Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Nippes : Construction of the departmental incinerator for biomedical waste

    Nippes : Construction of the departmental incinerator for biomedical waste

    The Nippes Department of Haiti is witnessing a significant enhancement to its healthcare infrastructure with the ongoing construction of a specialized biomedical waste incineration facility. This strategic initiative, vigorously championed by Departmental Health Director Dr. Esther Ceus Dumont, represents a critical advancement in regional public health and environmental safety.

    During a recent inspection of the construction site, Dr. Dumont emphasized the facility’s vital role in establishing secure disposal protocols for medical waste generated by both public and private healthcare institutions. She characterized the incinerator as an indispensable tool for mitigating health hazards, safeguarding community wellbeing, and ensuring ecological preservation—addressing a longstanding deficiency in the department’s waste management capabilities.

    Financial backing for this essential project is provided by the World Bank, with operational oversight delegated to the Project Management Unit and Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health under Minister Dr. Sinal Bertrand. The Haitian construction company SOPEC PLUS has been entrusted with the physical execution of the project.

    The path to construction required considerable institutional coordination. The designated plot, adjacent to the Departmental Health Directorate offices, had been subject to unlawful occupation. Through Dr. Dumont’s determined leadership, a collaborative effort involving police, judicial authorities, the General Directorate of Taxes, and the Ministry of Planning successfully reclaimed the property for its intended public use.

    Construction is now advancing at an accelerated pace, reflecting the unwavering commitment of health authorities to see this crucial public health project through to completion, marking a new chapter in medical waste management for the Nippes region.

  • Seecheran: Regulated framework for traditional medicine

    Seecheran: Regulated framework for traditional medicine

    Trinidad and Tobago has announced a strategic initiative to formally incorporate traditional medicine practices into its national public health framework. The declaration came from Dr. Rishad Seecheran, Minister in the Ministry of Health, during his address at the second World Health Organization Global Summit on Traditional Medicine in New Delhi.

    Dr. Seecheran emphasized that global health systems face increasing pressure to develop greater resilience, cultural responsiveness, and equity. He positioned traditional medicine not as an alternative approach but as a valuable complementary component that could enhance universal health coverage objectives. The minister characterized traditional medicine as representing ‘centuries of accumulated knowledge, practices and beliefs deeply rooted in culture and community life.’

    The government’s approach acknowledges the existing reality that many citizens already combine traditional remedies with conventional Western treatments. Rather than disregarding this practice, policymakers are developing standardized regulations for traditional medicine products, practices, and practitioners. This regulatory framework will prioritize safety protocols and quality control measures.

    Supporting this integration will be increased investment in scientific research to validate traditional approaches. Trinidad and Tobago also plans to collaborate with international agencies to build specialized human resource capacity and identify integration models tailored to local requirements. Dr. Seecheran commended the WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy for providing guidance on evidence-based policy development in this field.

  • The UWI, PAHO collaborate on infectious disease diagnostics and genomic surveillance

    The UWI, PAHO collaborate on infectious disease diagnostics and genomic surveillance

    In a significant move to bolster regional health security, the University of the West Indies (UWI) recently convened a virtual assembly of over 40 veterinary and public health specialists, laboratory experts, and academic researchers from approximately ten Caribbean nations and territories. The strategic session, organized in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), focused on enhancing collaborative efforts in infectious disease diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and scientific research.

    Co-ordinated by Professor Christine Carrington, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Virology, and Dr. Arianne Brown-Jordan, Laboratory Coordinator and Research Scientist at The UWI/PAHO/WHO Reference Sequencing Laboratory, the gathering marked a pivotal step toward regional health cooperation. The primary outcome was a consolidated commitment to improve coordination and eliminate redundant efforts as genomic surveillance capabilities expand throughout the Caribbean.

    Key priorities identified include specialized training in genomics and bioinformatics, the development of national genomic surveillance strategies, and stronger advocacy for incorporating genomics into public health policy and preparedness structures. Professor Carrington emphasized the value of shared insights, stating, “We all gained valuable insights into the needs and concerns of other stakeholders… and most importantly how we can support each other.”

    The meeting underscored the essential role of partnerships among academic institutions, regional health agencies, and international organizations in constructing resilient, data-driven health systems. Professor Carrington also unveiled plans for a UWI Centre of Excellence for One Health molecular epidemiology and genomics, intended to serve as a central hub for research, training, and collaboration.

