KINGSTON, Jamaica — A wave of hope and gratitude has swept across Jamaica following the successful separation of conjoined twins Azaria and Azora Elson. The life-altering surgery was performed earlier this week in Saudi Arabia by a skilled surgical team from the King Salman Humanitarian Mission. The announcement was made by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, via social media on Thursday. ‘In our own difficult times, there are blessings for which we are grateful,’ Johnson Smith wrote. ‘For everyone who prayed for little Azora and Azaria, they were separated this morning by the expert team in Saudi Arabia.’ The minister also confirmed that while one of the twins will require additional heart surgery for an unrelated condition, both are currently in stable condition. The twins, who departed Jamaica in July 2025 for the complex procedure, received support from the Jamaican government and international partners, including the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (@KSRelief_EN), which spearheaded the medical intervention. Johnson Smith urged the public to continue praying for the twins, their parents, and all those involved in this humanitarian mission of love.
分类： health
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ANSA Chemicals Jamaica donates 69,800 litres of bleach to support sanitisation efforts after hurricane
In a significant move to bolster public health and safety in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, ANSA Chemicals Jamaica has pledged a substantial donation of 69,800 litres of bleach. This initiative is designed to support sanitation and water treatment efforts in communities across Jamaica that have been severely affected by the hurricane. The donation comprises two types of bleach: 50,000 litres of eight per cent industrial-strength bleach and 19,800 litres of five per cent household bleach, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to safe, treated water. Stephen Summers, Country Manager of ANSA Chemicals Jamaica, emphasized the company’s commitment to aiding relief and rebuilding efforts, stating, ‘This donation is part of our ongoing commitment to the people of Jamaica in their time of need.’ The distribution will be managed by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), with plans to deliver three to five industrial totes and one container of household bleach daily. Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, praised the partnership, highlighting the critical role of sanitation in preventing public health crises post-disaster. Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of ODPEM, also welcomed the donation, noting its importance in maintaining public health and safety. ANSA Chemicals Jamaica, a leading provider of chemical products in the Caribbean, continues to play a vital role in enhancing community well-being through such initiatives.
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GPHC successfully completes 28 joint replacement surgeries
The Orthopaedic Department at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has marked a significant achievement by successfully completing 28 joint replacement surgeries during a concentrated three-day initiative. This remarkable feat, which took place from November 7th to 10th, 2025, underscores the department’s growing expertise and efficiency in delivering high-quality orthopaedic care. The surgeries, comprising 18 knee replacements and 10 hip replacements, provided life-changing relief to 22 female and 6 male patients, all of whom have since been discharged. Led by Dr. Kaaleshwar Ramcharran, the dedicated team of orthopaedic surgeons, anesthetists, physiotherapists, nurses, and operating theatre staff surpassed their initial target of 27 procedures, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and commitment. Joint replacement surgeries are among the most transformative medical interventions, offering renewed mobility and quality of life to individuals suffering from severe joint pain or disability. In private institutions, such procedures can cost approximately GY$2.5 million per surgery, highlighting the immense value of GPHC’s initiative to its beneficiaries. The hospital’s management praised the orthopaedic team for their unwavering dedication and compassionate care, emphasizing their role in advancing surgical services, improving patient outcomes, and reducing waiting times for essential procedures. This achievement reflects GPHC’s ongoing investment in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and delivering world-class medical services to the people of Guyana.
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Tackling this epidemic as we did with COVID-19
In response to a surge in nonspecific febrile syndrome cases primarily caused by arbovirus infections, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has announced weekly meetings to analyze the situation and propose solutions. The decision follows a gathering of health experts and scientists at the Palace of the Revolution, where the President emphasized the need for a coordinated approach akin to the nation’s COVID-19 response. The meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Eduardo Martínez Díaz and prominent health specialists, focused on the current epidemiological landscape, particularly the spread of dengue, Chikungunya, and Oropouche viruses. Dr. José Raúl de Armas Fernández reported a decline in febrile cases across eight provinces but highlighted the persistence of arbovirus transmission in 38 municipalities, with Havana being notably affected. Chikungunya cases have surged to 21,681, concentrated in six provinces, while Oropouche cases remain absent since September. Dr. María Guadalupe Guzmán Tirado underscored the global prevalence of Chikungunya and Cuba’s intensified surveillance efforts. Dr. Yagen Pomares Pérez, Director General of Primary Health Care, stressed the importance of early fever detection and patient isolation, drawing parallels to lessons learned during the pandemic. She emphasized the need for hospitalizing vulnerable groups, including children under two, pregnant women, and older adults with comorbidities. Dr. Madelaine Rivera Sánchez, National Director of Surveillance and Vector Control, highlighted challenges in fumigation efforts and called for community participation to enhance vector control measures. The government aims to address equipment shortages and logistical issues to curb the epidemic’s spread effectively.
