Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Portland Health Department rolls out blood pressure screenings for Heart Month

    Portland Health Department rolls out blood pressure screenings for Heart Month

    PORTLAND, Jamaica – The Portland Health Department has initiated an extensive parish-wide blood pressure screening campaign throughout February in recognition of Heart Month, marking a significant push to enhance cardiovascular wellness among local residents.

    This collaborative endeavor with the National Health Fund (NHF) operates under the thematic banner ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure,’ emphasizing preventive healthcare measures. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sharon Lewis announced that the program commenced on February 11 during a specialized clinic for barbers and hairdressers, conducted within the Portland Health Department’s conference facilities.

    Addressing the Portland Municipal Corporation’s monthly assembly on February 12, Dr. Lewis detailed the comprehensive schedule of upcoming screening events. Additional blood pressure assessments will be conducted at food handlers’ clinics across all three health districts within the parish. Specific community locations include Buff Bay Methodist Church yard and Fairy Hill Health Centre on Thursday, February 19, followed by participation in a health fair at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) on February 26.

    Dr. Lewis indicated that further venues are currently being finalized, with complete details to be publicly communicated once arrangements are confirmed. She actively encouraged residents to utilize these complimentary services, advising community members to watch for community health aides conducting screenings near major township centers throughout the parish.

    The initiative has established an ambitious target of screening 2,000 individuals during the awareness period. Dr. Lewis delivered these updates while presenting Portland’s January 2026 health status report, noting the parish maintained generally favorable health conditions throughout the month.

    Regarding syndromic surveillance, authorities recorded 32 cases of undifferentiated fever, all presenting at designated sentinel sites across Portland. This represents a significant reduction from the 63 cases documented in December 2025 and aligns closely with the 34 cases observed in November 2025.

    A parallel downward trend was observed in fever and respiratory cases, with only six instances reported – a 73% decrease from December’s 208 cases during the seasonal influenza-like illness surge. This figure corresponds with the 51 cases documented in November 2025. Dr. Lewis confirmed both undifferentiated fever and influenza-like illnesses are returning to endemic levels of approximately 10 cases weekly, indicating stabilization of community health trends.

  • Wereld Kinderkankerdag: Samen bouwen aan hoop, zorg en betere overleving

    Wereld Kinderkankerdag: Samen bouwen aan hoop, zorg en betere overleving

    February 15th marks the annual observance of International Childhood Cancer Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness and demonstrating solidarity with children and adolescents battling cancer alongside their families. The 2026 campaign carries the poignant theme “Together We Build Hope,” highlighting the critical importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing survival rates, improving care quality, and ultimately transforming patient outcomes worldwide.

    Childhood cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality among children globally, with approximately 400,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Suriname faces its own share of this challenge, reporting between 15 to 20 new pediatric cancer cases each year. Statistical data reveals that about 60% of these cases involve blood cancers (leukemia) and lymphatic system cancers (lymphomas).

    The most prevalent childhood cancer manifestations include:
    – Leukemia (blood cancer)
    – Brain tumors
    – Lymphomas (cancer of the lymphatic system)
    – Solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor)

    Unlike adult cancers, pediatric malignancies frequently lack identifiable causes, with environmental factors and lifestyle choices typically playing minimal roles in disease development. These conditions primarily stem from uncontrolled cellular growth within developing biological systems.

    Treatment methodologies encompass chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical interventions, tailored according to cancer type and detection stage. Medical professionals emphasize that early recognition and rapid diagnosis significantly improve treatment success probabilities and survival outcomes.

    Beyond medical interventions, comprehensive psychosocial support proves indispensable throughout the treatment journey. Family, friendship networks, and community engagement collectively create crucial support systems that help children endure treatments more effectively while strengthening families during profoundly challenging periods.

    In Suriname, International Childhood Cancer Day serves as a platform for amplifying awareness, fostering collaborative partnerships, and encouraging societal engagement. The central message remains unequivocal: only through unified global action can we genuinely expand hope for children confronting cancer diagnoses.

    The collective commitment resonates across nations: united we stand stronger—for our children, for their future.

  • NCD-afdeling krijgt groen licht voor uitvoering jaarplan 2026

    NCD-afdeling krijgt groen licht voor uitvoering jaarplan 2026

    Suriname’s Ministry of Health has formally approved an ambitious national strategy to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through a structured five-pillar approach for 2026. Health Minister André Misiekaba officially endorsed the comprehensive plan presented by the NCD Department focal point Cheshta Sewtahal and her team, signaling strong governmental commitment to tackling cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions.

