Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Suicidal feelings rising among younger people, says doctor

    Suicidal feelings rising among younger people, says doctor

    The Bahamas is confronting a severe mental health emergency as suicidal behavior among young people continues to escalate dramatically in 2024. According to Dr. Srinivas Bodha, Chief of Staff at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, the most vulnerable demographic spans from late teenagers to adults in their mid-thirties, with significantly fewer cases occurring among older populations.

    Dr. Bodha identified distinct psychosocial pressures affecting different age groups within this cohort. School-aged youth predominantly face copycat behaviors, taunting, and bullying, while adults in their late twenties and thirties frequently struggle with substance abuse and intoxication. Young women appear particularly vulnerable to relationship breakdowns, fractured homes, and high divorce rates, which often trigger suicidal ideation.

    Despite comprehensive mental health services being available—including 24/7 psychiatric emergency care and suicide hotlines—Dr. Bodha reported critically low utilization rates. Stigma remains the primary barrier to care, with approximately 80% of individuals concealing suicidal thoughts due to fears of ridicule or documentation.

    Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis recently highlighted the gendered dimension of this crisis, noting that male suicide rates substantially exceed female rates. He characterized this pattern as evidence of a “male crisis” where men silently endure pain, shame, and confusion.

    Royal Bahamas Police Force data confirms these concerns, reporting eight suicides in the first half of 2024—a significant increase from five during the same period last year. Attempted suicides rose from 23 to 32 cases, with six of the eight completed suicides involving men. Most incidents occurred in New Providence and Grand Bahama, with victims predominantly aged 18-30. While police reported no minor suicides, the recent suspected suicide of a 61-year-old Westridge man marked an unusual occurrence among older demographics.

    According to The Tribune’s records, this represents the fourteenth officially reported suicide this year. Dr. Bodha emphasized that proactive community engagement—particularly checking on individuals who abruptly withdraw or demonstrate behavioral changes—could provide critical intervention opportunities that might prevent tragedies.

  • Dominican medical societies reaffirm newborn Hepatitis B vaccine

    Dominican medical societies reaffirm newborn Hepatitis B vaccine

    In a decisive move that challenges recent U.S. health recommendations, the Dominican Society of Infectology (SDI) and Dominican Society of Pediatrics (SDP) have jointly affirmed their nation’s commitment to universal hepatitis B vaccination within the first 24 hours of life. This position directly contradicts the updated guidance from the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which now suggests delaying the vaccine until two months of age for infants born to hepatitis B-negative mothers.

    The medical societies issued a comprehensive statement explaining their rationale, emphasizing that the American recommendation conflicts with both the best available scientific evidence and established guidelines from leading global health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). They underscored that the birth-dose protocol represents the most effective medical strategy for preventing perinatal transmission of hepatitis B and subsequent serious health complications including chronic infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

    Healthcare institutions across the Dominican Republic—including maternity wards, neonatology units, pediatric services, and primary care centers—have been instructed to maintain strict adherence to the national Expanded Program on Immunization. This protocol mandates immediate administration of both hepatitis B and BCG vaccines following delivery. The societies highlighted that universal newborn vaccination serves as a critical safety mechanism in scenarios involving undetected maternal infection, occult hepatitis B, inadequate prenatal care, or testing inaccuracies.

    Citing robust international evidence, the statement demonstrated how countries maintaining universal newborn vaccination have achieved substantial reductions in childhood hepatitis B infections and associated liver cancer rates. Both organizations reaffirmed their dedication to eliminating hepatitis B as a public health concern and called upon healthcare authorities, medical professionals, and families to collaboratively ensure every newborn receives this vital immunization within the crucial first hours of life.

  • Protecting the future of our girls

    Protecting the future of our girls

    In a significant public health advancement, Cuba has officially integrated the Cecolin HPV vaccine into its national immunization program with formal endorsement from the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). This strategic initiative, launched in October 2025, represents a crucial step toward eliminating cervical cancer through widespread preventive vaccination.

    The comprehensive vaccination campaign targets over 68,000 girls across the island nation, specifically focusing on those who have reached nine years of age. The Chinese-manufactured Cecolin vaccine, produced by Innovax, has received WHO prequalification, confirming its safety profile and immunological effectiveness. Medical authorities emphasize that the vaccine generates a more robust immune response than natural infection, ensuring durable protection against high-risk HPV strains.

