The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs has announced a significant update for the public regarding the Dental Clinic at the Villa Polyclinic. Effective immediately, the clinic has been assigned a new telephone number to streamline appointment scheduling and general inquiries. Patients and community members can now reach the clinic directly at 729-2292 for all dental service-related communications. This change aims to improve accessibility and efficiency in patient care. The Ministry urges all individuals to update their contact records with the new number to ensure seamless communication with the clinic. This update reflects the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare services and fostering better patient engagement.
分类： health
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Abuse survivors among many substance abuse cases, says charity
Women grappling with substance addiction frequently endure intimate partner abuse, exacerbating their challenges and impeding recovery, according to experts from Verdun and Marina House treatment centers. Allison Gotip, Clinical Services Director, highlighted that many women are trapped in cycles of addiction due to isolation enforced by abusive partners. These women often become invisible to society, confined to their homes, where they are exploited and deprived of opportunities to seek help. Gotip emphasized that women’s addiction cases are typically more severe than men’s, compounded by trauma from domestic violence. Marina House was established to provide a safe, gender-separated environment for women to heal, as mixed-gender settings can trigger trauma responses. Additionally, societal expectations and childcare responsibilities further hinder women from accessing treatment. Despite their struggles, women are often criticized by family members for prioritizing their recovery, underscoring the need for supportive family therapy programs to facilitate their healing journey.
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BWS Denies MICS7 Claims of Contaminated Water
Belize Water Services (BWS) has addressed public concerns regarding the safety of drinking water following a report from the Statistical Institute of Belize that raised alarms about E. coli contamination. BWS has firmly denied the claims, emphasizing that the findings in the MICS Seven Report lack proper context and do not reflect the actual quality of tap water. The company asserts that the testing methods used in the study did not adhere to internationally recognized standards for water-quality assessment. BWS clarified that the report’s conclusions were not based on samples from its treatment or distribution systems, which are subject to rigorous daily testing and monthly independent checks by regulators. Furthermore, BWS highlighted its participation in international benchmarking to ensure compliance with global standards. The Ministry of Health and Wellness also weighed in, stating that approximately 4,000 water samples are analyzed annually, confirming the safety of the national drinking water supply. Routine microbial monitoring is conducted across various systems, including BWS operations, rudimentary systems, and bottled/purified water facilities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public health.
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MoHW Says National Drinking Water Remains Safe Despite MICS7 Findings
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in Belize has reaffirmed the safety of the nation’s drinking water, despite preliminary findings from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7) revealing significant E. coli contamination in household water samples. Conducted by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) under UNICEF’s international standards, the survey detected E. coli in tap water, purified water, and dispenser water across the country. Wendy Benavides, a statistician at SIB, attributed the contamination to unclean water sources or unsanitary storage containers, urging the public to maintain hygiene practices. E. coli exposure can lead to severe health issues, particularly for vulnerable populations. The MoHW, however, emphasized that its extensive national monitoring program, which tests over 4,000 samples annually from various water sources, consistently meets World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards. The Ministry collaborates with local authorities to address isolated issues promptly and is committed to enhancing surveillance and testing technologies. Belizeans are encouraged to rely on official updates for accurate information, as the MoHW assures the public of the water supply’s safety.
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Health Ministry Says Drinking Water Remains Safe
The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) in Belize has reassured the public about the safety of the nation’s drinking water, despite alarming findings from the Statistical Institute of Belize’s (SIB) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7). The survey, released on Friday, revealed elevated levels of E. coli in household drinking water samples across both rural and urban areas. SIB Statistician Wendy Benavides highlighted that contamination was detected not only in tap water but also in purified water from dispensers and household containers, attributing the issue to potential source contamination or improper storage practices. She urged residents to maintain cleanliness in their water storage systems to mitigate risks. However, the MoHW emphasized that its own extensive monitoring data, collected from over 4,000 samples annually across Belize Water Services (BWS) systems, purified water facilities, and handpumps, confirms the water’s safety. The Ministry follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for microbial testing, including E. coli, and implements immediate corrective measures when issues arise. Belize Water Services also distanced itself from the survey results, stating that MICS7 procedures did not align with international water-quality standards and reaffirming that its daily monitoring ensures a safe, reliable, and potable water supply.
