Andrew Whyte, a 32-year-old LED technician from Mitchell Town, Clarendon, is urgently seeking public assistance to raise US$32,000 (approximately J$5 million) for a life-saving kidney transplant. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs of his medical treatment. Whyte, who lives alone, is currently only able to work once or twice a week due to his debilitating symptoms, which include weakness, lightheadedness, and severe pain. His condition has worsened over the past two to three years, transitioning from hydronephrosis, a kidney infection, to complete kidney failure. Whyte now requires two weekly dialysis treatments, costing J$120,000 per month, which has placed a significant financial burden on him. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic and encourages others to prioritize their health. ‘I would want everyone to pay keen attention to their health and get regular check-ups,’ he said. Those who wish to contribute to his GoFundMe campaign can do so via the provided link.
分类： health
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PAHO launches new initiative to deal with high rate of NCDs
Health leaders from across the Americas, including the Caribbean, have unanimously endorsed a groundbreaking 2025–2030 Action Plan aimed at curbing the rising tide of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). This initiative, ratified during the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to address the region’s leading causes of death and disability, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. The plan underscores the urgent need to fortify primary health care systems to enhance the quality of life for millions affected by these ailments. Dr. Anselm Hennis, PAHO’s Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, hailed the plan as a transformative step toward building resilient, community-centered health systems. The strategy revolves around three core pillars: mitigating NCD risk factors, embedding NCD management into primary health care, and bolstering surveillance mechanisms. NCDs currently claim an estimated six million lives annually in the Americas, with nearly 40% of these deaths occurring prematurely before the age of 70. Alarmingly, 240 million individuals in the region are impacted by these conditions. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, other risk factors such as harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity remain pervasive. For instance, over 35% of adults are physically inactive, and one in three lives with obesity. Access to diagnosis and treatment is also limited, with only 36% of hypertensive patients having controlled blood pressure and over 40 million diabetics lacking adequate care. The action plan advocates for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing fiscal policies to reduce consumption of harmful products, front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods, and stricter marketing regulations. It also prioritizes integrating NCD prevention and treatment into primary care, alongside innovative digital tools to enhance data surveillance and evidence-based policymaking. Key initiatives include HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and the use of advanced technologies to monitor progress. PAHO will support countries in mobilizing resources, with biennial reviews scheduled for 2028 and a final report in 2031.
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Distress calls
In September, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health witnessed an overwhelming surge in calls to its mental health and suicide prevention helpline, with over 500 distress calls recorded in a single month. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton revealed that the 24/7 free and confidential service provided counselling or referrals based on individual needs. This disclosure came in response to inquiries from the Jamaica Observer, following a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) report highlighting a mid-year spike in suicides, particularly in St. Catherine North. The helpline, staffed by psychologists, offers crisis intervention, psychological support, and referrals for those experiencing suicidal tendencies or mental health challenges. To bolster mental health care, the ministry has trained 47 non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), with more training sessions planned. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme, set to resume this month, aims to reduce stigma and improve mental health awareness among students. At the community level, Problem Management Plus providers are being deployed to address mild emotional distress and adverse challenges, with 45 active providers currently in the field. Public mental health clinics, including over 150 adult clinics and 20 for children and adolescents, continue to operate islandwide. Despite a 17% overall decline in suicides from 2024 to 2025, the JCF report noted significant variations across months, parishes, and gender categories. A mid-year surge in July and August, coupled with geographic hotspots like St. Catherine North, underscores the need for dynamic, nuanced prevention strategies. The report calls for enhanced early detection, community engagement, and support networks to address these challenges effectively.
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Antiguan mother appeals for kidney donor
A 48-year-old mother from Antigua, Yvonne Warner, is making a heartfelt plea for a kidney donor as she confronts the severe challenges of end-stage kidney failure. Born with only one kidney, Warner has endured nearly a year of dialysis, undergoing four-hour treatments twice weekly. Despite the physical and emotional toll, she remains resilient, attributing her strength to her faith. ‘Some days are very difficult, but thanks to the grace of God that strengthens me,’ she shared. Warner is urging the public to consider becoming a living donor, emphasizing the profound impact such a gift could have. ‘Your gift of life could be my miracle,’ she added. Those willing to assist can reach her via phone at 771-1973, 786-2079, 728-9444, or by email at [email protected]. In addition to seeking a donor, Warner is asking for prayers as she continues her fight for survival. Her story highlights the critical need for organ donation and the life-changing difference it can make for individuals battling severe health conditions.
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Officials sound alarm over synthetic additives
Barbados is grappling with a rising public health crisis as illegal cannabis products laced with synthetic or semi-synthetic substances flood the local market. Dr. Ronald Chase, a psychiatrist with the National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA), issued a stark warning on Monday following the discovery of a product labeled Original Royal Honey Delta in a local store. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a lab-created variant. Dr. Chase emphasized that these semi-synthetic substances, first detected globally in 2021, pose significant health risks. ‘These compounds are far more potent and dangerous than naturally occurring cannabinoids,’ he stated. The psychiatrist highlighted that the colorful, candy-like packaging of these products has led to accidental ingestion, particularly among children. In 2022, approximately 40% of unintentional use cases involved individuals under 18. Dr. Chase warned that synthetic cannabinoids can cause severe side effects, including increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, psychosis, anxiety, and aggression. He urged consumers to scrutinize product labels and avoid unfamiliar cannabis-related items. Supporting this call, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams acknowledged the challenges of curbing illegal drug use but stressed the heightened risks in today’s drug landscape. ‘The substances available now are far more dangerous than in previous years,’ he said. Abrahams recounted witnessing a cannabis user spraying an unknown substance onto a joint, underscoring the unpredictability of street drugs. He urged parents to remain vigilant, especially if their children are hiding candy-like products, and encouraged families to utilize testing services for suspicious substances. Both Dr. Chase and Minister Abrahams emphasized that the combination of deceptive packaging, easy accessibility, and severe health effects makes semi-synthetic cannabinoids a growing threat to public health in Barbados.
