On World Mental Health Day, the Psychiatric Center Suriname (PCS) emphasized the critical importance of mental health care during disasters and emergencies. This year’s global theme, ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ underscores the necessity of adequate mental health support in times of crisis. Mental health disorders are among the most prevalent global health issues, causing not only visible suffering but also profound internal pain and tension that severely impact daily functioning. These conditions significantly contribute to the loss of healthy life years (Disability-Adjusted Life Years – DALYs), as individuals often live with long-term functional and well-being limitations. Depression, anxiety disorders, and substance dependency are leading causes of disease burden worldwide, with their impact increasingly evident in Suriname. Many individuals struggle with socioeconomic challenges, domestic violence, and addiction. ‘Many suffer in silence, yet timely intervention can facilitate effective recovery,’ stated the PCS. The center highlighted that access to care involves not only service availability but also awareness, destigmatization, and collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and society. ‘A listening ear, appropriate guidance, or a supportive social network can significantly contribute to recovery and resilience,’ the PCS added. The center called for a collective effort to create an environment in Suriname where mental health care is accessible, effective, and normalized for all.
分类： health
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Local Dentists Strongly Support Taxation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in Antigua and Barbuda
The Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association (ABDA) has thrown its weight behind the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), aligning with global efforts to curb excessive sugar consumption and improve public health. This initiative is part of a broader strategy endorsed by the World Dental Federation (FDI), which includes 193 member countries, including Antigua and Barbuda. The FDI’s 2024 Policy Statement, adopted in Istanbul, emphasizes the critical role of taxation in reducing sugar intake and promoting healthier lifestyles.
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Minister Warns of Growing Health Threats from Diabetes and Falling Vaccination Rates
Senator Michael Joseph, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, has issued a stark warning about the escalating health challenges in Antigua and Barbuda. The nation is grappling with a dual burden: a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a concerning decline in vaccination rates globally. Speaking on ABS-TV’s ‘Government in Motion,’ Joseph emphasized that the Caribbean region currently leads in the prevalence of NCDs, which are now the primary cause of death. He highlighted high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, strokes, and cancer as the most pressing concerns, noting that these conditions are placing immense financial strain on the country’s health budget. ‘Unless we find mechanisms to address these issues, the financial demands will create a health crisis worse than the current situation,’ he stated. Joseph also expressed alarm over the global trend of declining vaccination coverage, particularly in developed nations where school vaccination requirements are being rolled back. He warned that this could lead to the resurgence of infectious diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and polio in the Caribbean. Given Antigua and Barbuda’s reliance on tourism and its strong travel connections, the senator stressed the heightened risk of imported communicable diseases. He revealed that the government is collaborating with regional and international health partners, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), to bolster prevention and treatment strategies. Joseph urged households to reconsider their stance on vaccinations, emphasizing the critical need to protect public health and avoid further strain on the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
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Health Records to Go Digital Across All Clinics, Joseph Announces
Antigua and Barbuda is making significant strides in modernizing its healthcare infrastructure by implementing a digital system for patient records across all public clinics. Senator Michael Joseph, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, announced the initiative during a recent appearance on ABS-TV’s ‘Government in Motion.’ This project is a key component of the government’s Smart Health Facilities program, supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
The initiative involves the integration of patient information using the Selma software, ensuring seamless access to medical records across clinics nationwide. Senator Joseph emphasized that this system will allow healthcare providers to access patient data, including lab results and doctor reports, regardless of the clinic’s location. This innovation aims to enhance communication between hospitals and clinics, addressing gaps in the primary care system.
The digital upgrade is part of a broader strategy to strengthen primary healthcare, following a regional health cooperation agreement signed between Antigua and Barbuda and PAHO. The government envisions a fully connected healthcare network, linking major medical centers such as the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. This transformation is expected to improve patient care, streamline healthcare delivery, and create a more resilient health system.
By reducing the need for patients to repeat their medical history at multiple facilities, the initiative promises to make healthcare faster and more efficient. This digital transition marks a pivotal step in Antigua and Barbuda’s journey toward a modernized and responsive healthcare system.
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PM Drew: “Mental health is not a luxury — it is a lifeline”
On World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis delivered a powerful message emphasizing the critical importance of mental health. Speaking under this year’s theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” Dr. Drew asserted that mental well-being is as essential as physical safety, particularly during crises. ‘Mental health is not a luxury — it is a lifeline,’ he declared, urging citizens to recognize the profound impact of emotional health in the face of disasters, pandemics, and daily stressors. Drawing from his medical expertise, the Prime Minister highlighted the lasting effects of trauma, grief, and anxiety, which often outlast physical injuries. He praised the nation’s mental health professionals — psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers — as unsung heroes who provide vital support during emergencies. Dr. Drew also outlined his government’s initiatives to enhance mental health services, including collaborations with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and community health teams. These efforts aim to integrate mental health care into emergency preparedness and public health strategies, acknowledging its connection to non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, he addressed the psychological impact of climate change, noting the rise of ‘climate anxiety’ due to extreme weather events and displacement. To improve access to care, the government is creating a national registry of mental health professionals, fostering collaboration and quality in mental health services.