    The strategic framework centers on five critical domains: development of public policy and advocacy initiatives; health promotion and preventive measures; integrated care for both NCDs and mental health; enhanced surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems; and strengthened cross-sectoral collaboration. Each priority area has been developed into specific core activities with measurable implementation targets for the coming year.

    Despite the comprehensive planning, officials acknowledged significant structural challenges including the absence of a national NCD policy coordination mechanism, constrained financial and human resources, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. The department emphasized that effective NCD management requires an integrated approach combining prevention, early detection, and quality care delivery.

    Key expected outcomes for 2026 include quality improvement in NCD care through HEARTS initiative implementation, accelerated execution of national prevention plans, establishment of a functional NCD and mental health surveillance system, integration of mental health services into primary care, and reinforcement of legal frameworks and intersectoral cooperation.

    With ministerial authorization now secured, the NCD department is positioned to execute a coordinated, evidence-based approach aimed at reducing disease prevalence and improving national health outcomes across Suriname.

  • BGVS meldt verlies van US$ 1,3 miljoen aan vervallen medicijnen

    BGVS meldt verlies van US$ 1,3 miljoen aan vervallen medicijnen

    Suriname’s national drug supply agency faces a substantial financial and logistical challenge following the expiration of pharmaceuticals worth approximately $1.3 million. The Bedrijf Geneesmiddelenvoorziening Suriname (BGVS) has formally reported the situation to Health Minister André Misiekaba, detailing both the immediate disposal requirements and underlying systemic issues.

    According to BGVS Director Quincy Joemai, the expired medications represent previously purchased and paid-for supplies that were not utilized within their shelf life. The substantial volume of expired drugs has created significant storage complications, forcing the agency to relocate the materials to an external warehouse three times larger than their previous facility. ‘We faced a critical space shortage,’ Joemai explained through the Suriname Communication Service. ‘This warehouse allows secure storage pending destruction.’

    The disposal process presents considerable challenges, with BGVS currently negotiating with hospitals possessing incineration capabilities to ensure environmentally compliant destruction. Burial or dumping remains prohibited under national environmental regulations. ‘These materials require appropriate destruction methods, but the associated costs are substantial,’ Joemai noted.

    To mitigate financial pressures, authorities are exploring cost offsetting through outstanding hospital debts. Additionally, officials are developing a method to remove medications from their packaging before disposal, reducing volume and weight to lower transportation and destruction expenses. The complete disposal operation is projected to require one to two years given the massive scale of expired inventory.

    Beyond immediate disposal concerns, BGVS is implementing organizational reforms addressing deeper structural issues. Director Joemai inherited significant operational and financial challenges upon appointment, including critically low inventories and substantial debts. ‘We first needed rescue operations, now we’re in the recovery phase,’ he stated.

    Despite current challenges, the agency reports gradual improvement in medication availability, with drugs listed on the National Medicines Formulary increasing from 18% to 21% availability. ‘Quality remains our priority,’ Joemai emphasized. ‘Medications only receive distribution approval after thorough verification by our pharmacists and laboratory personnel.’

    Healthcare observers indicate this $1.3 million loss underscores the urgent need for enhanced inventory management, refined procurement planning, and improved distribution systems to prevent future recurrence of such substantial waste.

  • January ended with a 47% increase in cases of severe acute respiratory infections

    January ended with a 47% increase in cases of severe acute respiratory infections

    The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health has documented a significant escalation in severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) during January 2026, reporting a 47% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Epidemiological data reveals 69 suspected cases this year versus 47 previously, with children under four years old and adults over sixty constituting the most vulnerable demographics.

    Geographical analysis identifies Azua and Santo Domingo provinces as the primary hotspots, recording 31 and 13 cases respectively. The National District and San Cristóbal followed with 5 cases each. Health officials attribute this distribution pattern to regions with higher population density, increased mobility, and greater hospital service demand.

    Notably, the epidemiological report confirms zero fatalities from SARI in January 2026, maintaining a 0% lethality rate—a substantial improvement from the 6.4% mortality rate (3 deaths) documented during the same period in 2025. This positive development suggests enhanced early detection capabilities, improved patient referral systems, and more effective clinical management of severe cases.

    Virological surveillance indicates persistent circulation of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza, though authorities report a progressive decrease in viral activity early in 2026. Crucially, no instances of influenza A (H3N2) subclade K have been detected, though health officials emphasize continued vigilance against emerging variants.

    The Ministry has implemented strengthened surveillance measures including expanded sampling protocols, immediate case notification, and daily monitoring of hospital bed occupancy. Additional measures include rapid referral pathways for pediatric cases, guaranteed availability of critical medical supplies, and promoted influenza vaccination among high-risk populations.