    Health officials have addressed common parental concerns through detailed guidance. The vaccination protocol allows temporary postponement for girls experiencing acute infectious diseases but permits vaccination after recovery from conditions like dengue or chikungunya. The program will be administered through three primary channels: elementary schools with medical personnel present, polyclinic vaccination centers, and certified peripheral facilities in each region.

    The selection of nine-year-old recipients reflects scientific evidence demonstrating optimal vaccine effectiveness when administered before sexual debut and potential virus exposure. This approach creates both individual protection and community-wide herd immunity, significantly reducing viral circulation across population demographics.

    While the current phase exclusively targets female recipients due to cervical cancer representing approximately 70% of HPV-related cancers, health authorities note that high coverage in girls substantially reduces infection risks for males through indirect protection. The vaccine remains recommended even for individuals with previous HPV exposure, as it prevents future infection with high-risk types 16 and 18 despite not treating existing infections.

  • Great South : PAHO/WHO fights against maternal mortality

    Great South : PAHO/WHO fights against maternal mortality

    A significant multinational health initiative is underway in Haiti’s southern regions to combat the nation’s persistently high maternal mortality rates. The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), backed by the European Union’s Universal Health Coverage Partnership, is collaborating with Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health through its Family Health Directorate (DSF) to implement critical interventions across four southern departments.

    The comprehensive program has equipped 55 healthcare professionals with specialized training in Maternal Death Surveillance and Response (MDSR) systems, while simultaneously establishing seven dedicated committees within institutions providing emergency obstetric and neonatal care. This dual approach has enabled medical staff to better understand the root causes of maternal fatalities and implement evidence-based practices to enhance care quality.

    Parallel to these training efforts, medical teams have conducted detailed mortality reviews throughout the Grand Sud region, identifying specific risk factors and developing targeted corrective measures. The initiative has also revitalized departmental MDSR committees to improve monitoring of implemented recommendations and optimize coordination across different tiers of Haiti’s healthcare system.

    Notably in Grand’Anse department, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has provided co-financing for training activities, demonstrating crucial inter-agency cooperation in addressing Haiti’s maternal health challenges. This collaborative model aims to strengthen early detection of maternal risks and refine patient referral systems.

    The integrated strategy seeks to consolidate MDSR protocols at local levels, improve prenatal and obstetric care quality, and ultimately achieve sustainable reduction of Haiti’s maternal mortality ratio through coordinated action across all healthcare system levels.

  • Bird flu caution

    Bird flu caution

    A prominent Jamaican biologist has issued an urgent call for public vigilance following the confirmed avian influenza outbreak in the Cayman Islands, which authorities believe was introduced through migratory birds. Damion Whyte, an assistant lecturer at The University of the West Indies’ Department of Life Sciences and wildlife expert, is urging Jamaicans to report any sightings of ill or behaving unusually birds to prevent potential spread.

    Whyte emphasized proper protocols in a social media video: ‘If you see a sick bird, put on gloves if you have to move it, and get that information to the authorities.’ He specifically mentioned contacting Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Division, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Bird Life Jamaica, or directly messaging him through his social media platform @roostersworldja.

    The Cayman Islands outbreak, first detected on November 28 at a West Bay farm on Cemetery Road, has resulted in the culling of 69 birds after the virus was identified in chickens, quail, farmed ducks, a wild whistling duck, and a goose. According to the Cayman Compass newspaper, Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Tiffany Chisholm confirmed that genetic tracing conducted with UK support matched the strain to the H5N1 variant currently circulating in North America.

    ‘We are fairly confident that it was either brought in by the migratory birds or it was transmitted via chickens that had been exposed to them,’ Dr. Chisholm stated during a virtual meeting with farmers. ‘The reality around the world is that migratory birds have played one of the biggest roles in introducing this virus to most countries.’

    Whyte, a former president and current executive member of Bird Life Jamaica, explained that migratory birds typically arrive in the Caribbean from North America between September and May. These birds, often called ‘Christmas birds’ locally, can carry avian influenza without showing symptoms and transmit the virus through water, saliva, feathers, or when infected carcasses are consumed by predators.

    Jamaican health authorities have confirmed they are monitoring the situation and maintaining existing surveillance systems. The Veterinary Division continues animal surveillance while simultaneously conducting testing for flu-like illnesses in humans.

    Whyte additionally recommended that chicken farmers secure their coops to prevent wild birds from entering and sharing water or feed sources. He also addressed increased bird injuries following Hurricane Melissa on October 28 but believes those are storm-related rather than disease-connected.

