The Dominican Republic is grappling with a significant public health challenge as the Ministry of Public Health (MSP) reports a sharp rise in malaria and dengue cases. As of this year, 46,218 suspected cases of malaria have been recorded, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Despite this alarming rise, confirmed malaria cases have decreased by over 15%, from 962 to 810, with no fatalities reported. The southwestern provinces, including Azua, San Juan, and Elías Piña, remain the primary transmission hotspots, accounting for 95% of cases. The MSP attributes this concentration to the region’s endemic corridor, exacerbated by poverty, inadequate housing, limited access to clean water, and the presence of Anopheles mosquito breeding sites. On the dengue front, health authorities have identified 1,672 suspected cases, 258 confirmed cases, and 15 severe cases, with no deaths reported. The disease predominantly affects school-age and adolescent males, particularly those aged 10 to 19, due to greater outdoor exposure and limited preventive measures. In response, the MSP has urged the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, enhance health education, and strengthen community surveillance. Additionally, the country has recorded 144 maternal deaths, with Santo Domingo, Santiago, and La Altagracia reporting the highest numbers. Infant and neonatal deaths have also been noted, with cumulative totals of 1,542 and 1,323, respectively.
分类： health
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CARPHA provides medical support to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has activated its Incident Management Team – Emergency Response protocol. This initiative, coordinated through the Regional Response Mechanism under the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), aims to address the immediate and long-term health needs of the affected population. CARPHA, as the region’s leading public health authority, is focusing on rapid health assessments, disease surveillance, and outbreak prevention to guide recovery strategies.
The response effort is part of a broader, multidisciplinary assessment conducted by the CDEMA-led Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT), which includes experts from various regional and international organizations. These include the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), among others. Field assessments were carried out from November 1 to 5, 2025, in regions such as Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, and St. Ann, to evaluate health infrastructure and coordinate relief efforts.
CARPHA’s technical support has prioritized several critical areas, including rapid health sector assessments, disease surveillance, and public health risk mitigation. The agency has reported extensive damage to health facilities, including the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth and the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in Westmoreland, which has severely disrupted healthcare delivery and disease surveillance.
Dr. Horace Cox, CARPHA’s Incident Commander, highlighted the increased risk of disease outbreaks such as gastroenteritis, dengue, and leptospirosis due to compromised water and sanitation systems. He emphasized the importance of community engagement in water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and vector control to mitigate these risks. CARPHA plans to conduct follow-up assessments in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Trelawny to monitor progress and provide ongoing support.
The agency is also preparing a second shipment of essential health supplies to Jamaica and will continue its collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to deliver targeted technical assistance. This effort is financially supported by the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF), reflecting a collective commitment to resilient health systems and disaster preparedness in the Caribbean.
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Dominican endocrinologist urges personal responsibility in fight against diabetes
Dr. Natasha Maxime-Esprit, an endocrinologist with Dominica’s Ministry of Health, has issued a compelling call to action for citizens to take greater personal responsibility for their health. Speaking at the Dominica Diabetes Association Conference on November 14, 2025, in recognition of World Diabetes Day, Dr. Maxime-Esprit emphasized the critical role of individual accountability in combating diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Since joining the Ministry in 2022, she has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent, diagnose, and manage endocrine disorders, with diabetes accounting for 75% of her caseload. Each month, she consults with 200 to 300 patients across Dominica, ranging from a three-year-old with type 1 diabetes to a 93-year-old with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Maxime-Esprit underscored that diabetes does not discriminate by age or gender, affecting individuals across all demographics. Her presentation, titled ‘A Call to Personal Responsibility,’ highlighted the importance of knowing one’s health status and making proactive choices. She shared a poignant case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with blurry vision and severe headaches, only to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The patient, who had not undergone blood tests since age 18, had been unknowingly diabetic for at least three months, with lifestyle factors exacerbating her condition. Over the past five years, Dominica has recorded approximately 531 new cases of type 2 diabetes, with women constituting the majority and the youngest patient being just 15 years old. The Ministry of Health has ramped up its efforts against NCDs, expanding free specialized clinics, nutrition services, and screening programs. However, Dr. Maxime-Esprit stressed that medical interventions alone are insufficient. She identified unhealthy lifestyles, disregard for health when feeling well, and non-compliance with prescribed treatment as major contributors to diabetes complications, all of which hinge on individual choices. She urged citizens to take simple steps such as regular health checks, purchasing home monitoring devices, and setting aside funds for preventive care. The young woman in the case study is now responding well to treatment, having embraced lifestyle changes and medical guidance. Dr. Maxime-Esprit concluded with a hopeful message, affirming that diabetes is not a death sentence and can be managed with early detection and personal responsibility.
