Residents of Tobago recently benefited from a series of free hearing and screening assessments held from October 8 to 10. The initiative, organized by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection in partnership with the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) and the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired (DRETCHI), aimed to address the island’s pressing hearing health needs. The event commenced at Roxborough Hospital and later moved to the Scarborough Library to accommodate more participants. Dr. Nathaniel Duke, Medical Chief of Staff at Roxborough Hospital, emphasized the necessity of bringing such services to Tobago, noting that previous events were oversubscribed, particularly by elderly individuals in need of hearing aids. He also highlighted the challenges faced by children awaiting hearing screenings, many of whom are placed on long waiting lists for services in Trinidad. The initiative provided diagnostic hearing screenings, neonatal hearing screenings, and support for hearing aids. Dr. Faith Brebnor, THA Secretary of Health, Wellness and Social Protection, described the event as highly successful, with over 70 individuals screened on the first day alone. She stressed that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to comprehensive health care, encompassing physical, mental, and sensory health. Dr. Brebnor assured that such events would continue, ensuring that Tobago residents have access to essential hearing health services.
分类： health
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Dealing with mental crisis
The Jamaica Psychiatric Association has emphasized the importance of robust support systems for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. In a recent media release, the association addressed the alarming rise in suicide cases across the nation and outlined actionable steps for those in distress, as well as their families and friends, to seek help and access available resources.
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Progress on Noel Holmes Hospital operating theatre
Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure is set for significant improvements as the government moves forward with long-awaited projects, including a new operating theatre at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover and upgrades to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland. Regional Director for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), St Andrade Sinclair, announced that the tender process for the operating theatre will commence this Saturday. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, aims to replace the hospital’s original theatre, which has been non-operational for nearly 30 years. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the government’s commitment to funding the initiative, which is expected to begin in 2024. In addition to the theatre, plans are underway to address overcrowding and space limitations at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital through a $1-billion project to construct a new accident and emergency (A&E) department. The three-phase initiative will include a diagnostic area, laboratory, and expanded bed spaces. Minister Tufton also highlighted efforts to resolve a non-functioning sewage system installed in 2016, with procurement for a new contractor currently in progress. The government aims to finalize the contract by the end of the year, ensuring the hospital’s facilities are fully operational.
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Psychiatrist says men do not have to suffer in silence
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.
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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.