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Americas lose Measles-Free Status as Canada records sustained cases
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has raised alarms over the resurgence of measles in the Americas, as Canada reports sustained transmission of the disease for over 12 months. This development has led to the region losing its measles-free status, a significant setback in public health efforts. Measles, known for its high contagion rate, is particularly concerning with the winter travel season approaching, increasing the risk of widespread transmission across the Americas. Dr. Sealy, PAHO’s Assistant Director, emphasized the importance of achieving a 95% vaccination coverage for both doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, noting that while the Caribbean maintains strong vaccination rates, there has been a decline in second-dose administration in some areas. PAHO officials are urging countries to bolster vaccination efforts and encourage individuals to report symptoms promptly to prevent further spread. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO’s Director, acknowledged the setback but stressed that the situation is reversible, highlighting the ongoing global threat of measles outbreaks. Health authorities remain vigilant as active cases persist in the United States, Mexico, and Venezuela.
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PAHO – alert: America’s verliezen status mazelenvrije regio
The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has announced that the Americas region has lost its status as free from endemic measles transmission. This decision follows the findings of PAHO’s Regional Commission for Monitoring and Re-verification of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination, which convened in Mexico City from November 4 to 7, 2025, to assess the epidemiological situation in the region. The commission confirmed that endemic measles transmission has re-emerged in Canada, where the virus has been circulating for at least twelve months. This marks a significant setback for the Americas, which was the first region globally to eliminate measles twice. All other countries in the region retain their elimination status for now. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that while this loss is a setback, it is reversible. He stressed that as long as measles persists globally, the region remains at risk of reintroduction and spread among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations. With political will, regional cooperation, and sustained vaccination efforts, transmission can be interrupted, and the shared success of elimination restored. As of November 7, 2025, 12,593 confirmed measles cases have been reported across ten countries, with 95% of cases concentrated in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This represents a thirtyfold increase compared to 2024. Tragically, 28 deaths have been recorded, with 23 in Mexico, 3 in the U.S., and 2 in Canada. Active outbreaks are ongoing in Canada, Mexico, the U.S., Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Belize, primarily driven by imported cases. Most infections occur in under-vaccinated communities, with 89% of cases involving unvaccinated or vaccination-status-unknown individuals. Children under one year old are the most affected, followed by those aged one to four. The Canadian outbreak began in October 2024 in New Brunswick and spread nationwide, with over 5,000 confirmed cases. While new cases are declining, transmission persists in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Measles, one of the most contagious viruses, can infect up to 18 people per case and lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and death. Outbreaks also strain healthcare systems. Vaccination remains the most effective tool against measles, having prevented an estimated six million deaths in the Americas over the past 25 years and 15 million globally in the last 50 years. However, the regional coverage rate for the second dose of the MMR vaccine was only 79% in 2024, well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. PAHO continues to support countries in strengthening surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, outbreak response, and vaccination campaigns. Experts have been deployed to Mexico, Argentina, and Bolivia, while the organization closely monitors Belize, Brazil, and Paraguay. Dr. Barbosa urged countries to redouble their efforts, emphasizing that every prevented outbreak and stopped infection saves lives. The commission recommended intensifying vaccination campaigns, enhancing electronic immunization registries, sustainably funding laboratory capacity, and conducting PCR tests for suspected cases with negative IgM results. The Americas have previously regained measles-free status after temporary losses in Venezuela (2018) and Brazil (2019) through coordinated regional action. To regain the status, a country must demonstrate no endemic transmission for at least twelve consecutive months, supported by vaccination, surveillance, and outbreak response data. Canada is now implementing an action plan within PAHO’s regional framework to increase vaccination rates, strengthen monitoring systems, and respond swiftly to new outbreaks. Dr. Barbosa concluded, ‘Collaboration, solidarity, and science are stronger than any virus. When we work together, we protect the health and lives of all people in the Americas.’