    Despite these efforts, structural challenges persist, particularly regarding limited availability of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and intensive care units (ICU), alongside territorial access disparities. Health authorities acknowledge these limitations necessitate sustained, multi-sectoral strategies to manage morbidity during an increasingly active and prolonged respiratory season.

  • Health Minister explains reason for delayed completion of paediatric and maternal hospital

    Health Minister explains reason for delayed completion of paediatric and maternal hospital

    Guyana’s ambitious €149 million pediatric and maternal hospital project in Ogle, East Coast Demerara has encountered significant construction delays exceeding two years, according to Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony. The minister attributed the setbacks to multiple ownership changes involving the original Austria-based contractor VAMED Engineering.

    During Friday’s National Assembly Committee of Supply session addressing the 2026 budget, Dr. Anthony revealed that the project’s timeline has been substantially compromised since its ceremonial sod-turning on July 31, 2022. Initial projections indicated a two-year completion timeframe for the UK Export Finance-funded medical facility.

    The complexity emerged when VAMED, initially a majority state-owned Austrian company identified through a 2018 intergovernmental memorandum of understanding, underwent successive corporate transitions. The contractor was first acquired by Fresenius, a German dialysis equipment manufacturer, and subsequently passed to another German entity, creating managerial discontinuities that hampered project execution.

    Minister Anthony confirmed ongoing diplomatic engagements with the Austrian government to enforce contractual obligations under the original agreement. Simultaneously, the Health Ministry is conducting direct negotiations with VAMED’s current ownership to establish a revised, realistic construction schedule. Technical teams from the Guyanese government and the contractor are finalizing updated implementation plans pending public disclosure.

    Financial disclosures indicate €100 million has already been disbursed to the contractor, though opposition parliamentarian Dr. Terrence Campbell questioned the expenditure’s visible progress. For the 2026 fiscal year, the government has allocated GY$8 billion (approximately €32.2 million) to advance construction works at the strategically important healthcare facility.

  • Public Advisory: Prohibition on Harvesting and Consuming Fish and Shellfish from Cove West of Cook’s Landfill

    Public Advisory: Prohibition on Harvesting and Consuming Fish and Shellfish from Cove West of Cook’s Landfill

    Health and environmental authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have issued an urgent advisory prohibiting all fishing and seafood consumption from waters near Hermitage Bay following confirmed petroleum contamination. The joint notice from the Central Board of Health and Fisheries Division emerged after the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard detected an oil sheen in the waters west of Cook’s Landfill on the morning of February 12, 2026.

    Immediate response teams from both the Coast Guard and West Indies Oil Company conducted comprehensive assessments confirming the presence of petroleum-based contaminants on the water surface. Preliminary investigations point to potential seepage from the adjacent Cook’s Landfill area as the likely contamination source, though official determination remains ongoing.

    While current wind and wave patterns are dispersing the substance away from shorelines, authorities have implemented precautionary measures due to potential risks to marine ecosystems and human health. The advisory specifically prohibits fishing activities, consumption of marine life, and commercial distribution of seafood from the affected cove area.

    Emergency response protocols have been partially activated with multiple agencies including the Environment Division, Port Authority, and APUA now monitoring the situation. Coast Guard units remain on-site conducting aerial surveillance to determine the full extent of environmental impact.

    Officials urge public compliance with these protective measures and request immediate reporting of any additional petroleum sightings to Coast Guard emergency numbers provided in the advisory.

  • Sugary drink tax not a burden

    Sugary drink tax not a burden

    Jamaica’s government has announced a groundbreaking fiscal policy targeting sugar-sweetened beverages as part of a comprehensive strategy to address the nation’s growing public health crisis. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Chris Tufton has defended the new special consumption tax (SCT) of $0.02 per milliliter on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages, asserting it represents a balanced approach to modifying consumption patterns without creating undue economic hardship.

    The controversial measure, revealed by Finance Minister Fayval Williams and scheduled for implementation in the first quarter of the 2026/2027 fiscal year, emerges against a backdrop of alarming health statistics. Recent ministry data positions Jamaica as the tenth highest global consumer of sugary drinks, with 70-86% of children and 77% of adults consuming one or more sweetened beverages daily. This consumption pattern has directly contributed to escalating rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases nationwide.

    Minister Tufton emphasized that the policy aims to foster a culture of moderation rather than simply generate revenue. “This initiative seeks to improve health outcomes and reduce disease burden while maintaining constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders,” he stated following meetings with ministry unit heads. The minister recalled earlier efforts dating back to 2018/2019 when the government first restricted certain sugary drinks in schools and public health institutions.

