KINGSTON, Jamaica — Societal stigma surrounding mental health issues often deters men from seeking timely help, leading to critical situations and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. Dr. Bridget Opiavbe, a consultant psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, is urging men to break the silence and prioritize their mental well-being. ‘Men typically exhibit poorer health-seeking behaviors, associating strength with self-reliance and emotional control. Admitting to mental health struggles is often perceived as a sign of weakness, causing them to delay seeking help until a crisis occurs,’ Dr. Opiavbe explained in an interview with JIS News on Thursday. She emphasized that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom. Dr. Opiavbe highlighted the role of societal labels in perpetuating this issue. Men expressing vulnerability are often labeled as ‘soft’ or ‘unstable,’ leading to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek support. However, she noted a positive shift in recent years, with more men acknowledging their mental health challenges and exploring ways to address them. Social media has played a pivotal role in this change, with prominent figures openly discussing their mental health struggles, helping to normalize the conversation. Dr. Opiavbe pointed out that men often mask their distress through behaviors traditionally associated with masculinity, such as anger, irritability, overworking, or substance abuse. These behaviors, she explained, often conceal deep emotional pain. She urged loved ones to recognize these signs and gently encourage men to seek help. ‘Early intervention is crucial. Waiting until a crisis occurs can have devastating consequences,’ she stressed. Globally, men die by suicide up to four times more frequently than women, with Jamaica reflecting a similar trend. Dr. Opiavbe called for increased mental health education and open conversations to destigmatize seeking help. ‘We are all vulnerable, and help is available. We don’t have to suffer in silence,’ she concluded. Jamaica is observing Mental Health Awareness Week from October 5 to 12, with World Mental Health Day being marked today.
分类： health
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Community-building event planned for holistic nutrition book launch
The upcoming book, *The Herbal Physician’s Guide to Food and Nutrition for Health, Healing & Well-being*, champions the philosophy that food can serve as medicine. Authored by Dr. Paula Lockhart and Herbal Physician Renauld Deschamps, the guide underscores the profound connection between dietary choices and overall health. It emphasizes that daily food intake is not just a source of energy but a powerful tool for disease prevention, recovery, and long-term wellness. The authors advocate for a natural, plant-based approach to nutrition, enabling individuals to take charge of their health and foster healthier communities. The book highlights the Caribbean region, particularly Dominica, as a treasure trove of diverse foods and herbal resources that can support health without resorting to fad diets or pharmaceuticals. It offers a comprehensive exploration of plant-based nutrition, covering essential elements like antioxidants, minerals, and phytonutrients, while also addressing hydration and digestive health. The guide encourages a gradual transition away from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and provides a structured three-week meal plan. It also features a rich collection of recipes inspired by Caribbean and African cuisines, including low-sugar and gluten-free options. Key topics include the role of nutrition in disease prevention, the benefits of antioxidants and minerals, strategies to reduce UPFs, and practical advice on hydration, digestion, and oral health. The book’s launch event is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Dominica Public Service Union in Roseau. Attendees can expect a presentation on healing foods and herbs, a Q&A session, autographed book sales, and a live demonstration of grounding techniques.
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The cost of neglecting vision, a global burden we can prevent
World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, serves as a stark reminder of the global burden of vision impairment and blindness. Coordinated by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) under the Vision 2020 initiative, this day aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) mission to improve global eye health. The campaign emphasizes the critical need for accessible eye care and urges individuals, communities, and policymakers to prioritize vision health. Despite its importance, over a billion people worldwide suffer from preventable or treatable vision problems, highlighting a pressing global issue.
Vision is our most dominant sense, influencing education, employment, safety, and independence. Yet, the WHO reports that 2.2 billion people globally experience visual impairment, with at least one billion cases being preventable. Common causes include uncorrected refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease. The consequences of poor eye health extend beyond individuals, creating economic, social, and emotional challenges that ripple through families, communities, and nations.
Economically, uncorrected vision problems cost the global economy over $400 billion annually in lost productivity. Socially, undiagnosed vision issues in children lead to academic struggles, while adults face job loss and the elderly experience depression and social withdrawal. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to care, particularly in rural areas, and the rising global demand for eye care due to population growth and aging societies.
