In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced the continued closure of health centers across the island, while public hospitals remain operational. The ministry issued a statement on Monday, confirming the suspension of all primary care services. Patients with scheduled appointments are advised to contact their respective health centers later this week to reschedule. The ministry also emphasized the importance of individuals with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma, ensuring they have sufficient medication supplies. Those evacuating their homes are urged to bring their medications to shelters. Additionally, patients are reminded to adhere to their prescribed medication regimens even while displaced. Pregnant women nearing their delivery date are encouraged to relocate to accommodations near hospitals or delivery centers to ensure timely access to medical care.
分类： health
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Silent mental health issues growing concern in younger Caribbean population, says regional study
A groundbreaking study has unveiled a concerning mental health crisis among children and teenagers across the Caribbean. The 2025 Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report, a collaborative effort between the CARICOM Secretariat and UNICEF, reveals that a significant portion of young individuals are grappling with heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conducted in 2024, the survey engaged over 1,500 participants from 17 countries and territories, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by Caribbean youth. Key findings indicate that 58% of respondents feel a lack of hope about the future, 56% experience persistent worry, and 54% report feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. The study’s results were presented during a virtual event on October 22, where Guyana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, emphasized the importance of these findings in addressing regional mental health issues. He highlighted Guyana’s ongoing efforts to tackle youth mental health and called for continued research and intervention. Hon. Steven Jacobs, Guyana’s Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, pointed to academic stress, unemployment, pandemic aftermath, and social media pressures as key contributors to the crisis. He urged collaborative efforts to implement preventive measures and early responses. Michele Small-Bartley, Programme Manager for Youth Development at CARICOM, outlined actionable recommendations, including improving access to mental health services, strengthening referral systems, and equipping parents and educators with tools to recognize mental distress. UNICEF’s Bertrand Moses shared resources developed in partnership with Caribbean youth, such as the Directory of Governmental Health Services on the Young Caribbean Minds website, offering country-specific mental health support. The full report and resources are available for download, providing a foundation for targeted interventions to support Caribbean youth.
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Dr Rachel Corridon: ‘Work-life balance isn’t easy’
Dr. Rachel Corridon, a 42-year-old obstetrician and gynecologist, has become a beacon of compassionate care in women’s health. Known online as “Your Gentle Gynecologist,” she balances her roles as a medical professional, entrepreneur, wife, and mother with honesty and humor. “Is there really balance? If there is, I haven’t perfected it,” she admits, emphasizing the importance of faith, compassion, and authenticity in her practice.
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#EyeOnMelissa: WRHA urges families to collect discharged relatives as Melissa nears
As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has issued an urgent appeal to families to promptly collect relatives who have been discharged from hospitals and health facilities across the western region. This measure aims to ensure the safety and comfort of stable patients who can be cared for at home, while allowing hospitals to concentrate their resources on emergency and critical care cases during the storm. St Andrade Sinclair, the Regional Director, emphasized the critical need for swift community cooperation, stating that timely action would enhance hospital readiness. Sinclair urged family members to act responsibly by collecting loved ones who are medically fit for discharge, ensuring hospitals remain well-equipped to handle storm-related emergencies and provide optimal care to those in critical need. Families are advised to contact hospital wards or facility administrators for discharge guidance and collection times. The WRHA also reminded the public to stay informed through weather updates and advisories from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The authority is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and local disaster response agencies to safeguard the well-being of patients and staff throughout the hurricane.
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Over 500 Prescription Glasses Arrive for Distribution Following Health Fair Commitment
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has successfully honored its pledge to the public, following the Health Fair held in July 2025 at the Multipurpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre. After months of meticulous processing and manufacturing, over 500 prescription glasses have been produced and are now ready for distribution. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of United Hands Incorporated and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, whose generosity and partnership have been instrumental in bringing this vision project to fruition. The Ministry has expressed profound gratitude to these organizations for their invaluable contribution, which has not only restored sight but also enhanced the confidence, dignity, and quality of life for hundreds of citizens. The distribution of the prescription glasses is scheduled to take place at 39ers Square, Ministry of Health Headquarters, with specific time slots allocated based on surnames. Recipients are required to present a valid form of identification to collect their glasses. Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that it underscores the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare, including essential dental and vision services. He remarked, ‘When we open our eyes, we open our hearts to the world around us,’ reaffirming the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that every citizen can see more clearly and live more fully.