    The health ministry has presented compelling evidence supporting the measure, citing successful implementations in Mexico, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Barbados, and Chile where similar taxes have significantly reduced consumption. Dr. Simone Spence, Director of the Health Promotion and Protection Branch, highlighted that sugar-sweetened beverages represent a major source of free sugars whose affordability and heavy consumption contribute substantially to Jamaica’s non-communicable disease burden.

    Despite government assurances, industry representatives including Wisynco Group Chairman William Mahfood have expressed concerns that the tax might disproportionately affect lower-income households while failing to meaningfully improve public health outcomes. In response, the health ministry has suggested implementing a tiered tax system that would incentivize manufacturers to reduce sugar content through product reformulation.

    The policy development follows World Health Organization recommendations regarding fiscal policies for diet improvement and reflects Jamaica’s urgent need to address health disparities, particularly among socio-economically vulnerable groups. Current data indicates that while 92.5% of Jamaicans with diabetes receive treatment, only 27.5% achieve adequate disease control, underscoring the critical need for preventive population-level interventions.

  • PAHO and CARPHA formalize partnership to enhance health initiatives across the Caribbean

    PAHO and CARPHA formalize partnership to enhance health initiatives across the Caribbean

    In a significant move to address pressing public health challenges, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) have formally solidified their partnership through a new Framework Agreement spanning 2026 to 2030. This strategic accord establishes a comprehensive operational blueprint designed to unify health initiatives across Caribbean nations, enhancing systemic coordination and multilateral partnerships during a period of escalating health demands and constrained resources.

    The five-year pact enables both organizations to operate cohesively under the PAHO–CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy, prioritizing the strengthening of health infrastructures, advancing emergency readiness, and elevating health outcomes for Caribbean communities. The agreement reinforces a longstanding collaboration founded upon shared responsibility, mutual accountability, and a unified vision for regional health advancement.

    During a virtual signing ceremony, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the operational value of the framework: “This Agreement enables PAHO and CARPHA to jointly develop regional strategies and action plans, implement health programmes aligned with strategic objectives, and deliver technical cooperation tailored to country-specific needs. It further establishes a transparent structure for subsidiary agreements, ensuring accountability and results-driven implementation.”

    Echoing this sentiment, CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar stressed the critical importance of strategic resource utilization: “Caribbean nations rightly expect limited technical cooperation resources to be deployed with maximum efficiency and strategic impact. This can only be realized through intensified collaboration, streamlined execution, reduced duplication, and minimized operational burden on Member States.”

    Historically, PAHO has provided extensive support to CARPHA across multiple domains, including the development of a Caribbean regulatory system, expansion of laboratory capabilities, climate resilience and environmental health initiatives, management of non-communicable diseases, and risk communication and emergency preparedness—particularly in foodborne disease response.

    Both organizations have expressed strong commitment to translating this renewed framework into measurable improvements in public health outcomes throughout the Caribbean region in the years ahead.

  • PAHO/WHO and Antigua and Barbuda sign Multi Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2031

    PAHO/WHO and Antigua and Barbuda sign Multi Country Cooperation Strategy 2026–2031

    In a significant move for public health collaboration, Antigua and Barbuda has formally ratified the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) for the period 2026–2031. The signing ceremony, held in St. John’s, marks a national commitment to a unified regional agenda designed to enhance health outcomes and tackle development challenges across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean nations.

    The Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, executed the official endorsement on behalf of the Antiguan and Barbudan government. The event was witnessed by Dr. Amalia Del Riego, the PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, signaling a strengthened partnership between the nation and the international health body.

    This national ratification follows a broader regional launch event convened in Washington, D.C., in September 2025, where health ministers from across the Eastern Caribbean collectively pledged their support for the strategic framework.

    Forged through comprehensive dialogue between governmental authorities and PAHO technical experts, the MCCS 2026–2031 establishes a cooperative blueprint to confront pressing health issues. Its core objectives are structured around five pivotal pillars: reinforcing health governance and leadership; combating the spread of communicable diseases; mitigating the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions; driving the transformation of national health systems; and developing health infrastructures resilient to climate change impacts.

    The ceremony was attended by key national figures, including Sen. Michael Joseph, the Junior Minister of Health, Dr. Kamaria De Castro, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and personnel from PAHO’s decentralized office in Antigua and Barbuda.

    Dr. Del Riego praised the nation’s proactive leadership, stating, “This formal endorsement by Antigua and Barbuda solidifies our mutual dedication to constructing more robust, equitable, and climate-resilient health systems. PAWHO anticipates ongoing cooperation to achieve tangible, sustainable improvements for the well-being of all citizens.”