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Weak primary health care threatens lives and economies –PAHO Lancet Regional Health Commission report
A groundbreaking report by the World Bank and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), titled *No Time to Wait: Resilience as the Cornerstone of Primary Health Care in Latin America and the Caribbean*, has issued a stark warning about the region’s fragile primary health care (PHC) systems. Released during PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council in Washington, D.C., the report highlights the dire consequences of failing to bolster PHC resilience, projecting up to 165,000 preventable deaths and economic losses ranging from $7 to $37 billion in the event of a health crisis. These losses could include 11,300 maternal deaths, 10,000 child deaths, and over 149,000 fatalities from noncommunicable diseases, alongside 14 million unintended pregnancies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the region’s vulnerabilities, with Latin America and the Caribbean accounting for 30% of global COVID-19 deaths despite representing only 8.5% of the world’s population. Essential health services, such as maternal care, childhood immunization, and chronic disease treatment, plummeted by up to 50%, with some countries experiencing prolonged disruptions. The region’s susceptibility to natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and vector-borne outbreaks, further exacerbates the crisis. The report emphasizes that resilience—defined as the ability to maintain essential services equitably before, during, and after shocks—is not a luxury but a necessity for health security, social stability, and economic growth. To address these challenges, the Commission proposes a five-point action plan: expanding equitable care models, embedding public health functions within PHC, centering communities in decision-making, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and securing sustainable financing. The report serves as a clarion call for governments to prioritize PHC resilience, invest urgently, and ensure universal coverage to safeguard lives and economies.
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Grenada leads regional charge with PAHO HEARTS initiative
Grenada has reached a significant milestone in its battle against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by achieving the national scaleup of the PAHO HEARTS initiative. NCDs, which accounted for over 80% of deaths in Grenada in 2019, remain a pressing public health challenge. Cardiovascular diseases dominate the leading causes of mortality, with hypertension and diabetes contributing significantly to chronic illness. Risk factors such as obesity and physical inactivity persist at alarming levels.
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Antigua and Barbuda Signs Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2031 with PAHO/WHO
Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its dedication to regional health and unity by signing the Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031 for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries. The signing ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., coincided with the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Representing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Senator Michael Joseph, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, formalized the agreement alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro. Senator Joseph emphasized the region’s critical juncture, highlighting the dual challenges of non-communicable diseases and infectious threats, exacerbated by climate-related disasters. Despite high life expectancy, health equity gaps persist due to income inequality, vulnerabilities among marginalized groups, and systemic issues like workforce shortages and financing constraints. To address these, governments have bolstered primary health care, advanced national health insurance, and invested in climate-resilient infrastructure. The MCCS outlines five strategic priorities and sixteen deliverables, focusing on equitable resource distribution, sustainable financing, and health data strengthening. The Strategy also symbolizes a renewed commitment to inclusive, people-centered health systems, aligning with PAHO and WHO goals. The signing holds added significance as September marks the anniversaries of several Caribbean nations joining PAHO in the 1980s, reflecting a legacy of regional solidarity. The Ministry of Health extended gratitude to PAHO/WHO and regional partners for their contributions to this forward-looking initiative.
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CMO Laws praises PAHO for partnership in tackling NCDs
St. Kitts and Nevis is reaping significant benefits from its collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in addressing the escalating issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Dr. Hazel Laws, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), expressed her gratitude for PAHO’s support during the 62nd Pan American Health Organization’s Directing Council Meeting of Health Ministers in Washington, D.C. She underscored the importance of this partnership in enhancing the Federation’s healthcare sector. Dr. Laws, speaking at the meeting’s opening session on September 29, outlined recent health initiatives and strategies to tackle critical medical challenges. In an interview with SKNVibes News, she emphasized the need to deepen collaboration with PAHO, particularly in scaling up responses to NCDs, which she identified as the most significant health challenge. She highlighted the importance of prevention through addressing risk factors, early detection, and effective management of patients. The meeting also served as a platform for regional health ministers to exchange strategies. Guyana’s Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, stressed the importance of PAHO’s strategic plan in advancing healthcare across the Americas. He pointed out that NCDs, such as hypertension, heart disease, and cancer, are a major global health concern, contributing to approximately 43 million deaths annually, with 18 million being premature. Dr. Anthony shared that Guyana has implemented several programs, including PAHO’s HEARTS initiative, which focuses on cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Additionally, Guyana is working towards eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccinations for both boys and girls. The 62nd Pan American Health Organization’s Directing Council Meeting of Health Ministers is set to conclude on October 3.
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Senator Joseph Highlights Regional Health Gains at Washington Meeting
In a landmark gathering in Washington, D.C., Antigua and Barbuda’s Senator Michael Joseph played a pivotal role in advancing regional health initiatives during the 50th Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD–Health) Meeting. Chaired by Grenada’s Health Minister Philip Telesford, the event brought together health officials from across the Caribbean to address pressing health challenges and strengthen regional cooperation. Key outcomes included the endorsement of the Pandemic Agreement by CARICOM, the launch of the PAHO–CARICOM Cooperation Strategy, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CARICOM and HEDPAC. Discussions also focused on critical issues such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the intersection of crime and public health. Senator Joseph emphasized the urgency of building resilient health systems to combat climate and economic pressures, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities. The meeting marked a significant step forward in addressing the Caribbean’s health challenges and fostering a unified approach to public health.