分类： health

Spain has witnessed a staggering 87.6% increase in heat-related fatalities between May 16 and September 30, with the health ministry reporting 3,832 deaths. This sharp rise, compared to the same period in 2024, underscores the devastating impact of extreme temperatures on vulnerable populations. Nearly two-thirds of the victims were aged over 85, while almost 96% were above 65, highlighting the heightened risk for older adults. The figures, derived from Spain’s Mortality Monitoring System (MoMo), utilize statistical models to estimate deaths linked to heatwaves. MoMo tracks daily mortality trends and incorporates external factors, such as weather data from the national meteorological agency AEMET, to identify potential causes of mortality spikes. Although MoMo cannot definitively attribute deaths to heat, it provides the most reliable approximation of fatalities where high temperatures likely played a decisive role. This year, Spain endured its hottest summer since records began in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.2°C. Heatwaves persisted for 33 of the 90 summer days, including a 16-day event in August that triggered wildfires, claiming four lives and devastating vast areas of land. Scientists have repeatedly warned that human-induced climate change is intensifying global weather extremes. Notably, nine of Spain’s 10 hottest summers since 1961 have occurred in the 21st century. Similar trends were observed in Britain, Japan, and South Korea, which also experienced their hottest summers on record this year.

In a significant move to address Haiti’s ongoing public health challenges, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) have inked a three-year Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) with the Caribbean nation. This groundbreaking agreement, spanning 2026 to 2028, marks the first of its kind between PAHO/WHO and a French-speaking member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The signing ceremony, held during the 62nd Directing Council of PAHO, was attended by PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa and Haiti’s Minister of Public Health and Population, Dr. Bertrand Sinal. Dr. Barbosa emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, ‘This strategy represents a pivotal step in our joint efforts to tackle Haiti’s public health crisis and enhance access to care amidst complex humanitarian and security challenges.’ The CCS outlines a focused framework for PAHO’s technical cooperation in Haiti, tailored to the country’s evolving needs and aligned with its national health priorities. The strategy aims to bolster Haiti’s health system, ensure universal access to quality healthcare, and improve the prevention and management of major health issues. It also emphasizes strengthening emergency preparedness and response through a NEXUS Approach, which integrates humanitarian aid, development efforts, and peacebuilding to sustainably meet population needs. The CCS was developed through extensive consultations with Haiti’s Ministry of Health, civil society, and development partners, reflecting the country’s unique health priorities and the necessity for coordinated action. PAHO/WHO reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Haiti to address communicable and noncommunicable diseases, enhance emergency response capabilities, and promote health equity and universal health coverage. ‘At its core, this strategy seeks to advance health equity, achieve universal health coverage, and improve the well-being of all Haitians,’ PAHO stated.

Andrew Whyte, a 32-year-old LED technician from Mitchell Town, Clarendon, is urgently seeking public assistance to raise US$32,000 (approximately J$5 million) for a life-saving kidney transplant. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the costs of his medical treatment. Whyte, who lives alone, is currently only able to work once or twice a week due to his debilitating symptoms, which include weakness, lightheadedness, and severe pain. His condition has worsened over the past two to three years, transitioning from hydronephrosis, a kidney infection, to complete kidney failure. Whyte now requires two weekly dialysis treatments, costing J$120,000 per month, which has placed a significant financial burden on him. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic and encourages others to prioritize their health. ‘I would want everyone to pay keen attention to their health and get regular check-ups,’ he said. Those who wish to contribute to his GoFundMe campaign can do so via the provided link.

Health leaders from across the Americas, including the Caribbean, have unanimously endorsed a groundbreaking 2025–2030 Action Plan aimed at curbing the rising tide of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). This initiative, ratified during the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to address the region’s leading causes of death and disability, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. The plan underscores the urgent need to fortify primary health care systems to enhance the quality of life for millions affected by these ailments. Dr. Anselm Hennis, PAHO’s Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, hailed the plan as a transformative step toward building resilient, community-centered health systems. The strategy revolves around three core pillars: mitigating NCD risk factors, embedding NCD management into primary health care, and bolstering surveillance mechanisms. NCDs currently claim an estimated six million lives annually in the Americas, with nearly 40% of these deaths occurring prematurely before the age of 70. Alarmingly, 240 million individuals in the region are impacted by these conditions. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, other risk factors such as harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity remain pervasive. For instance, over 35% of adults are physically inactive, and one in three lives with obesity. Access to diagnosis and treatment is also limited, with only 36% of hypertensive patients having controlled blood pressure and over 40 million diabetics lacking adequate care. The action plan advocates for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing fiscal policies to reduce consumption of harmful products, front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods, and stricter marketing regulations. It also prioritizes integrating NCD prevention and treatment into primary care, alongside innovative digital tools to enhance data surveillance and evidence-based policymaking. Key initiatives include HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and the use of advanced technologies to monitor progress. PAHO will support countries in mobilizing resources, with biennial reviews scheduled for 2028 and a final report in 2031.

In September, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health witnessed an overwhelming surge in calls to its mental health and suicide prevention helpline, with over 500 distress calls recorded in a single month. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton revealed that the 24/7 free and confidential service provided counselling or referrals based on individual needs. This disclosure came in response to inquiries from the Jamaica Observer, following a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) report highlighting a mid-year spike in suicides, particularly in St. Catherine North. The helpline, staffed by psychologists, offers crisis intervention, psychological support, and referrals for those experiencing suicidal tendencies or mental health challenges. To bolster mental health care, the ministry has trained 47 non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), with more training sessions planned. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme, set to resume this month, aims to reduce stigma and improve mental health awareness among students. At the community level, Problem Management Plus providers are being deployed to address mild emotional distress and adverse challenges, with 45 active providers currently in the field. Public mental health clinics, including over 150 adult clinics and 20 for children and adolescents, continue to operate islandwide. Despite a 17% overall decline in suicides from 2024 to 2025, the JCF report noted significant variations across months, parishes, and gender categories. A mid-year surge in July and August, coupled with geographic hotspots like St. Catherine North, underscores the need for dynamic, nuanced prevention strategies. The report calls for enhanced early detection, community engagement, and support networks to address these challenges effectively.