    Discussions addressed practical implementation challenges, such as workforce development, sustainable financing, policy integration, and equitable access to resources. Presentations from Dr. Jairo Méndez-Rico of PAHO and Dr. Sue Min Nathaniel of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) highlighted ongoing initiatives and regional vulnerabilities, stressing the need for timely data and coordinated response mechanisms.

    Feature presenter Professor Nuno Faria of Imperial College London illustrated how genomic epidemiology can generate actionable public health intelligence, using case studies from arbovirus outbreaks. The session concluded with a focus on integrating genomic data into national surveillance frameworks and the importance of developing clear strategies for genomic adoption in public health infrastructure.

  • Su Aid haalt recordbedrag van SRD 6 miljoen op voor Hematologie SVZ

    Su Aid haalt recordbedrag van SRD 6 miljoen op voor Hematologie SVZ

    In an extraordinary display of community support, Stichting Su Aid has successfully raised SRD 6 million (approximately $180,000 USD) for the Hematology Department at Sint Vincentiusziekenhuis (SVZ) hospital. The preliminary fundraising total was formally presented to hospital officials on Wednesday, marking the highest amount ever collected by the foundation in its history.

    Hospital Director Jason van Genderen described the achievement as “a special day and the most beautiful Christmas gift the hospital could have wished for.” The visibly emotional director expressed profound gratitude for the unprecedented community effort behind the record-breaking donation.

    The Hematology Department, which treats patients suffering from anemia, blood cancer, sickle cell disease, and other blood-related disorders, urgently requires comprehensive renovation, expansion, and modernization. While the campaign fell short of its original SRD 10 million target, the amount raised will enable the immediate procurement of essential medical equipment to enhance patient care.

    Van Genderen praised the dedication and commitment of all involved, stating: “This proves it can be done. A record amount has been raised through tireless efforts—people were out early every day fundraising. I thank all donors who dug deep into their pockets. Six million SRD! I want to walk through the entire hospital with this and show it off,” he added, referencing the symbolic check presentation.

    Su Aid emphasized that this represents an interim result, with additional commitments from both individual and corporate donors still pending. The foundation anticipates concluding its fundraising campaign in January and delivering a final report by February. The organization has committed to ensuring all funds will be allocated with complete transparency and accountability throughout the modernization project.

  • New Chinese medical team welcomed as decade-long health partnership deepens

    New Chinese medical team welcomed as decade-long health partnership deepens

    Barbados has welcomed its eighth contingent of Chinese medical professionals to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, commemorating ten years of transformative healthcare collaboration between the two nations. The new multidisciplinary team brings expertise across critical specialties including cardiovascular surgery, neonatal nursing, nuclear medicine, and traditional Chinese acupuncture.

    Health Minister Davidson Ishmael characterized the decade-long partnership as fundamentally transformative for Barbados’ healthcare infrastructure. “Chinese healthcare professionals have played an invaluable role in enhancing medical services, sharing knowledge and strengthening institutional cooperation within our healthcare sector,” Ishmael stated, noting the profound appreciation from both medical staff and the broader Barbadian community.

    The hospital’s Acting Chief of Operations Louise Bobb provided tangible evidence of the program’s impact, revealing that some departments had been so transformed by the seventh medical team’s contributions that they attempted to retain team members beyond their service period. The previous team achieved breakthroughs across eight specialized clinical domains, ranging from advanced coronary interventions to integrating traditional Chinese medicine in stroke rehabilitation protocols.

    Chinese Ambassador Zheng Bingkai emphasized the strategic importance of the ongoing cooperation, declaring: “Let’s work together to make this shining light even brighter and more significant in terms of our cooperation.” He characterized the partnership as having “no limitation” in its potential for mutual benefit.

    Minister Ishmael detailed specific technological advancements introduced by the seventh team, including standardized ultrasound protocols, innovative diagnostic initiatives, and ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques that have optimized patient care outcomes. The integration of acupuncture into modern rehabilitation protocols has demonstrated particular success in improving functional recovery for stroke patients.

    The eighth team arrives as both nations commit to expanding this South-South cooperation model, with officials expressing confidence that the new specialists will build upon their predecessors’ legacy of medical innovation and cross-cultural knowledge exchange.

  • Large turnout, chaos for Chinese hospital ship’s free medical services

    Large turnout, chaos for Chinese hospital ship’s free medical services

    Bridgetown witnessed unprecedented public turnout as hundreds of Barbadians queued for free medical services aboard a visiting Chinese hospital ship, creating both logistical challenges and widespread appreciation for the humanitarian initiative. The vessel, docked at Bridgetown Port since Sunday, will conclude its public services on Saturday after providing critical healthcare services to local residents.