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Fighting Cancer: The story of a caregiver and a survivor
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Deiann Sobers and Tonya Byer, two women deeply affected by cancer, shared their experiences to emphasize the importance of early detection and breaking down barriers to seeking medical help. Deiann, a representative of the Barbados Association of Palliative Care, highlighted the alarming trend of late-stage diagnoses among women, attributing delays to fear, embarrassment, and misconceptions about costs and marital expectations. She stressed that early detection of cancers like breast, cervical, and colon cancer can save lives, urging women to prioritize their health over societal pressures. Tonya, a breast cancer survivor, echoed this sentiment, recounting her own battle with the disease and the tragic loss of her mother-in-law, who relied on natural remedies until it was too late. Tonya emphasized the need for professional diagnosis before opting for alternative treatments, sharing her journey of surgery, chemotherapy, and ongoing hormonal therapy. Both women underscored the critical role of support systems in navigating cancer, whether from family, friends, or healthcare providers. They called for a cultural shift to encourage open conversations about symptoms and timely medical intervention. Deiann reminded the public that early detection is accessible and affordable, while Tonya urged individuals to advocate for their health and seek help without delay. Their shared message is clear: Listen to your body, get tested early, and don’t let fear or pride stand in the way of saving lives.
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Volksgezondheid geeft adviezen over rookoverlast Charlesburg
The Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor has issued an urgent advisory to residents near the illegal landfill in Charlesburg, urging them to take preventive measures due to persistent smoke emissions. A fire that has been raging for several days at the landfill has caused severe smoke pollution in surrounding residential areas. Residents have reported dense smoke, irritating odors, and respiratory issues, raising significant concerns about health risks. The Ministry has recommended the following precautions: stay indoors during heavy smoke, keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering, use masks when going outside, and seek medical attention for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or eye irritation. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with relevant authorities to bring the fire under control as quickly as possible.
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China schenkt Suriname 16 ambulances ter versterking van medische noodhulp
In a significant move to bolster emergency healthcare services, the People’s Republic of China has donated sixteen state-of-the-art ambulances to Suriname. The agreement formalizing this contribution was signed on Thursday by Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, Melvin Bouva, and Chinese Ambassador Lin Ji. The donation aims to improve the speed and efficiency of emergency medical responses across Suriname, particularly in critical situations where immediate intervention is crucial. Minister Bouva highlighted that this gesture underscores China’s ongoing solidarity with Suriname’s developmental efforts. Ambassador Lin Ji emphasized that the donation not only serves a practical purpose but also symbolizes the protection of lives and the strengthening of resilience. The ambulances will be officially handed over once logistical and technical preparations are completed. This agreement reaffirms the close and enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared developmental objectives.
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Ministry of Health Launches National Diabetes Care Plan
The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Belize has announced a groundbreaking three-year National Diabetes Care Plan aimed at standardizing and improving treatment for diabetes patients nationwide. Launched on October 24, 2025, the initiative focuses on enhancing primary care through the implementation of standardized clinical guidelines, additional point-of-care testing, and extensive physician training. Dr. Laura Friesen, Medical Officer at the Ministry, emphasized the urgency of addressing the rising rates of diabetes and its complications in Belize. The program, supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to ensure better quality care and improved accessibility for patients. This marks the beginning of a long-term effort to transform diabetes management across the country.
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Diarree-uitbraak in Kwamalasamutu legt kwetsbaarheid basiszorg bloot
A concerning spike in diarrhea cases has been reported in the Indigenous village of Kwamalasamutu, following the failure of the local water purification plant due to a lightning strike. The plant remains unrepaired, forcing residents to rely on untreated river water, which poses a direct threat to public health. Maureen Wijngaarde-van Dijk, Deputy Director of the Medical Mission Primary Health Care (MZ PHC), confirmed that the head of the local clinic has observed a daily increase in cases. “Our staff are advising residents to boil river water before use,” she stated. The National Water Supply Service is responsible for restoring the plant, but the situation has persisted for months. MZ PHC highlighted that chronic underfunding severely limits its ability to respond to emergencies. Rachel Ten-A-Sang-Beerensteyn, Deputy Director of Financial Affairs at MZ PHC, revealed that the organization has received no feedback on funding requests for the second and third quarters, with the last payment covering only 15% of required resources. She added, “We submitted another request for the fourth quarter at the end of September.” The delay in funding jeopardizes the continuity of basic healthcare in the region. MZ PHC urgently calls on authorities to allocate necessary resources immediately to prevent further health risks in Kwamalasamutu and other villages.