Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Cancer second leading cause of death in the Caribbean

    Cancer second leading cause of death in the Caribbean

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has issued a sobering assessment of the region’s healthcare challenges, revealing that cancer continues as the second leading cause of mortality throughout Caribbean nations, trailing only cardiovascular diseases in fatalities.

    In conjunction with World Cancer Day observances under the theme “United by Unique,” CARPHA’s comprehensive analysis documented approximately 119,000 new cancer diagnoses and over 66,000 cancer-attributed deaths across the Caribbean in 2022. The agency projects a disturbing 69 percent surge in cancer incidence throughout Latin America and the Caribbean by 2045, attributing this alarming trend to demographic aging and escalating exposure to primary risk factors.

    The Caribbean region demonstrates particularly concerning statistics for specific cancer types. Medical research identifies nine Caribbean territories among the fifteen global jurisdictions with the highest age-standardised incidence rates for prostate cancer, including Guadeloupe—which records the world’s highest prevalence—followed by Martinique, Barbados, Puerto Rico, French Guiana, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Additionally, eight Caribbean nations rank among the top fifteen for prostate cancer occurrence, with Jamaica, Barbados, and Haiti featuring prominently.

    The cervical cancer mortality landscape appears equally troubling, with Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Barbados occupying the second, third, and fourth highest global mortality rates respectively for this preventable disease.

    Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s Executive Director, announced the forthcoming publication of “Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I,” a seminal surveillance report compiling data from seven national cancer registries. This landmark document will provide unprecedented insights into cancer patterns across Barbados, Bermuda, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago.

    While fifteen Caribbean countries have implemented dedicated national cancer control plans or integrated cancer management into broader noncommunicable disease strategies, CARPHA acknowledges significant disparities in healthcare responses across the region. Challenges persist regarding limited access to diagnostic services, treatment facilities, screening programs, and palliative care, with late-stage diagnosis remaining prevalent in numerous healthcare systems.

    Since 2015, CARPHA has operated the International Agency for Research on Cancer Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub in collaboration with global health organizations including the US National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Pan American Health Organization. This initiative represents a concerted effort to enhance data quality and inform policy decisions through robust cancer surveillance mechanisms.

  • CARPHA champions people-centred cancer care across Caribbean

    CARPHA champions people-centred cancer care across Caribbean

    The global community observes World Cancer Day annually on February 4th, focusing international attention on cancer awareness, education, and coordinated action against the worldwide cancer burden. This year’s observance continues the ‘United by Unique’ campaign, emphasizing person-centered approaches to cancer care that position individuals, families, and communities at the core of healthcare systems.

    Cancer persists as a predominant global health challenge, representing the second leading cause of mortality in the Caribbean region after cardiovascular diseases. Recent epidemiological data reveals approximately 119,000 new cancer diagnoses and over 66,000 cancer-related fatalities recorded across the region in 2022. Demographic aging coupled with increasing exposure to key risk factors projects a concerning 69% surge in cancer incidence throughout Latin America and the Caribbean by 2045, necessitating immediate and coordinated intervention strategies.

    Epidemiological surveillance identifies several Caribbean nations among global leaders in site-specific cancer prevalence. Notably, nine of the world’s fifteen highest age-standardized incidence rates for prostate cancer occur within the Caribbean region, with Guadeloupe demonstrating the highest global rate. The region also shows disproportionately high cervical cancer mortality rates, with Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Barbados ranking second, third, and fourth worldwide respectively.

    This substantial disease burden underscores the critical requirement for comprehensive cancer control policies and sophisticated surveillance mechanisms capable of generating high-quality epidemiological data to monitor trends, establish priorities, and assess intervention effectiveness.

    Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), announced forthcoming publication of ‘Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I’ in 2026. This landmark surveillance report will aggregate cancer incidence data from seven Caribbean nations’ national cancer registries, providing crucial evidence to shape policy development and enhance prevention strategies while advancing regional cancer surveillance capabilities.

    Significant progress has emerged through regional cooperation, with fifteen Caribbean countries now implementing dedicated national cancer control plans or incorporating cancer management into broader noncommunicable disease strategies. The establishment of population-based cancer registries has expanded, enabling systematic data collection on cancer incidence, mortality, survival rates, and prevalence patterns.

    Despite these advancements, substantial challenges persist across the region. Disparities in cancer control responses remain evident, with inconsistent access to diagnostic services, treatment facilities, screening programs, and palliative care resources. Late-stage diagnosis continues to prevail in numerous healthcare settings, highlighting areas requiring intensified intervention.

    To address these disparities, CARPHA established the International Agency for Research on Cancer Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub in 2015. Operating under the Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development, this collaborative effort involves partnerships with leading international organizations including the US National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Pan American Health Organization.

    The Caribbean Hub, headquartered at CARPHA’s Port of Spain facility, provides technical support to enhance population-based cancer registry availability, quality, and coverage through specialized training, research initiatives, technical assistance, and advocacy for improved data management systems.