    The Cayman Islands government is preparing targeted culling operations for feral birds as the affected farm remains under quarantine for at least three to four weeks. Health professionals note that avian influenza can sometimes transmit to humans, causing mild to severe respiratory symptoms and pink eye, particularly affecting those who work with poultry, waterfowl, and dairy cows.

  • Volksgezondheid houdt bewustwordingssessie over gendergerelateerd geweld

    Volksgezondheid houdt bewustwordingssessie over gendergerelateerd geweld

    The Surinamese Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor has launched a comprehensive awareness initiative as part of the global ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign. Conducted in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the session addressed the escalating crisis of violence against women and girls both in Suriname and worldwide.

    Health authorities emphasized that gender-based violence represents not only a critical public health emergency but also a severe human rights violation. The ministry highlighted the evolving nature of this violence, which now extends beyond physical and sexual abuse to include digital harassment and cyber exploitation.

    A central focus of the initiative involves strengthening the healthcare sector’s capacity to address this multifaceted challenge. The ministry outlined four strategic objectives: enhancing professional awareness within medical institutions, building specialized skills among healthcare providers, fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, and mobilizing communities—particularly youth—to challenge harmful gender norms.

    Through its collaboration with PAHO/WHO, the ministry is working to systematically integrate gender-based violence response protocols into national health policies. This includes improving prevention mechanisms, early detection systems, victim care services, and referral pathways for survivors seeking assistance.

    The session represents Suriname’s renewed commitment to protecting women’s health and safety through institutional reforms and community engagement, positioning healthcare providers as frontline defenders against gender-based violence.

  • Antigua Signs Seven Medical Cooperation Agreements With Hangzhou University

    Antigua Signs Seven Medical Cooperation Agreements With Hangzhou University

    In a significant advancement for Caribbean healthcare, Antigua and Barbuda has established seven comprehensive medical cooperation agreements with China’s Hangzhou Normal University. The partnership was finalized following an intensive week-long diplomatic mission led by Professor Jingwei Zhang, a distinguished medical specialist from the university’s hospital and faculty.

    The breakthrough was formally announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing. Professor Zhang engaged in high-level discussions with Cabinet members after several days of strategic meetings focused on enhancing medical collaboration, driving healthcare innovation, and building capacity within Antigua and Barbuda’s health infrastructure.

    The cooperation framework includes seven key initiatives: establishment of an Eastern Caribbean Chest Pain Center; specialized medical exchange programs and clinical support; implementation of telemedicine and digital health solutions; comprehensive professional training for medical staff including doctors, nurses, and technicians; and joint research programs addressing public health challenges and chronic diseases.

    Additionally, the partnership encompasses diagnostic innovation and expanded collaboration in areas identified during the professor’s assessment visit. Cabinet members received an educational lecture on heart health as part of the broader cooperation discussions, highlighting the practical knowledge transfer component of the agreement.

    According to official statements, this collaboration is expected to significantly enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s access to specialized medical expertise, strengthen workforce development, and support the modernization of clinical services. The timing aligns strategically with the country’s planned major health-sector upgrades scheduled for 2026.

    The full details of all seven agreements will be documented in the published Cabinet notes, alongside updates on other significant healthcare developments including the forthcoming renal care center, cancer center reopening, new neurosurgery service, and comprehensive health-system reforms.

  • Barbuda Launches Six-Day World AIDS Day Programme on Saturday

    Barbuda Launches Six-Day World AIDS Day Programme on Saturday

    The sister island of Barbuda has become the focal point for a comprehensive six-day health initiative launched on Saturday, marking its observance of World AIDS Day. Spearheaded by the National AIDS Programme and the AIDS Secretariat, the campaign represents a strategic shift in public health outreach by bringing critical services directly to Barbuda’s community.

    The extensive schedule commenced with an interfaith service at the Barbuda Seventh-day Adventist Church, establishing a community-centered approach to health awareness. The program features diverse activities including targeted teen discussions on sexual health, widespread community outreach efforts, and nightly educational sessions addressing HIV prevention and treatment.

    A cornerstone of the initiative is the provision of daily HIV testing services at the Barbuda Public Health Building, ensuring unprecedented access to confidential screening. The campaign will culminate on December 13th with an open-day community health fair at Madison Square, offering comprehensive health resources and information.