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Public urged to wear blue for World Diabetes Day
The Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association is rallying the public to don blue attire this Friday in a unified effort to mark World Diabetes Day. The initiative, aptly named ‘Go Blue,’ seeks to amplify awareness about diabetes and foster educational outreach on the condition. Marina Claxton-Brown, the Association’s Public Relations Officer, emphasized that schools and businesses have been urged to participate in this meaningful campaign. This year’s theme, ‘Diabetes in the Workplace,’ underscores the critical role of employee wellbeing in fostering productive and healthy work environments. Charity Dublin, the Association’s president, stressed the necessity for more structured wellness programs in local workplaces, asserting that healthier employees lead to more efficient workspaces. ‘We aim to dismantle stigma and create an open dialogue where individuals feel comfortable discussing their health needs,’ Dublin remarked. The Association is also extending a reminder to those living with diabetes that support systems are accessible through collaborations with the Ministry of Health, the Medical Benefits Scheme, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A series of events have been organized to commemorate the occasion, including a worship service at the St John’s Seventh-day Adventist Church on November 15, a Screening Day at the Ministry of Public Works on November 18, and a diabetes health fair on November 26 at Moss Medical Centre on Old Parham Road.
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Uruguayan government prioritizes mental health care
Cristina Lustemberg, Uruguay’s Minister of Public Health, has raised alarms over the escalating mental health crisis in the country, revealing that 30,000 individuals are currently awaiting treatment for mental health conditions. Speaking at the launch of the “National Action for Mental Health” initiative, Lustemberg emphasized the need for an interdisciplinary approach to address the issue. She criticized the uneven access to mental health care, stating, “It cannot be that, despite having an Integrated National Health System, access to mental health care remains a privilege in some areas.”
The initiative, developed through the collaboration of over 20 working groups, aims to tackle mental health challenges by prioritizing community-driven issues, fostering regional and inter-institutional networks, and integrating cultural, sports, and educational spaces. Funding has been allocated to support these efforts, including strengthening agreements with the State Health Services Administration, the Ministry of Social Development, and departmental governments. Additionally, resources will be directed toward suicide prevention programs.
A key component of the plan is the appointment of a mental health coordinator in each of the country’s departments to oversee the implementation of the initiative. This move comes as Uruguay faces a significant mental health burden, with 29% of the adult population exhibiting symptoms of psychological distress and 24% experiencing severe loneliness. The initiative represents a critical step toward addressing these pressing issues and ensuring equitable access to mental health care nationwide.
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Bodoe: Include wellness in HSE framework
In a compelling address at the American Chamber of Commerce’s TT (Amcham TT) 15th Annual National Excellence in HSE Awards ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, emphasized the urgent need to evolve the traditional Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) framework into a more comprehensive model that includes wellness. The event, held on November 10 at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, brought together key stakeholders to discuss the critical role of HSE in safeguarding both human lives and economic productivity.
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PAHO calls for action as Americas loses measles elimination status
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a call to action for countries across the Americas, including the Caribbean, to enhance surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, outbreak response, and vaccination campaigns. This urgent appeal follows the loss of the region’s measles-free status, a significant setback in public health. The decision was made by the PAHO Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission during a recent meeting in Mexico City. The Commission confirmed that endemic measles transmission has been reestablished in Canada, where the virus has circulated for at least 12 months. This marks the first time the Americas, which previously achieved measles elimination twice, have lost this status. As of November 7, 2024, 12,596 confirmed measles cases have been reported across 10 countries, with 95% of cases concentrated in Canada, Mexico, and the United States—a 30-fold increase compared to earlier this year. Tragically, 28 deaths have been recorded, primarily in Mexico. Active outbreaks are ongoing in Canada, Mexico, the United States, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Belize, largely driven by imported cases. PAHO emphasized that transmission primarily affects under-vaccinated communities, with 89% of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. Children under one year old are the most vulnerable group. Measles, a highly contagious disease, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, and death. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, having saved millions of lives over the past decades. However, regional vaccination coverage for the second dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR2) has plummeted to just 7%, far below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. PAHO is providing technical support to affected countries, deploying experts, and monitoring risks in Belize, Brazil, and Paraguay. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa urged countries to redouble efforts, emphasizing that cooperation, solidarity, and science can overcome this challenge. The Americas have previously regained measles elimination status after setbacks, and PAHO remains confident that the region can achieve this once more through sustained vaccination, surveillance, and outbreak response.