分类： health

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness in Jamaica is intensifying its efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as Dr. Brian Kazaara, a psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, underscores the critical link between chronic illnesses and dementia. With the local ageing population contributing to a rise in dementia cases, Dr. Kazaara emphasizes that conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke significantly elevate the risk by damaging brain blood vessels and impairing cognitive functions. NCDs like diabetes cause elevated blood sugar levels, harming vascular health, while hypertension and high cholesterol reduce cerebral blood flow, leading to cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. Dr. Kazaara highlights Jamaica’s high prevalence of NCDs, noting that untreated hypertension and diabetes can accelerate dementia progression or diminish the quality of life for older adults, who may struggle with medication adherence. He also identifies physical inactivity, smoking, and poor diet as contributing factors to both NCDs and dementia. Dementia, a neurodegenerative condition primarily affecting the elderly, involves the progressive loss of brain neurons, resulting in cognitive, behavioral, and personality changes. Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty performing familiar tasks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally and is a major contributor to disability among older populations. The disease’s impact extends beyond individuals to their families, caregivers, and society at large. Dr. Kazaara, who also serves as president of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association, explains that dementia patients often struggle with daily activities such as bathing, cooking, and self-care, placing emotional and financial strain on families. In addition to NCDs, risk factors for dementia include advanced age, family history, and genetic mutations.

In early 2025, Gregory White, a 65-year-old man, experienced a sudden spike in blood pressure after using pesticide. This incident led him to seek medical attention, a decision that potentially saved his life. During the visit, his doctor inquired about his last prostate exam, which he had undergone two years prior. The doctor emphasized the importance of annual screenings, prompting further investigation. Initial blood tests showed normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, but subsequent tests revealed a slightly elevated PSA level of 5.6. Although a physical examination suggested no abnormalities, the doctor recommended additional testing to uncover the underlying issue. White was referred to urologist Dr. Dean Wong at Apex Medical Centre, where an MRI and biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of stage 2 prostate cancer. ‘I was concerned; I never expected that,’ White shared with Observer Online. ‘But knowing that it is there, I have to deal with it.’ After discussing treatment options with Dr. Wong, White chose surgery over radiation and underwent a radical prostatectomy in June. Post-surgery tests showed undetectable PSA levels, indicating successful cancer removal. Since the surgery, White has been engaged in functional rehabilitation, focusing on urinary continence and sexual function recovery. Dr. Wong highlighted the importance of early physiotherapy and the use of the Emsella chair, a specialized device for treating urinary incontinence and pelvic floor issues. White is also undergoing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, electromagnetic wave therapy, and sexual rehabilitation, including daily medication and the use of a penile vacuum pump. While he reports no pain from the surgery, urinary leakage remains a challenge. ‘I have to wear pull-ups,’ White admitted. ‘Last two months or month and a half ago I had to have a pad in the pull-ups to hold the urine, and if I’m physical during the day, I would change like three of those pads for the day. Now I’m down to one.’ Dr. Wong emphasized that post-surgery results evolve over time, with functional recovery typically assessed at one year. White remains optimistic about his prognosis as he continues his recovery journey.

In 2022, France introduced a groundbreaking strategy to combat endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting one in ten women of reproductive age worldwide. Central to this initiative was the promotion of the ‘Endotest,’ a saliva-based diagnostic tool developed by French start-up Ziwig. Marketed as a revolutionary solution leveraging artificial intelligence and microRNA technology, the test promised to simplify and expedite the diagnosis of endometriosis, which currently requires invasive surgical procedures. However, despite significant government backing and financial investment, questions linger about the test’s efficacy and broader applicability. Researchers have raised concerns about the limited scope of studies supporting the Endotest, with some arguing that the participant samples may not be representative of the general population. While the French Health Authority (HAS) has acknowledged the test’s diagnostic performance, it has also called for further research to confirm its clinical utility. Critics have pointed out the disproportionate funding allocated to the Endotest compared to other endometriosis research avenues, such as improving ultrasound interpretation. Patient advocacy groups like Endomind have campaigned for broader access to the test, but some patients and experts remain skeptical, questioning whether the Endotest truly represents a significant advancement in endometriosis care. Ziwig’s leadership defends the test, citing published research and ongoing efforts to validate its effectiveness through peer-reviewed journals. As the debate continues, the Endotest remains a focal point in France’s broader efforts to address the challenges of diagnosing and treating endometriosis.

In a significant move to combat the HIV epidemic, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness is preparing to launch a pilot programme for lenacapavir, the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved injectable HIV prevention drug. This initiative, described by former US President Bill Clinton as a “genuine chance to end” the global HIV crisis, aims to provide a long-acting alternative to daily oral pills. Lenacapavir, administered twice a year, will be offered free of charge in Jamaica’s public health system, targeting vulnerable populations. Dr. Nicola Skyers, senior medical officer of the National HIV/STI programme, emphasized the drug’s potential to address adherence challenges, particularly among younger individuals less accustomed to daily pill regimens. The pilot will also include cabotegravir, another injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) taken every two months. While the cost of injectable antiretrovirals remains high, Jamaica is exploring partnerships to make these treatments more accessible. Lenacapavir, set for rollout in the US by year-end at $28,000 annually, will be available in 120 low- and middle-income countries by 2027 at a reduced cost of $40 per person, thanks to collaborations between the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Gates Foundation, and Wits RHI. The World Health Organization has endorsed lenacapavir as a transformative preventive measure, with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling it “the next best thing” to an HIV vaccine. In Jamaica, where approximately 26,000 individuals live with HIV/AIDS, young adults have expressed enthusiasm for the injectable option, citing convenience and effectiveness over daily oral PrEP.

Jamaica’s public health sector witnessed a significant enhancement on Monday with the donation of vital medical equipment worth over $34 million. Esteemed philanthropist Carol Picart, in partnership with the National Health Care Enhancement Foundation, contributed two ventilators valued at $11.57 million and an endoscopy unit, including a gastroscope and colonoscope, priced at $23 million. The ceremonial handover took place at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). The donated equipment, which will also benefit Cornwall Regional and Black River hospitals, is expected to play a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, including ulcers, gastritis, and colorectal issues. Picart emphasized her commitment to improving Jamaica’s life expectancy and reversing the declining birth rate, attributing these challenges to insufficient resources. She drew parallels to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, highlighting her desire to give back to society. Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the urgency of such initiatives, revealing a decline in Jamaica’s life expectancy from 72.3 years in 2000 to 70.1 years in 2021. Additionally, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reports that Jamaica’s fertility rate has plummeted to 1.3 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1. Krystal Lee, the junior minister of health and wellness, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to transform Jamaica’s healthcare system. She stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in bridging gaps in primary healthcare and called for continued collaboration to achieve national health goals. Lee also outlined the ministry’s plans to equip healthcare facilities with additional resources, emphasizing the critical role of health in fostering national development and prosperity.