分类： health

Health authorities in Belize have confirmed two new malaria infections, though both cases have been classified as imported with transmission occurring outside national borders. The Ministry of Health and Wellness identified the cases in Crique Sarco Village within the Toledo district, emphasizing that while the infections were acquired externally, they underscore persistent malaria risks in neighboring nations and the ongoing threat of disease reintroduction through travel channels.

The ministry issued updated guidance urging travelers visiting rural, forested, or border regions of adjacent countries to implement comprehensive mosquito bite prevention strategies. This advisory comes despite Belize’s official malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization, awarded in June 2023, which remains unaffected by these imported cases.

Belize’s health system maintains enhanced surveillance and response protocols to prevent the reestablishment of local malaria transmission. Health officials note that malaria symptoms typically emerge 7-30 days post-infection, advising that any travelers experiencing fever or flu-like symptoms should promptly seek medical attention while disclosing their recent travel history.

The nation’s public health facilities provide complimentary testing and treatment services, with additional access through community health workers and malaria voluntary collaborators. In a related health advisory, the ministry confirmed maintained laboratory capacity for Chikungunya and Zika virus testing, referencing current regional health alerts. No local transmission of Chikungunya has been recorded since 2016, with Zika virus transmission absent since 2017.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness continues to advocate for public cooperation with health authorities and consistent practice of mosquito bite prevention measures to preserve Belize’s public health achievements and malaria-free status.

Health authorities in western Jamaica report a period of epidemiological stability for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with rates holding relatively constant over a recent three-year span. Data from the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) indicates only minor fluctuations, dispelling notions of a significant surge. According to Dr. Tanesha Hickman, the WRHA’s Regional Priority Communicable Disease Coordinator, a slight uptick observed in 2024 has since subsided, with 2025 figures returning to the baseline established in 2023. A parallel trend of stability has been documented for HIV cases across the region. Despite this overall steadiness, a persistent and troubling pattern has emerged: young adults aged 20-29 continue to constitute the demographic most severely impacted by these infections. This cohort, recognized for its high social and sexual activity, is followed by the 30-39 age group in prevalence. Health officials are intensifying focus on vulnerable populations who encounter significant barriers—including social stigma, economic hardship, and limited healthcare access—which exacerbates their risk and often results in infection rates that exceed the general population’s. The WRHA is championing targeted interventions, emphasizing that tailored education, outreach, and prevention programs are crucial for curbing transmission. Furthermore, clinic data reveals a higher reporting of STIs among women, a statistic Dr. Hickman attributes to more proactive health-seeking behaviors in women rather than a lower actual infection rate in men. This ongoing public health effort was recently highlighted during Jamaica’s national Safer Sex Week, held under the theme ‘Tek Charge: Safer Sex with Endless Possibilities!’, reinforcing the message of responsible sexual practices and routine testing.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant public health initiative timed with Safer Sex Week 2026, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Jamaica is intensifying its advocacy for comprehensive sexuality education in schools while solidifying its position as a leading health partner across the nation. The campaign precedes the globally recognized International Condom Day, underscoring a dual commitment to education and accessible healthcare.

AHF Jamaica’s outreach directly engaged over 127 young individuals in Kingston, St. Andrew, and St. Ann through evidence-based, rights-centered educational sessions. The program launched on February 10 at Calabar High School, Haile Selassie High School, and Kingston Technical High School, focusing on students aged 16–18. Critical topics included sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), human rights, consent, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Rather than avoiding sensitive subjects, the initiative fostered a secure and respectful environment that connected informal youth dialogues with medically accurate information. By framing discussions within the context of human rights and bodily autonomy, AHF emphasized that safer sex practices encompass not only physical protection but also empowerment, dignity, and informed choice.

Mario Smith, a Health and Family Life Education teacher at Haile Selassie High School, praised the collaboration: “We are so grateful for this partnership. With widespread misinformation, especially on social media, AHF brought essential knowledge directly to students, enabling healthier life decisions.”

The effort expanded on February 11 with a session at Moneague College in St. Ann, conducted alongside the North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA). In addition to SRHR and STI education, students received dedicated instruction on pap smears and human papillomavirus (HPV), demystifying the procedure and addressing common apprehensions that deter proactive health measures.

Mikayla Brown, a Moneague College student, reflected: “This was a refreshing experience. We learned about pap smears, STIs, and the risks of unprotected sex. I hope AHF visits more often—every student should hear this.”

The week’s activities will conclude with AHF Jamaica’s flagship International Condom Day event on February 20 at the St. Ann Medical Wellness Centre. Although International Condom Day is officially observed on February 13, the health fair will extend the celebration of prevention by providing free HIV testing, pap smears, and other vital services to the broader community.

Kayla Wright, Advocacy Manager at AHF Jamaica, asserted: “Young people deserve comprehensive, accurate, and rights-based sexuality education. Silence and stigma do them a disservice. Equipping youth with knowledge about consent and protection empowers responsible decision-making. Informed youth are the foundation of safer sex.”

This year’s message is clear: integrating open dialogue, scientific education, and community health services is crucial to fostering a generation of Jamaicans who are informed, empowered, and in control of their well-being.

PORTLAND, Jamaica – The Portland Health Department has initiated an extensive parish-wide blood pressure screening campaign throughout February in recognition of Heart Month, marking a significant push to enhance cardiovascular wellness among local residents.

This collaborative endeavor with the National Health Fund (NHF) operates under the thematic banner ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure,’ emphasizing preventive healthcare measures. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sharon Lewis announced that the program commenced on February 11 during a specialized clinic for barbers and hairdressers, conducted within the Portland Health Department’s conference facilities.

Addressing the Portland Municipal Corporation’s monthly assembly on February 12, Dr. Lewis detailed the comprehensive schedule of upcoming screening events. Additional blood pressure assessments will be conducted at food handlers’ clinics across all three health districts within the parish. Specific community locations include Buff Bay Methodist Church yard and Fairy Hill Health Centre on Thursday, February 19, followed by participation in a health fair at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) on February 26.

Dr. Lewis indicated that further venues are currently being finalized, with complete details to be publicly communicated once arrangements are confirmed. She actively encouraged residents to utilize these complimentary services, advising community members to watch for community health aides conducting screenings near major township centers throughout the parish.

The initiative has established an ambitious target of screening 2,000 individuals during the awareness period. Dr. Lewis delivered these updates while presenting Portland’s January 2026 health status report, noting the parish maintained generally favorable health conditions throughout the month.

Regarding syndromic surveillance, authorities recorded 32 cases of undifferentiated fever, all presenting at designated sentinel sites across Portland. This represents a significant reduction from the 63 cases documented in December 2025 and aligns closely with the 34 cases observed in November 2025.

A parallel downward trend was observed in fever and respiratory cases, with only six instances reported – a 73% decrease from December’s 208 cases during the seasonal influenza-like illness surge. This figure corresponds with the 51 cases documented in November 2025. Dr. Lewis confirmed both undifferentiated fever and influenza-like illnesses are returning to endemic levels of approximately 10 cases weekly, indicating stabilization of community health trends.