In Trinidad and Tobago (TT), the situation mirrors global trends. Diabetes, a leading health concern, contributes to diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of vision loss. Additionally, the Caribbean region faces high rates of glaucoma, often undetected until irreversible damage occurs. Poor vision also impacts road safety and education, with children falling behind academically due to uncorrected refractive errors.
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach: regular eye exams, healthy lifestyles, community screenings, and policy changes to ensure affordable and accessible eye care. World Sight Day underscores that protecting vision is not just about eyesight—it’s about enhancing education, employment, safety, independence, and dignity. By prioritizing eye health, we can alleviate a global burden and improve lives worldwide.
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7th International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress gains strong support in the Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo is set to host the seventh International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress from October 22 to 23, 2025, at the Marriott Piantini Hotel. Organized by the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS) in collaboration with AF Comunicación Estratégica, the event has garnered significant backing from national and international entities in health, tourism, and investment sectors. This congress has emerged as a pivotal platform for advancing medical tourism in the Caribbean. Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso, ADTS president, underscored the Dominican Republic’s state-of-the-art hospital infrastructure, international certifications, and secure environment for global patients, positioning the country as a leader in health and wellness tourism. Amelia Reyes Mora, president of AF Comunicación Estratégica and ADTS vice president, emphasized the importance of enhancing international accreditations, building strategic partnerships, and delivering exceptional patient experiences to bolster the nation’s reputation as a premier medical tourism destination. Previous editions of the congress attracted over 800 participants and 70 exhibitors from countries such as Canada, the United States, India, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, and various Caribbean nations. The event also enjoyed support from more than 110 sponsors, including hospitals, insurance firms, banks, resorts, and technology providers. Key endorsements come from institutions like the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR), the Association of Hotels and Tourism (Asonahores), PUCMM, the Dominican Institute for Quality (Indocal), and the Superintendence of the Securities Market (SIMV). Media partners such as Listín Diario, Dominican Today, Revista Mercado, and MediHealth ensure extensive coverage. The congress aims to showcase the Dominican Republic’s competitive edge in sustainable development, investment, innovation, and high-quality health services, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a regional leader in medical tourism. For details on registration and sponsorship, visit https://congresoadts.com or call (809) 567-2663.
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FLASH : IDB grants $100 million to help Haiti rebuild health services in the Far North
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has announced a significant $100 million grant aimed at rebuilding and enhancing essential health services in Haiti’s three northern departments. This initiative, approved by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors, seeks to save lives, prevent disabilities, and strengthen the region’s health infrastructure. The project will focus on improving the health system, conducting critical health surveys, and advancing the digitalization of healthcare services. These efforts will inform the development of a medium-term investment master plan to ensure sustainable health improvements. The program builds on previous IDB-supported social protection operations initiated in 2022, targeting the prevention and treatment of prevalent noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension, as well as infectious diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and human papillomavirus. Additionally, the initiative will prioritize underserved groups, including internally displaced persons, return migrants, vulnerable women, and individuals with disabilities, by developing care protocols tailored to their needs. A substantial portion of the grant will be allocated to strengthening health infrastructure, enhancing the response capacity of facilities serving priority communities. This marks the first phase of a long-term commitment to rebuild the public health network’s capabilities, starting in the greater northern region. The grant will be disbursed and implemented over 84 months (7 years), directly benefiting approximately 750,000 people in targeted communities.
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Regering bouwt aan zorgsysteem dat recht doet aan menselijke waardigheid
In a decisive move to revitalize its ailing health sector, the Surinamese government has embarked on a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at transforming healthcare from a reactive system to one that actively promotes and protects public health. President Jennifer Simons, in her recent annual address, emphasized the need for effective leadership and strategic appointments to drive this transformation. The recent appointments of Rudrakanth Oemraw as Director of the State Health Fund (SZF) and Quincy Joemai as Director of the Suriname Medicines Supply Company (BGVS) underscore the government’s commitment to placing skilled and ethical leaders at the helm of critical health institutions.