    From dawn, residents gathered at Kensington Mall awaiting shuttle transport to the naval medical facility, with many praising the professionalism and courtesy of Chinese medical staff. ‘The medical teams demonstrated exceptional organization and willingness to assist,’ remarked one beneficiary. ‘Every department functioned seamlessly, with staff guiding patients efficiently despite external crowding issues.’

    However, the ticketing system for shuttle services faced significant criticism. Patients described chaotic scenes with inadequate crowd management. ‘The ticketing process was disastrously organized,’ one woman noted. ‘Instead of orderly seating, people crowded together creating unnecessary confusion.’

    Health Minister Davidson Ishmael acknowledged initial operational challenges while highlighting the program’s adaptability. ‘Our Chinese partners anticipated approximately 250 patients per session but actually served over 330 individuals on Sunday morning,’ Ishmael stated. ‘The medical team graciously accommodated excess patients, though this naturally created logistical complications.’

    The economic impact proved substantial for many recipients. One patient reported saving over $100 on medical tests including X-rays and arthritis medication, while also receiving treatment for respiratory conditions. Another elderly visitor, Errol, commended the efficient service: ‘Communication was excellent, and they processed approximately 500 patients rapidly thanks to advanced onboard equipment.’

    Not all experiences were seamless. A 71-year-old woman expressed uncertainty about her scheduled cataract procedure: ‘They collected my information for Thursday’s appointment but provided no port access documentation. I remain hopeful the promised surgery will materialize.’

    The health ministry designated Wednesday for appointment-only special cases while describing public response as overwhelmingly substantial. Chinese medical teams conducted diagnostic confirmations and administered treatments across various specialties, addressing diverse healthcare needs throughout the ship’s stay.

  • For Cordelah Duran, Christmas Means Hope, Not Presents

    For Cordelah Duran, Christmas Means Hope, Not Presents

    While most children anticipate Christmas with dreams of presents and festivities, fourteen-year-old Cordelah Duran measures the holiday season through hospital visits and medical struggles. The Belizean teenager, battling pediatric cancer for over seven years, has redefined the meaning of Christmas hope through a heartfelt handwritten letter to her mother that transcends material desires.

    Cordelah’s journey represents both medical triumph and ongoing challenge. Currently in remission from cancer, she continues to endure complications affecting her heart and intestines, requiring regular treatment at O’Horan Hospital in Mérida. Her poignant letter, initially intended as private communication, reveals the exhausting reality of her condition while expressing a profound wish for simple normalcy: a Christmas tree with lights, family meals, and precious moments of happiness for her mother.

    The financial burden of Cordelah’s medical care has pushed her family to extreme limits, forcing her mother Delilah Arana to abandon her teaching career. Yet their story transcends individual struggle, highlighting a remarkable cross-border medical partnership. Since 2008, O’Horan Hospital has provided specialized care to Belizean children with cancer, with Dr. Pablo Gonzalez Montalvo leading efforts that have dramatically improved survival rates from 38% to 67% over the past decade.

    Dr. Montalvo emphasizes the transformative impact of pediatric oncology treatment: “If we do nothing, everybody will die. If you do something, most of them will conquer cancer and live full healthy lives. We give families forty, fifty, sixty years of life—that’s the huge impact of childhood cancer treatment.”

    Cordelah’s perspective embodies extraordinary resilience. “I try to ignore that I’m sick,” she explains. “If I think about it, I get down. So I just try to be a normal child like everyone else.” Her Christmas expectations have evolved into simple aspirations: quality time with family, shared meals, and creating memories rather than accumulating gifts.

    This narrative transcends seasonal sentimentality, serving as both a testament to medical progress and a reminder of childhood cancer’s ongoing challenges. Cordelah’s story illustrates how hope persists through medical adversity, redefining holiday spirit through resilience, familial love, and the courageous pursuit of normalcy amid extraordinary circumstances.

  • DOMDA highlights activities for Diabetes Awareness in November

    DOMDA highlights activities for Diabetes Awareness in November

    The Dominica Diabetes Association (DOMDA) concluded an exceptionally productive Diabetes Awareness Month in November 2025, according to Public Relations Officer Richie Ferrol. The organization implemented a comprehensive series of initiatives designed to elevate public consciousness about diabetes prevention and management while promoting healthier lifestyles across the Caribbean nation.