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QEH cancer machine faces fresh setback
Cancer patients and advocates in Barbados are grappling with heightened distress and uncertainty as the commissioning of a state-of-the-art radiotherapy machine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) faces yet another delay, now pushed to the end of November. The postponement has exacerbated concerns over access to life-saving treatments, particularly amid a lack of official communication. Vincent Yearwood, Interim Coordinator of the Men’s Cancer Support Group, expressed frustration, noting that the $10-million linear accelerator, crucial for high-precision radiation therapy, remains non-operational despite being delivered to Barbados last year. Yearwood revealed that at least one patient has been forced to seek treatment in Trinidad, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by those in urgent need. QEH spokesman Shane Sealy attributed the latest delay to construction adjustments, citing a two-millimeter floor discrepancy that required correction to meet the machine’s exacting specifications. While the adjustments have been completed, the installation is now slated for completion by late November. The delay has drawn sharp criticism from Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw, a breast cancer survivor, who emphasized the urgency of the situation during a parliamentary debate. Bradshaw lamented the loss of lives due to the delay, urging health authorities to expedite the process. Health Minister Davidson Ishmael acknowledged the setbacks, attributing them to the complexities of constructing a specialized facility for the radiation equipment. Meanwhile, the Barbados Cancer Society has raised alarms over the rising incidence of colon cancer, with prostate cancer remaining the most prevalent and aggressive form among men in the country.
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QEH gives alternatives contact numbers after telecom difficulties
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has issued a public advisory regarding technical difficulties affecting access to the Emergency Ambulance Service through the 511 hotline. According to a statement released by Shane Sealy, the hospital’s Communications Specialist, the issue is currently under investigation by the telecommunications provider. The hospital assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve the problem swiftly. In the interim, QEH has provided alternative contact numbers for those facing medical emergencies: the hospital’s main PBX line at 436-6450 and the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) at 536-4800. The hospital expressed sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused and thanked the public for their patience and understanding during this time.
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ACSOM, RayAsta Foundation and gov’t of Dominica collaborate for Stroke Awareness Day 2025
The American Canadian School of Medicine (ACSOM) has joined forces with the RayAsta Foundation and the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica to organize Stroke Awareness Day, a pivotal event aimed at raising critical awareness about stroke on the island. Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the ACSOM campus on Ross Boulevard, Picard, Portsmouth, the initiative seeks to educate the community on stroke prevention, recognition, and rehabilitation. Dr. Sofiia Kozyreva, a rehabilitation specialist and ACSOM faculty member, emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, ‘Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death.’ She highlighted the importance of understanding risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, unhealthy diet, and smoking, which can be mitigated through early detection and medical intervention. The event will offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, BMI, waist circumference, cardiovascular risk assessments, and cognitive and reflex testing. Attendees will also participate in interactive sessions covering stroke anatomy, risk factors, lifestyle changes, preventive strategies, rehabilitation options, and resources for family caregivers. In addition to educational activities, the day will feature games, refreshments, and opportunities to interact with ACSOM students and faculty, fostering community engagement and learning. This initiative aligns with ACSOM’s broader mission to promote community health education and proactive disease prevention, while the RayAsta Foundation views it as a vital step in empowering communities through health awareness and education.
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Tobago gets ‘critical’ free hearing screening
Residents of Tobago recently benefited from a series of free hearing and screening assessments held from October 8 to 10. The initiative, organized by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection in partnership with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired (DRETCHI), aimed to address the island’s pressing hearing health needs. The event commenced at Roxborough Hospital and later moved to the Scarborough Library to accommodate more participants. Dr. Nathaniel Duke, Medical Chief of Staff at Roxborough Hospital, emphasized the necessity of bringing such services to Tobago, noting that previous events were oversubscribed, particularly by elderly individuals in need of hearing aids. He also highlighted the challenges faced by children awaiting hearing screenings, many of whom are placed on long waiting lists for services in Trinidad. The initiative provided diagnostic hearing screenings, neonatal hearing screenings, and support for hearing aids. Dr. Faith Brebnor, THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, described the event as highly successful, with over 70 individuals screened on the first day alone. She stressed that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to comprehensive health care, encompassing physical, mental, and sensory health. Dr. Brebnor assured that such events would continue, ensuring that Tobago residents have access to essential hearing health services.
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Dealing with mental crisis
The Jamaica Psychiatric Association has emphasized the importance of robust support systems for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. In a recent media release, the association addressed the alarming rise in suicide cases across the nation and outlined actionable steps for those in distress, as well as their families and friends, to seek help and access available resources.