    Health officials emphasize that this intensive outreach aligns with the 2023 global theme ‘Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response in Antigua and Barbuda.’ The program specifically addresses healthcare accessibility challenges by decentralizing services from the main island, thereby reaching underserved populations through culturally appropriate interventions and stigma-reduction strategies.

  • Hospitals with high volume of patients with respiratory viruses

    Hospitals with high volume of patients with respiratory viruses

    The Dominican Republic is confronting a severe pediatric health emergency as hospitals nationwide report dramatic increases in respiratory illness hospitalizations and consultations. Sentinel surveillance data reveals an unprecedented surge in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections, reaching the highest levels recorded this year and significantly exceeding 2024 case numbers.

    Health authorities attribute this alarming pattern to unusual meteorological conditions, with recent heavy rainfall, persistent humidity, and temperature fluctuations creating ideal transmission conditions for respiratory pathogens. The epidemic has manifested through substantially higher cases of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children, displaying an earlier, more intense, and prolonged seasonal pattern than typically observed.

    While RSV dominates the current health crisis, multiple other respiratory viruses continue circulating at moderate levels, including influenza strains A(H3N2), A(H1N1)pdm09, influenza B/Victoria, SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, metapneumovirus, and parainfluenza. This viral co-circulation elevates risks of coinfections, exacerbates chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, and increases complication likelihood among vulnerable populations.

    The epidemiological pattern mirrors regional trends, with the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Southern Cone nations reporting similarly early and intense RSV seasons. In response, the Ministry of Public Health has implemented enhanced virological surveillance, expanded sentinel sampling, and strengthened neonatal and pediatric ICU capacity monitoring. Rapid referral pathways for severe cases have been activated to manage the increased healthcare demand.

    Concurrently, health officials are intensifying influenza vaccination campaigns targeting priority groups including pregnant women, older adults, young children, and healthcare personnel. Community-level preventive measures emphasize adequate ventilation, mask usage during respiratory symptoms, proper respiratory hygiene, frequent handwashing, and reduced overcrowding in educational and childcare facilities.

    Concerning severe respiratory infections, the latest epidemiological week recorded 40 suspected Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases, slightly exceeding 2024’s 35 cases. The highest hospital demand originates from Santo Domingo, San Cristóbal, the National District, and Santiago provinces. The national cumulative total reaches 1,559 suspected SARI cases with 54 fatalities recorded this year.

    Regarding other diseases, dengue surveillance shows 38 suspected cases in the latest reporting week with no confirmations, maintaining a significant decrease from 2024 figures. Malaria maintains localized transmission with 836 confirmed cases among 50,365 suspected instances, while leptospirosis reports 156 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities, primarily linked to recent flooding from Tropical Storm Melissa.

  • Partnership Pushes Belize’s Pediatric Cancer Progress

    Partnership Pushes Belize’s Pediatric Cancer Progress

    In a landmark development for pediatric oncology in Central America, Belize has secured transformative funding from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to establish comprehensive childhood cancer treatment capabilities within the country by 2027. This breakthrough announcement came during the Belize Cancer Society’s annual Christmas celebration for cancer survivors and current patients.

    The partnership represents the most significant advancement yet in Belize’s cross-border healthcare model, which has already dramatically improved survival rates from 38% to 67% over the past decade through collaboration with Mexico’s Hospital O’Horan in Mérida and the Belize Cancer Center in Dangriga.

    Dr. Pablo Gonzalez Montalvo, a leading oncologist involved in the initiative, emphasized the historical challenges: ‘The strongest prognostic factor for childhood cancer isn’t the cancer type or stage—it’s the place of birth. Belizean children were previously destined to die from cancer not because of the disease itself, but due to lack of accessible treatment resources.’

    Belize Cancer Society President Kim Simplis Barrow revealed that the first funding installment has already been received. The comprehensive program will enable chemotherapy administration, toxicity management, advanced imaging, pathology services, port catheter procedures, specialized nursing education, end-of-life care, and post-treatment follow-up at Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

    Currently, families must undertake a grueling 12-hour journey to Mérida for an initial three-month inpatient stay, creating financial devastation and family separation that often leads to treatment abandonment. The new initiative will eliminate the need for extended foreign travel by establishing complete treatment capabilities within Belize, addressing what Dr. Montalvo describes as ‘an unbearable situation for families even with financial support.’

    The Belize Cancer Society immediately begins implementation with assessments, training programs, and formalizing a bilateral agreement with Mexico in coming months, marking a commitment to healthcare equity and dignity for all Belizean children facing cancer.