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Zesde Kinderchirurgische darmmissie levert tien succesvolle operaties op
The Diakonessen Hospital has successfully completed its sixth pediatric intestinal surgery mission, marking a significant milestone in healthcare for children with complex intestinal conditions. Conducted from November 10 to 24, the mission saw ten children undergo surgeries, with seven already discharged safely. The initiative, a collaboration between Surinamese and Dutch specialists, not only enhances pediatric care but also strengthens the expertise of the local medical team.
Led by local surgeon Anuska Jewbali and Dutch pediatric surgeon Justin de Jong, the mission has been an annual event at the Diakonessen Hospital since 2020, following its inception in 2007. The program aims to provide life-changing surgeries for children who would otherwise struggle to access such specialized care abroad, thereby improving their quality of life. Additionally, the mission facilitates intensive knowledge transfer to Surinamese specialists and healthcare staff, fostering long-term improvements in local pediatric surgical capabilities.
Jewbali emphasized the nationwide scope of the mission, with children from across Suriname being referred for treatment. The hospital’s care team handled all pre-operative preparations, ensuring a seamless process. Conducting these surgeries locally offers multiple advantages, including significant cost savings compared to overseas treatment and enabling young patients to remain close to their families during the often emotionally challenging recovery period. The pediatric ward operates with 24-hour parental participation, further enhancing the quality of care.
The surgeries addressed conditions such as anorectal malformations, intestinal atresias, Hirschsprung’s disease, and esophageal atresias. Patients ranged in age from two months to ten years, with all procedures deemed successful. The medical team included Dutch pediatric nursing specialist Marijke Voskeuil, responsible for post-operative care; Shirley Sussenbach, a senior operating room assistant from the Netherlands; and local specialists such as I. Thakoer, a pediatric radiologist, and Y. M. Chou-Lie, an anesthesiologist.
The Diakonessen Hospital’s leadership expressed pride and gratitude for the mission’s success, highlighting the importance of sustainable collaboration and structured knowledge exchange to further strengthen pediatric surgical care in Suriname.
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E. coli Found in Drinking Water, But BWS Says Supply Is Safe
A recent national survey conducted in Belize has revealed alarming levels of E. coli contamination in drinking water, sparking widespread concern. The findings, part of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 7 (MICS7), were released by the Statistical Institute of Belize on November 26, 2025, in collaboration with UNICEF and the Government of Belize. The survey, which adhered to UNICEF’s rigorous testing standards, identified contamination in water samples collected from both urban and rural households across the country.
In response to the report, Belize Water Services (BWS) swiftly issued a statement to reassure the public. BWS emphasized that the contamination detected in the survey does not reflect the quality of water it treats and distributes. The utility company clarified that its water undergoes daily testing in compliance with international standards and suggested that any contamination likely occurs after the water leaves its facilities. BWS further asserted, ‘None of the findings cited in the report originated from BWS’s treatment or distribution systems.’
The discovery has raised questions about water safety and infrastructure in Belize, particularly in rural areas where access to treated water may be limited. While BWS maintains that its supply is safe, the survey highlights the need for improved water management and monitoring systems to ensure public health. Authorities are urged to investigate the sources of contamination and implement measures to safeguard drinking water quality nationwide.
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14 leptospirosis-related deaths, 6 confirmed — Dr Webster-Kerr
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Health authorities in Jamaica have reported a significant outbreak of leptospirosis following Hurricane Melissa, with 14 fatalities recorded to date. According to Dr. Karen Webster-Kerr, Principal Medical Officer and National Epidemiologist at the Ministry of Health and Wellness, six of these deaths have been laboratory-confirmed as leptospirosis, while others remain under investigation.
The epidemiological data reveals a sharp increase in cases after the hurricane, with 10 deaths occurring post-Melissa compared to four beforehand. Overall, Jamaica has documented 90 suspected cases—51 pre-hurricane and 39 post-hurricane—with 21 cases confirmed through testing.
