In a landmark move toward social justice and inclusion, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has announced the establishment of a Jaipur Foot Artificial Limb Fitment Centre in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). This initiative, unveiled during a ceremony at the Diplomatic Centre in St. Ann’s on October 3, underscores the government’s commitment to restoring independence and dignity to individuals with disabilities. The Jaipur Foot Organisation, renowned globally for its cost-effective and innovative prosthetic solutions, has already transformed millions of lives worldwide. By bringing this model to TT, the nation takes a significant step toward ensuring free, world-class prosthetic services for its citizens. This project transcends healthcare, embodying a broader vision of equity and social participation. It aligns with the Equal Opportunity Commission’s (EOC) mandate to combat discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all, particularly for those with disabilities, who are protected under the Equal Opportunity Act. The centre will not only provide medical support but also empower individuals to rejoin the workforce, pursue education, and engage fully in their communities. The initiative’s far-reaching benefits include economic empowerment, emotional well-being, and national development, as restored mobility enables individuals to contribute meaningfully to society. The project is a testament to international collaboration, with the TT government partnering with India’s government and the Jaipur Foot Organisation. This partnership emphasizes sustainability through knowledge transfer and local capacity building. The EOC lauds this effort as part of a broader national strategy to foster inclusion, urging employers and educational institutions to embrace accessibility and diversity. The establishment of the Jaipur Foot Centre is a moral and national achievement, reflecting TT’s commitment to treating its most vulnerable members with dignity and respect. It serves as a reminder that investing in people’s potential strengthens the nation’s future. The EOC encourages citizens to celebrate this progress while continuing to address challenges to ensure every individual in TT has the opportunity to thrive.
分类： health
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Tufton says CRH rehabilitation must be completed before September 2026
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Dr Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, has emphasized the urgent need to complete the long-awaited rehabilitation of Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) by September 2024. Speaking at a press conference held at S Hotel in Montego Bay on Thursday, Tufton stressed the importance of meeting this deadline, even if it requires intensified efforts from the project team. ‘My position is clear: we must deliver on time. While a slight delay of a month or two might be unavoidable, we cannot afford significant postponements,’ he stated. The minister acknowledged the temptation to extend timelines for perfection but underscored the necessity of accountability among contractors and project leaders to ensure timely and budget-compliant completion. The CRH, a Type A facility, has been undergoing extensive renovations since 2017 due to structural and air quality concerns. Tufton expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work, highlighting progress in critical areas such as the installation of the central air conditioning system, operating theatres, and fire suppression systems. ‘The work is evident when you visit the site. It’s now about accelerating the pace to meet the deadline,’ he remarked. The minister also shifted his focus from providing periodic media updates to achieving the ultimate goal of project completion. ‘I’m no longer interested in showcasing the progress to the media. My priority is to cut the ribbon and open the hospital,’ he concluded.
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Health ministry to strengthen support for women experiencing menopause
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to enhance support for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. The program focuses on expanding public education, improving access to healthcare services, and establishing a structured treatment framework at the primary healthcare level. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, emphasized the need to address the often-neglected impact of menopause on women’s quality of life. He stated, ‘For too long, menopause has been treated as a taboo subject. We are committed to changing this narrative by ensuring every woman, regardless of location, has access to information, care, and support.’
Data from the Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, reveals that Jamaica is home to approximately 130,000 menopausal women, 76,200 perimenopausal women, and 75,000 postmenopausal women. Menopause, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55, marks the end of menstruation and can result from natural processes or medical interventions such as chemotherapy. Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading to menopause, can span several years and significantly impact physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Globally, women over 50 represented 26% of all women and girls in 2021, up from 22% a decade earlier. Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats can persist for up to a decade post-menopause.
Dr. Tufton outlined the ministry’s life stage approach, which includes public education campaigns, routine physician examinations, and accessible advice at primary care facilities. He also addressed concerns about the limited availability of medications to alleviate symptoms, assuring that efforts are underway to bridge this gap. ‘We are actively exploring solutions to ensure women have access to necessary medications,’ he affirmed. Additionally, the initiative prioritizes mental health support, encouraging women to utilize counselling services or contact the mental health hotline at 888-NEW-LIFE (888-639-5433).
Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, Chief Medical Officer, urged women experiencing symptoms such as irregular periods, hot flashes, anxiety, or sleep disturbances to seek assistance at their nearest health center or consult a healthcare provider. This initiative marks a significant step toward empowering Jamaican women through comprehensive care and support during this critical life stage.