    DOMDA’s month-long campaign featured strategically coordinated activities outlined in a specially created November Calendar of Events, which was disseminated through the association’s official communication channels. The programming combined educational components with practical health interventions, creating multiple touchpoints for community engagement.

    A highlight of the awareness drive was the official launch of DOMDA’s press campaign commemorating World Diabetes Day, which reinforced the organization’s longstanding commitment to advocacy, education, and support services for individuals living with diabetes. The campaign emphasized the importance of early detection through regular screening and promoted sustainable lifestyle modifications as crucial preventive measures.

    The association’s ‘Go 10,000 Steps Challenge – Stay Fit, Stay Healthy’ initiative encouraged both individuals and families to incorporate consistent physical activity into their daily routines. This program specifically addressed exercise as a fundamental strategy for both diabetes prevention and management.

    Throughout November, DOMDA executed extensive outreach programs and media campaigns that disseminated vital information about diabetes risk factors, healthy nutrition practices, and the critical importance of community support systems for those affected by the condition.

    Ferrol expressed profound gratitude to DOMDA’s network of partners, dedicated volunteers, and the general public for their enthusiastic participation. The organization pledged to maintain the positive momentum generated during the 2025 awareness month, reaffirming its commitment to continued advocacy and expanded support services throughout Dominica.

  • Heroic!

    Heroic!

    Jamaican health officials have awarded the public health sector’s emergency response to Hurricane Melissa a rating of eight out of ten, celebrating medical practitioners’ extraordinary dedication while acknowledging the need for legislative modernization. The assessment was delivered by Minister of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton during a Jamaica Observer Press Club assembly on December 15th.

    Dr. Tufton characterized the nationwide health team’s crisis performance as exemplary, emphasizing their profound comprehension of emergency protocols despite infrastructural limitations. He attributed the effective disaster management not to perfect systems but to the unwavering drive and proficiency of healthcare personnel, whose commitment he described as truly inspirational.

    Numerous accounts emerged of medical professionals exhibiting remarkable self-sacrifice during the Category 5 storm that devastated the island’s western regions on October 28th. Physicians and nurses remained at their posts for extended periods despite sustaining catastrophic personal losses, with some reportedly inscribing identification details directly onto their skin to ensure patient safety should the worst occur.

    The solidarity extended beyond individual acts of courage to encompass system-wide collaboration. Health institutions across Jamaica mobilized en masse to support overwhelmed western facilities, with volunteer medical staff responding in such numbers that authorities struggled to accommodate all offers of assistance. This coordinated effort demonstrated exceptional inter-hospital cooperation and shared purpose.

    International aid coordination and disaster preparedness mechanisms functioned effectively according to officials, though Minister Tufton identified outdated legislation as an area requiring urgent attention. The existing Public Health Act contains provisions that potentially hindered optimal emergency response, prompting calls for comprehensive policy reassessment and modernization.

    Looking beyond national borders, Dr. Tufton envisioned establishing a specialized Jamaican rapid-response task force capable of deploying field hospitals and medical teams throughout the Caribbean region. This initiative would extend the solidarity Jamaica received from global partners during its crisis to other vulnerable nations facing catastrophic events.

  • Health ministry recalls blood-pressure drug

    Health ministry recalls blood-pressure drug

    The Ministry of Health of Trinidad and Tobago has issued a voluntary medication recall through its Chemistry, Food and Drug Division, targeting specific production batches of combined bisoprolol fumarate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. This generic pharmaceutical product is primarily prescribed for hypertension management.

    The recall affects medication from lots numbered 17232401 (with expiration November 2025) and 17240974 (expiring May 2026). The regulatory action follows quality control testing that revealed trace contamination with ezetimibe, a cholesterol-lowering medication that should not be present in the blood pressure treatment.

    This safety initiative originated from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc. in coordination with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Routine quality assessment procedures identified potential cross-contamination during manufacturing, prompting the voluntary recall of 11,136 medication bottles distributed to pharmacies.

    Although the FDA has classified this recall as Class III—indicating that exposure to the trace contaminant is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences—the Ministry recommends precautionary measures. Consumers who have purchased medications from the affected lots should immediately discontinue use and return the products to their point of purchase.

    The Ministry emphasizes that patients should not abruptly stop antihypertensive treatment without consulting healthcare professionals. Individuals with health concerns are advised to seek immediate guidance from their medical providers to ensure continuous proper management of their blood pressure conditions.

    For additional information, concerned citizens may contact the Office of the Director of the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division via email at cfdd@health.gov.tt or by telephone at 217-4664 extension 13101.