    The anticipated ‘Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I’ represents a seminal achievement for regional cancer surveillance, consolidating comprehensive incidence data from 2000-2020 across seven participating nations. This report will reveal significant variations in cancer burden while identifying persistent challenges including data quality inconsistencies, resource limitations, and policy constraints – reinforcing the necessity for continued regional investment in surveillance infrastructure and technical support.

    As the region commemorates World Cancer Day, sustaining momentum through the Caribbean Hub remains essential for advancing equitable, evidence-based, and person-centered cancer control strategies throughout the Caribbean community.

  • PAHO urges strengthening cervical cancer prevention and care to advance toward its elimination

    PAHO urges strengthening cervical cancer prevention and care to advance toward its elimination

    With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an urgent call for accelerated action to eliminate cervical cancer across the Americas. Marking World Cancer Day (February 4), the organization warned that current progress remains insufficient to meet elimination targets despite significant advancements in vaccination programs.

    Regional health data reveals stark disparities in cervical cancer outcomes. Annually, over 78,000 women receive diagnoses while more than 40,000 succumb to the disease. A disturbing 83% of these fatalities occur within Latin America and the Caribbean, where mortality rates triple those documented in North America. These statistics underscore profound inequities in accessing preventive measures, early detection services, and appropriate treatment timelines.

    PAHO’s elimination framework establishes three critical benchmarks for 2030: achieving 90% HPV vaccination coverage for girls under 15; screening 70% of women aged 35 and 45 using high-performance tests; and ensuring 90% treatment access for women with precancerous lesions or invasive cancer.

    Notable progress includes HPV vaccine availability in 49 of 51 Americas countries and territories, with 70% programmatic coverage for the initial dose. Twenty-four nations have adopted single-dose scheduling, substantially improving vaccination accessibility. However, Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that screening and treatment infrastructures require massive strengthening. Only 14 countries have incorporated HPV testing into screening programs, with coverage remaining inadequate and data collection limited. Radiotherapy services are reportedly available in just 18 nations.

    Projections indicate cervical cancer deaths could exceed 46,200 annually by 2030 without intervention scaling. PAHO is supporting member states through technical cooperation for national care plans and leveraging Regional Revolving Funds to procure affordable vaccines, screening tests, colposcopes, thermal ablation devices, and electrosurgical equipment. Integration into primary healthcare systems aims to bridge accessibility gaps regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.

    Strategic partnerships with Unitaid and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) further bolster prevention, detection, and care initiatives. A virtual seminar on February 4 will facilitate knowledge exchange regarding elimination strategies and introduce new planning tools for HPV screening and treatment protocols.

  • Cubans boost the use of Artificial Intelligence for predicting and treating cardiovascular diseases

    Cubans boost the use of Artificial Intelligence for predicting and treating cardiovascular diseases

    Cuban medical researchers have achieved a significant milestone in healthcare innovation with the presentation of preliminary results from Cardent, an artificial intelligence project designed to transform cardiovascular disease prediction and treatment. The breakthrough was showcased during a high-level meeting between President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and leading health experts this week.

    Cardiovascular diseases have maintained their position as Cuba’s primary mortality cause for over two decades, representing both the leading cause of death and the second highest contributor to potential years of life lost after cancer. Particularly affecting adults aged 30-69, these conditions drive premature mortality rates across the nation.

    The Cardent initiative emerges from a two-year collaborative effort between Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, University of Havana, Havana Science and Technology Park, BioCubaFarma’s Combiomed division, and several other institutions. This project forms part of a broader trio of AI-driven medical research programs addressing movement disorders (including Parkinson’s disease), neurodegenerative conditions, and advanced multimodal X-ray imaging.

    Dr. Ernesto Estévez Rams, Physics Professor at the University of Havana and distinguished Cuban Academy of Sciences member, emphasized that these projects represent scientific innovation initiatives developing cutting-edge technologies through data analysis and artificial intelligence. The research aims to enhance medical services and clinical technologies to international standards.

    Eminent cardiologist Juan Prohías Martínez, PhD, head of the National Cardiology Group, highlighted AI’s transformative potential despite its relatively recent emergence in medical applications. The technology promises revolutionary advances in early disease detection, event prediction, and generation of personalized treatment algorithms.

    President Díaz-Canel and health experts unanimously agreed that AI technologies serve to augment rather than replace medical specialists, though physicians must now develop proficiency in artificial intelligence applications. Dr. Estévez Rams detailed AI’s growing impact on disease classification, monitoring, and modeling within cardiovascular medicine.

    Cuba’s unique advantages for medical AI development include its robust healthcare system, international prestige, participation in global health networks, extensive medical collaboration programs, comprehensive health data collection capabilities, and world-class medical specialists across multiple disciplines.

    The implementation of AI is expected to significantly elevate preventive healthcare standards, stimulate development of new medical devices, and create innovative services that enhance population quality of life. Researchers stressed the parallel need for comprehensive training strategies encompassing physician education, technologist development, curriculum integration, and practical application in daily medical practice.