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VWA en PAHO versterken samenwerking rond welzijn en arbeid
In a significant meeting on October 12, Suriname’s Deputy Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor (VWA), Raj Jadnanansing, engaged in discussions with Yafflo Ouattara, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) representative in Suriname, to enhance cooperation in the fields of welfare and occupational health. The talks centered on aligning PAHO’s new five-year strategy with Suriname’s national welfare policy, currently under development by the ministry. Both parties emphasized the need for closer collaboration to promote safe and healthy working conditions, particularly in high-risk sectors such as mining and oil and gas. PAHO expressed its readiness to provide technical assistance in training labor inspectors, developing guidelines for safe working environments, and reducing exposure to harmful substances. The discussion also addressed mental health, focusing on suicide prevention and tackling domestic violence. A key outcome was the agreement to organize a multi-stakeholder meeting in the near future to draft a joint roadmap for collaboration. Concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Jadnanansing presented PAHO’s representative with a copy of ‘The System of Labour Administration in Suriname,’ symbolizing the commitment to shared goals in improving worker health and well-being.
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Chicken-and-egg situation
The relationship between marijuana use and mental health disorders, particularly schizophrenia, has been brought into sharp focus by Dr. Kristen Robinson-Barrett, a consultant psychiatrist and director of treatment services at Jamaica’s National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA). According to Dr. Robinson-Barrett, marijuana can activate an individual’s genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, a condition that, once triggered, cannot be reversed. This revelation adds a sobering layer to the viral comment by Jamaican dancehall artist Pablo YG: “Yuh see weh yuh did do, cyaa rub out” (You see what you did, it can’t be undone).
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The country registers 123 maternal deaths this year
As of week 39, the Ministry of Public Health’s epidemiological surveillance system has documented 123 maternal deaths, marking a 9% decrease compared to the 135 cases recorded in 2024. Health authorities project a continued downward trend in maternal and infant mortality rates by 2025. However, this overall improvement is overshadowed by significant regional disparities. Provinces such as Santiago, La Altagracia, and Distrito Nacional have reported increases in maternal deaths, with 22, 14, and 7 cases respectively. These figures underscore ongoing challenges in the accessibility and quality of obstetric care, particularly in high-demand areas. Maternal mortality serves as a critical indicator of healthcare quality and is influenced by social determinants like poverty, systemic inefficiencies, and inadequate primary care. Most maternal deaths occur within the public health system, raising concerns about the effectiveness of healthcare personnel and support networks. On the infant mortality front, 1,331 deaths have been reported, reflecting a 22% reduction from the previous year’s 1,700 cases. While provinces like El Seibo, Monseñor Noel, and Monte Plata have shown progress, others such as Independencia, Bahoruco, and Sánchez Ramírez continue to face challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure. Neonatal mortality, a key measure of perinatal care, has decreased by 16%, from 1,378 to 1,145 deaths. Significant improvements were observed in Monseñor Noel (-63%), Duarte (-43%), San Cristóbal (-39%), Puerto Plata (-38%), and La Altagracia (-35%). However, alarming increases were noted in San José de Ocoa (150%), Independencia (100%), Bahoruco (71%), and Hato Mayor (64%), albeit with smaller absolute numbers. The neonatal group remains the most vulnerable, accounting for the highest number of infant deaths. For nearly three decades, monitoring maternal and infant mortality indicators has been a persistent challenge. Maternal deaths are tracked by hospital committees and reported to the Department of Epidemiology. Experts emphasize the need for greater integration of specialized professionals in public healthcare centers to address these critical issues effectively.
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Mental Health Is Everyone’s Responsibility, Says Community Advocate
Across Antigua and Barbuda, in homes, schools, and workplaces, countless individuals grapple with mental health challenges in silence. From students struggling to focus in class to employees withdrawing from social interactions, and elderly parents yearning for companionship, the emotional toll is pervasive. On October 10, 2025, the nation joined the global community in observing World Mental Health Day under the theme ‘Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.’ This year’s theme resonates deeply as the country faces ongoing social pressures, personal hardships, and the impact of a tropical storm. It underscores the importance of emotional resilience and the need to prioritize mental health as a national imperative.
Mental health care access must be strengthened, particularly for young people. Many youths endure unseen battles, often manifesting as frustration or conflict. They are not merely ‘troubled’ but in dire need of compassion, guidance, and safe spaces to express their emotions. Similarly, individuals who appear successful externally may suffer privately. Seeking help should be seen as an act of courage, not weakness. Community programs, counseling sessions, and support groups play a crucial role in reminding people they are not alone.
In St. John’s Rural South, community advocate Jermaine N. Edwards has witnessed firsthand the pain of young people and the isolation of seniors. These experiences highlight the importance of fostering mental wellness through care and understanding. Encouragingly, the stigma surrounding mental illness is gradually fading, replaced by empathy and awareness. Early intervention through counseling and support can prevent deeper suffering.
Schools, workplaces, and community organizations must actively promote mental health. Teachers, employers, and parents should recognize signs of distress and respond with compassion. Parents, in particular, must address their children’s emotional well-being, countering the unrealistic standards often portrayed on social media. Seniors, too, deserve attention, as many face depression due to loneliness or the rapid pace of modern life. Intergenerational programs can bridge this gap, fostering mutual support and understanding.
Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age or circumstance. Whether triggered by trauma, social pressure, or natural disasters, it must be met with care, not judgment. Investments in school counselors, community mental health programs, and trained professionals in clinics are essential. On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to building a culture where help is accessible, voices are heard, and no one feels isolated. Mental health is not an individual issue but a shared responsibility. Together, we can create a society rooted in understanding, healing, and hope.
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Dominica commemorates World Mental Health Day today
Dominica has joined the global community in commemorating World Mental Health Day on October 10, a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for improved mental health care worldwide. This year’s theme, ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ underscores the urgent need for accessible and culturally relevant mental health support during crises. Dr. Nadia Wallace, Consultant Psychiatrist at the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU), highlighted the persistent neglect and underfunding of mental health treatment in emergency response efforts. She emphasized that natural disasters, accidents, and humanitarian crises often leave individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, grief, and substance abuse, exacerbated by the loss of homes, income, and community ties. Dr. Wallace stressed that children, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable. Despite growing awareness, access to mental health care remains inconsistent, especially in crisis-stricken areas. Stigma, a shortage of skilled professionals, and inadequate resources further complicate the provision of support. The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is advocating for the integration of mental health into emergency response frameworks, including training frontline workers in psychological first aid and investing in long-term, trauma-informed care. Dr. Wallace urged global stakeholders to prioritize mental health as an essential component of disaster planning and recovery, emphasizing that mental health care is a necessity, not a luxury, and must be equitable and accessible to all.
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Come back home, Tufton urges health professionals
In a bid to address critical staffing shortages in its healthcare system, Jamaica is rolling out a comprehensive strategy to attract specialized health professionals who have migrated overseas. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton announced the initiative during a press conference at S Hotel in Montego Bay, emphasizing the government’s commitment to incentivizing the return of skilled Jamaicans to fill vacant positions in medical facilities across the country.
Dr. Tufton highlighted the severity of the issue, revealing that 27% of positions in the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) — one of Jamaica’s four health regions — remain unfilled. To tackle this, the government is collaborating with bilateral partners such as India, the Philippines, and Nigeria, while also launching targeted advertising campaigns in the United States to appeal to Jamaican expatriates.
The minister underscored the improvements in Jamaica’s infrastructure, ongoing hospital upgrades, and efforts to reduce crime as key factors making the country an increasingly attractive place to live and work. He cited the construction of new medical facilities, including Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Western Children and Adolescents Hospital, as evidence of better working conditions on the horizon.
In addition to recruiting overseas professionals, the government is implementing measures to retain existing healthcare workers. These include a housing program for staff, discussions with the National Housing Trust, and enhanced training opportunities. Dr. Tufton also addressed the challenges of filling specialized roles in less attractive locations, noting that staffing gaps have led to overworked employees and compromised service quality.
The minister urged regional health authorities to adopt proactive and creative recruitment strategies to alleviate the burden on current staff and ensure the healthcare system operates efficiently. ‘We are saying to Jamaicans in the Diaspora: Come back home. We have a place for you,’ Dr. Tufton concluded, expressing hope that the incentives and improvements would encourage many to return.
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MPower-ing conversation on M Factor today
In anticipation of World Menopause Day on October 18, MPower, a Jamaican women-led advocacy group dedicated to transforming the dialogue around menopause in the Caribbean, is set to host an enlightening event titled ‘MPower Yourself.’ Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 5:30 pm at Scotiabank’s Corporate Learning Centre in Kingston, the evening promises to be a blend of education, storytelling, and community engagement for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.
The highlight of the event will be the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary, *The M Factor*. This film delves into the often-overlooked physical, emotional, and professional challenges women face during menopause, such as hot flashes, anxiety, weight fluctuations, and workplace discrimination. Featuring expert commentary from renowned medical professionals like Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), the documentary also sheds light on the unique experiences of women of color during this life stage.
Sacha Chung, an occupational therapist and co-creator of MPower, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, ‘This is not just a film screening; it’s a turning point for women in Jamaica. We want women to feel seen, informed, and confident in speaking about their health and demanding the support they deserve at home, in the workplace, and in healthcare settings.’
Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with a panel of women’s health experts. Dr. Kudzai Dombo, a US-based OB-GYN and Menopause Society certified practitioner, will discuss the distinct ways menopause manifests in women of color. Dr. Dainia Baugh, president of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean, will explore the critical connection between menopause and cardiovascular health. Dr. Michelle Bailey, a reproductive health specialist at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, will provide insights on maintaining sexual and reproductive wellness through mid-life and beyond.
Jodi Mair, a fitness professional and MPower co-founder, highlighted the event’s mission, saying, ‘Many women suffer in silence. This event is about breaking that silence and helping women feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being.’
MPower was founded by Sacha Chung, Jodi Mair, and entrepreneurs Elena Diedrick-Lynch and Leisha Wong, co-directors of Elle Creative. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in wellness, advocacy, and storytelling, united by a shared commitment to creating spaces where women can feel informed, supported, and heard.