.