Demographic analysis shows the most vulnerable groups are males aged 20–29 and adults over 60 years old. Geographically, St. James Parish has reported the highest infection rates, followed by St. Ann and St. Elizabeth.
In contrast to the leptospirosis outbreak, Jamaica maintains low levels of other infectious diseases. All 39 dengue tests processed between November 8–18 returned negative results, indicating minimal transmission activity. The country also remains below epidemic thresholds for respiratory illnesses and gastroenteritis across all age groups and parishes.
However, officials noted concerning injury trends in Westmoreland and Kingston-St. Andrew, where accident rates have reached epidemic levels post-hurricane. This has resulted in two tetanus cases from nail injuries, including one fatal incident involving a 71-year-old Westmoreland man. Health authorities are urging proper wound care and tetanus vaccination for those injured during cleanup operations.
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Tufton urges more support for children, elderly after Hurricane Melissa
FALMOUTH, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton has issued an urgent warning about the overlooked psychological trauma affecting children and senior citizens in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. During his Thursday visit to Falmouth Public General Hospital, the minister addressed healthcare professionals, emphasizing that these vulnerable demographics require immediate mental health support despite showing less visible signs of distress.
Dr. Tufton expressed particular concern about children’s developing minds, noting their tendency to internalize trauma when lacking proper emotional guidance. “Children possess remarkably fertile minds that can easily stray without appropriate support,” he stated. “Many remain confused about the catastrophic events they witnessed, including seeing parents struggling to recover from the disaster.”
The minister highlighted how pediatric trauma often manifests differently than in adults, with children frequently unable to articulate their emotional pain. He urged trained medical professionals to actively employ their expertise in helping young survivors process their experiences through therapeutic communication and emotional validation.
Pointing to innovative psychosocial interventions, Tufton referenced the Humming Bird Foundation’s ongoing initiative distributing 10,000 toys and shoes to affected children. He characterized these efforts as dual-purpose—replacing lost belongings while serving as therapeutic tools to restore normalcy and joy.
“Beyond material replacement, these gestures represent crucial emotional therapy,” Tufton explained. “We must help our children rediscover happiness this holiday season through simple human connections—a heartfelt conversation, a reassuring hug, or genuine smile.”
The minister equally emphasized the plight of elderly residents, particularly those living alone with chronic medical conditions and limited financial resources. He warned that without proactive emotional support, many seniors could “slide into irreversible despair” due to compounded physical vulnerabilities and psychological isolation.
While acknowledging the importance of clinical medical responses, Tufton stressed that therapeutic human presence remains equally vital. He called for balanced recovery approaches combining professional healthcare services with compassionate community engagement, ensuring no vulnerable population gets overlooked during Jamaica’s ongoing reconstruction efforts.
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Barbados and Nigeria sign landmark MOU
In a landmark move, the governments of Barbados and Nigeria have formalized a transformative partnership aimed at bolstering local pharmaceutical production, enhancing regulatory collaboration, and expanding market access across the Caribbean, Latin America, ECOWAS, and the African continent. The agreement, encapsulated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed between Barbados Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BPI) and Nigeria’s Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). This pact establishes a robust framework for cooperation across four critical areas: industrial capacity and human capital development, market access and shaping, clinical trials collaboration, and regulatory, financing, and policy alignment. The MOU follows extensive high-level discussions, including talks between Barbados’ Senior Minister of Health, Dr. Jerome Walcott, and Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. It also builds on ongoing efforts with AMA Medical Manufacturing, a leading Nigerian biopharmaceutical company exploring the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Barbados. Minister Walcott hailed the partnership as a significant stride toward health sovereignty, aligning with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s vision of a transatlantic pharmaceutical bridge connecting Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Professor Pate underscored Nigeria’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order, which aims to achieve 70% domestic production of essential medicines and medical devices by 2030. Key initiatives under the MOU include the development of a Barbados-Nigeria pharmaceutical skills pathway, reciprocal market access, clinical trials integration, regulatory reliance agreements, and a joint financing pipeline with development finance institutions. The partnership also advances discussions with AMA Medical Manufacturing, potentially creating the first Africa-Caribbean pharmaceutical production corridor. A Joint Steering Committee has been established to oversee immediate implementation.