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CARPHA celebrates global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness week: Highlighting regional progress in combatting AMR
The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is at the forefront of the global effort to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) during World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025. AMR, often referred to as the ‘silent pandemic,’ poses a significant threat to public health, healthcare systems, and sustainable development worldwide. This phenomenon occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the drugs designed to eliminate them, rendering infections increasingly difficult or impossible to treat. CARPHA’s participation in WAAW 2025, themed ‘Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future,’ underscores its commitment to promoting responsible antimicrobial use and advancing its Integrated AMR Programme. This initiative, supported by key partners including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Fleming Fund, and the Pandemic Fund Project, employs a multi-sectoral approach to enhance regional AMR surveillance, laboratory infrastructure, and coordinated responses. A cornerstone of CARPHA’s efforts is the Caribbean Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (CARA), which serves as the technical and operational hub for AMR initiatives. CARA is establishing AMR reference laboratories in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia and developing a regional AMR surveillance system to improve data collection, reporting, and analysis. Additionally, CARPHA has prioritized expanding laboratory capacities in Jamaica and Saint Lucia, complementing its existing CARPHA Medical Microbiology Laboratory in Trinidad. These advancements enable faster pathogen detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve access to high-quality AMR testing. CARPHA has also focused on workforce development, hosting technical experts and organizing training workshops on phenotypic testing, molecular diagnostics, Whole Genome Sequencing, and AMR surveillance. With substantial funding from the Pandemic Fund and the Fleming Fund, CARPHA is enhancing laboratory upgrades, workforce training, and surveillance integration across the region. Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s Executive Director, emphasizes the urgency of collective action: ‘Antimicrobial resistance threatens the health and development of every Caribbean nation. Success requires the involvement of governments, healthcare providers, veterinarians, farmers, laboratories, and the public.’ CARPHA continues to expand its surveillance, testing capabilities, and One Health partnerships, urging all stakeholders to champion responsible antimicrobial use and support AMR prevention initiatives.
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After the storm: Young Jordan’s diabetes struggle
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, 13-year-old Jordan from Whitehouse, Westmoreland, faces unprecedented challenges in managing his type 1 diabetes. The storm’s destruction has disrupted his daily routine, particularly the storage of his life-saving insulin, which must be kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C. With power lines down and electricity unavailable, Jordan’s family has resorted to using an igloo filled with ice to preserve the medication. However, ice has become a scarce commodity, putting Jordan and others in a precarious situation as their insulin risks losing its potency.
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Cuba kampt met golf van door muggen overgebrachte ziekten
Cuba is grappling with a significant surge in mosquito-borne diseases, with nearly a third of the population affected, according to the country’s chief epidemiologist. The situation has been exacerbated by an ongoing economic crisis, which has hindered the government’s ability to implement effective sanitation and disease control measures. Health workers have been deploying fogging machines in Havana, one of the hardest-hit areas, to combat the spread of viruses such as dengue and chikungunya. Francisco Duran, the national director of epidemiology at Cuba’s Ministry of Public Health, described the situation as ‘acute’ and emphasized ongoing efforts to develop treatments and vaccines. The chikungunya virus, once rare in Cuba, has been spreading rapidly, causing severe symptoms such as headaches, rashes, and joint pain that can lead to long-term disability. Cuban health authorities are conducting clinical trials to test the effectiveness of Jusviza, an injectable anti-inflammatory drug, and exploring rectal ozone therapy as potential treatments. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported nearly 340,000 chikungunya cases globally in 2025, with 145 deaths across at least 16 countries. The World Health Organization has issued an urgent call for action to prevent a new epidemic. Cuba’s healthcare system, once among the best in Latin America, has been severely impacted by decades of U.S. economic sanctions, which have led to shortages of essential supplies, including food, fuel, and medicine. The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, has condemned the sanctions as a ‘policy of collective punishment’ that violates human rights.
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Rotary Club of Antigua Donates Over $40,000 in Lifesaving Equipment to Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
The Rotary Club of Antigua (RCA) has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda by contributing over $40,000 XCD to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC). This generous donation, made during an official visit by Rotary District 7030 Governor Soraya Warner-Gustave, is earmarked for the acquisition of Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters for the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The Bubble CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are crucial for the care of premature and critically ill newborns, offering non-invasive respiratory support that aligns with international NICU standards. This technology significantly reduces complications and improves survival rates among preterm infants. Additionally, the donation includes several pulse oximeters, which are essential for monitoring oxygen levels in newborns, enabling the NICU team to provide faster and more efficient care.
Michael Spencer, Past President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, emphasized the broader significance of the donation. ‘This is more than just equipment; it’s an investment in the future of our children,’ he said. ‘We are proud to support SLBMC in their mission to deliver high-quality neonatal care and ensure that even the tiniest patients receive the best possible start in life.’
Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Medical Director of SLBMC, expressed profound gratitude for the contribution. ‘The Rotary Club’s support continues to transform what’s possible for our patients,’ she noted. ‘These Bubble CPAP machines and pulse oximeters have already made a tangible difference in the care we provide. Countless babies and their families are benefiting from this investment.’
Elisa Graham, current President of the Rotary Club of Antigua, reiterated the organization’s commitment to community health. ‘Supporting the hospital and, by extension, the health of our nation, is something we take great pride in,’ she said. ‘Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our members and the community, who believe in Rotary’s mission of service above self.’