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Health ministry developing training manual for school cooks
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to promote healthier eating habits among students, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness, supported by UNICEF funding, is spearheading the development of a comprehensive curriculum and training manuals for school cooks. This initiative aims to equip cooks with essential knowledge and skills in nutrition and healthy meal preparation. State Minister Krystal Lee announced that standardized recipes will also be introduced to ensure consistency and quality across schools. Speaking at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica’s media campaign launch for the National School Nutrition Policy, Lee revealed that over 200 cooks will receive specialized training from nutritionists and an executive chef between 2026 and 2027. The ministry has already conducted assessments in more than 200 schools, evaluating food safety, hygiene, nutritional quality, and administrative practices. Collaborating with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, the ministry will revise existing recipe manuals to align with national nutrition standards. The revision process begins this month, with recipe testing scheduled for December 2025, student taste testing in January 2026, and nutrient lab testing by February 2026. Finalized recipes are expected by March 2026. Lee emphasized that this policy is a blueprint for a healthier generation, ensuring children have access to nutritious meals that support learning and growth. She highlighted the broader societal impact, noting that good nutrition is a cornerstone of national development. The policy also encourages daily physical activity, fostering a culture of wellness in schools. Lee concluded that this initiative marks the beginning of a cultural shift, transforming schools into hubs of health and empowering children to thrive.
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Hospital Fundraises for New Mammogram Machine for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In a significant move to enhance breast cancer detection and treatment, the primary hospital in Antigua and Barbuda has initiated a fundraising campaign to acquire a state-of-the-art mammogram machine. This initiative, launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, aims to bolster screening capabilities and minimize patient waiting times. The hospital has encouraged the public to support the cause by purchasing specially designed awareness pins and wristbands, available at the hospital’s cashier and Woods Pharmacy. Officials have emphasized that all contributions will be directly allocated to the purchase of the new equipment, underscoring its critical role in advancing local healthcare infrastructure and raising nationwide awareness about breast cancer. This effort reflects a broader commitment to improving public health outcomes and ensuring timely access to essential medical services.
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As blood supply dwindles, QEH appeals for donors
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has amplified its appeal for blood donations, sounding the alarm over critically low reserves and emphasizing the urgent need for donors to maintain vital emergency and surgical services. Dr. Christine Greenidge, Chief Operations Officer at QEH, underscored the indispensable role of community support during her appearance on the hospital’s Pulse Radio Show. ‘Blood is a lifeline for our doctors, especially in the Emergency Department and other critical areas where lives are saved daily,’ she stated. She further explained that trauma cases, such as gunshot and stabbing injuries, often demand substantial blood supplies, making donations a cornerstone of effective medical care. Dr. Greenidge also issued a special plea for rare blood types, including O negative and A negative, praising recent donors who swiftly responded to previous appeals. ‘We reached out to individuals with whom we have established relationships, and they stepped up immediately,’ she remarked. To bolster national reserves, several blood drives are planned across the island throughout October. Collection teams will be stationed at Ross University on Friday and Saturday, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from October 13 to 16, and Bajan Sigmas on October 23. Donors are encouraged to visit the QEH Blood Bank, located adjacent to the Winston Scott Polyclinic, where staff, including manager Wendy Lord, are prepared to assist. Both whole blood and platelets are in high demand to meet patient needs. ‘When our stock levels fall below the required threshold, it’s our responsibility to issue an appeal to ensure these units are available,’ Dr. Greenidge emphasized. She urged individuals with rare blood types to step forward, saying, ‘If you know you belong to a rare blood group and are willing to donate, please visit the blood bank.’
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New mobile clinic to boost breast screening access
The Barbados Cancer Society is poised to revolutionize breast cancer detection with the introduction of a cutting-edge mobile clinic, a $100,000 investment set to launch within eight months. This initiative aims to extend life-saving breast screening and early detection services to communities across the island, ensuring greater accessibility for women in remote areas. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, Medical Coordinator of the Breast Screening Programme, confirmed that the new unit has been ordered from British Leyland, the same company that manufactured the current vehicle, which has served the island for 18 years. The new clinic, custom-built to meet specific needs, will replace the existing unit, which has been instrumental in providing daily screening and education services. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo emphasized the importance of the mobile clinic in reaching women who face barriers to accessing healthcare facilities in Bridgetown or Warrens. The current mobile team, led by a dedicated nurse, not only conducts breast examinations but also educates women on self-examination techniques, referring them to the clinic for further care. Notably, the programme has never denied services to patients unable to afford the cost, reflecting its commitment to equitable healthcare. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo highlighted the significant progress of the Breast Screening Programme over its 23-year history, stating, ‘This is how we save lives.’ The new mobile unit marks a pivotal milestone in the programme’s mission to combat breast cancer through early detection and community outreach.