Beyond the immediate equipment, the donation will also fund additional resources to further strengthen neonatal care at SLBMC, underscoring RCA’s ongoing partnership with the medical centre and its dedication to improving patient outcomes.
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National Blood collection centre benefits from Sagicor donation
The National Blood Collection Centre has significantly enhanced its operational capacity with the generous donation of a state-of-the-art multifunctional blood donor electric bed from Sagicor. This contribution increases the total number of beds at the facility to eight, improving both efficiency and comfort for donors and staff alike. Nurse Wendy Lorde, Senior Blood Collecting Technician, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the timely donation, emphasizing its transformative impact on the Centre’s ability to serve the public. ‘This new bed from Sagicor has revolutionized our daily operations,’ she remarked. ‘Previously, we had four beds, one of which required replacement. With the addition of three beds from the QEH and now this latest donation, we have eight fully functional units. This allows us to accommodate more donors simultaneously, with each bed facilitating at least seven donations daily. This not only reduces waiting times but also ensures a more comfortable experience for everyone.’ Nurse Lorde also highlighted a positive trend of increased blood donations in recent months, particularly from individuals donating on behalf of family and friends. However, she encouraged more people to become regular donors, stressing the importance of a consistent blood supply in saving lives. Paul Inniss, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Sagicor Life Inc. (Barbados), shared the company’s pride in supporting the National Blood Collection Centre’s vital work. ‘At Sagicor, we are committed to caring for our communities in meaningful ways. The Centre plays a pivotal role in sustaining our healthcare system, and we are honored to contribute to making the donation process more accessible and comfortable. We hope this donation inspires more Barbadians to give the gift of life.’ This initiative is part of Sagicor’s broader commitment to health and wellness across Barbados and the region.
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ABWU Announces Dr Dwayne ‘Baba’ Thwaites as Featured Speaker for 2025 Men’s Conference
The Antigua and Barbuda Workers’ Union (ABWU) has revealed that Dr. Dwayne “Baba” Thwaites, a distinguished urologist, will be the keynote speaker at its 2025 International Men’s Day Conference. Scheduled for November 19, the event, themed “Healthy Men, Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Society,” will emphasize men’s physical and mental health, early disease detection, and fostering healthier work environments. Dr. Thwaites’ participation underscores the Union’s dedication to advancing discussions on men’s health both nationally and regionally. Recognized as one of the Caribbean’s foremost urology experts, Dr. Thwaites boasts a career marked by clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and public health advocacy. His extensive training includes stints at prestigious U.S. institutions such as the University of Miami, Emory University, and the State University of New York. A graduate of Ottos Comprehensive School and St Joseph’s Academy, Dr. Thwaites completed his undergraduate studies at St Leo University in Florida and post-baccalaureate work at the University of South Florida. He earned his medical degree from the University of Miami, followed by a general surgery residency in New York and a trauma fellowship at St Vincent Hospital in Staten Island. Dr. Thwaites made history as Chief of Surgery at Alexandra Hospital in Nevis, performing the first laparoscopic surgery in the Eastern Caribbean. After specializing in urology at Emory University and the University of Miami, he returned to the region to conduct its first laser prostatectomy. Today, he maintains a successful urology practice and spearheads annual prostate screening initiatives across the Eastern Caribbean. The ABWU highlighted Dr. Thwaites’ trailblazing contributions and focus on early detection as vital to the conference’s mission. The event will convene on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.
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Know your number on diabetes, before it comes up
On World Diabetes Day, the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados issued a stark reminder: diabetes is not merely a medical issue but a significant workforce and economic challenge. With seven in ten people living with diabetes globally being of working age, the condition is increasingly affecting younger populations, not just the elderly. This revelation, as highlighted by association president Tyrone Lowe, underscores a growing national concern, particularly amid Barbados’ labor shortages and efforts to boost inward migration to rejuvenate its workforce.
Lowe emphasized the ‘silent suffering’ experienced by many individuals in workplaces, schools, and job sites. Despite outward appearances of normalcy, those with diabetes often endure emotional distress, stigma, and the fear of severe complications like heart attacks or strokes. The psychological burden, compounded by constant medication and dietary restrictions, creates a culture of silence, especially among younger people who may avoid seeking support to avoid appearing ‘abnormal.’
This silence, Lowe warns, can have devastating consequences, leading to delayed treatment and severe health crises. To address this, he calls for greater compassion and practical support, urging corporations to implement wellness policies, offer flexible medical appointment schedules, and provide healthy food options in workplace canteens. The association’s ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign encourages individuals and employers to monitor key health metrics like blood pressure and blood sugar levels, aiming to prevent complications before they arise.
Ultimately, breaking the stigma surrounding diabetes requires open dialogue and a shift away from gossip or pity. As Lowe aptly puts it, ‘The more we talk about it, the more we acknowledge that this can happen to anyone.’ By fostering a supportive environment, Barbados can better tackle this silent crisis and safeguard its workforce and economy.