    In related health updates, officials reported successful management of arboviruses with declining cases of both dengue and chikungunya nationwide. Mathematical modeling indicates progressive control of the epidemic wave, though authorities emphasize continued vector control measures to prevent summer resurgence.

  • Medische Zending-poli Coeroeni officieel geopend

    Medische Zending-poli Coeroeni officieel geopend

    In a significant advancement for rural healthcare infrastructure, Suriname’s Minister of Health, Welfare, and Labor André Misiekaba officially inaugurated the Medical Mission polyclinic in the southwestern village of Coeroeni on Monday. The ceremony marks a transformative development for residents of Coeroeni and surrounding communities who will now receive structured primary healthcare services and guaranteed medication access.

    The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of key officials including VWA Director Rakesh Gajadar Sukul and Medical Mission Director Herman Jintie, alongside traditional leadership figures including the granman of Sipaliwini, local captains, and community representatives.

    Minister Misiekaba emphasized that personal visits to interior villages are essential for understanding the actual healthcare needs of the population. “Policy cannot be created solely from behind a desk but must align with on-the-ground realities,” the minister stated, according to the Health Ministry.

    The ministry has established a sustainable arrangement through collaboration between Medical Mission and the State Health Fund ensuring consistent medication supply to the polyclinic. This system guarantees drug availability not only for Coeroeni but also for neighboring villages, addressing a critical gap in remote healthcare delivery.

    Misiekaba further highlighted that traditional authorities can directly approach the ministry when medical challenges arise within their communities. The improvement of interior healthcare services represents a cornerstone of government policy under President Jennifer Simons’ leadership.

    The operationalization of this polyclinic constitutes a major stride in strengthening basic healthcare services in this region of Suriname, demonstrating the government’s commitment to equitable healthcare distribution across all geographical areas.

  • Carriacou commissions historic oxygen generation bank

    Carriacou commissions historic oxygen generation bank

    The Princess Royal Hospital on Carriacou has transformed its healthcare capabilities through the inauguration of a groundbreaking on-site oxygen generation bank, ending the island’s dependence on imported medical oxygen. This strategic infrastructure development addresses a critical vulnerability in the region’s healthcare system that previously required hazardous sea transport of oxygen cylinders from mainland Grenada—a process plagued by cost inefficiencies and logistical uncertainties.

    The newly operational facility guarantees a continuous, reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen for critically ill patients, fundamentally enhancing emergency response capabilities and routine medical care. Clinical staff have hailed the development as a revolutionary advancement in patient treatment protocols, particularly for respiratory emergencies and surgical procedures.

    During the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Tevin Andrews, Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the OECS Commission, Direct Relief, and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Minister Andrews contextualized the oxygen bank within his broader modernization agenda for Carriacou, which recently included water storage and desalination infrastructure upgrades in Belair. “This achievement marks a definitive end to our reliance on oxygen transportation from Grenada,” Minister Andrews declared. “We’re establishing self-sufficient systems to produce medical oxygen locally, ensuring healthcare sovereignty for our community.”

    The event gathered prominent figures from national healthcare and disaster management sectors. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shawn Charles elaborated on how the oxygen generation facility aligns with Grenada’s comprehensive strategy to upgrade remote medical services. Meanwhile, Health Disaster Management Officer Kathy-Ann Morain provided technical insights into the project’s implementation, emphasizing its role in fortifying the island’s resilience against future health crises and natural disasters.

    Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St Martin, Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion, and Social Protection at the OECS Commission, highlighted the regional significance of the development. The facility represents one of nine infrastructure enhancements delivered through the OECS-Direct Relief Enhancing Health Infrastructure and Resilience (EHR) Project, strengthening healthcare capabilities across the Eastern Caribbean.

    From a clinical standpoint, Dr. Karla McDonald, House Officer at Princess Royal Hospital, emphasized the practical implications for medical staff. The immediate availability of locally produced oxygen significantly improves emergency response effectiveness and elevates the standard of daily patient care, particularly in critical situations where oxygen therapy is immediately required.

  • Acting Principal Nursing Officer Almarie Coates Represents Ministry of Health at Regional Primary Health Care Meeting in Brazil

    Acting Principal Nursing Officer Almarie Coates Represents Ministry of Health at Regional Primary Health Care Meeting in Brazil

    Health authorities from across the Americas gathered in Rio de Janeiro from January 26-28, 2026, for a pivotal regional summit aimed at accelerating healthcare system reforms. The Second High-Level Regional Meeting of the Primary Health Care Alliance for the Americas brought together over 200 delegates from 24 nations, including ministers of health, principal nursing officers, and directors of primary health services.

    The conference, jointly organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), featured prominent attendees such as PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa and Assistant Director Dr. Rhonda Sealy Thomas. Representing the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Civil Service Affairs & the Environment was Acting Principal Nursing Officer Mrs. Almarie Coates.

    Central to the discussions was the theme “Primary Health Care as an Accelerator of Health System Transformation in the Americas.” Participants conducted a comprehensive review of progress achieved since the Alliance’s establishment in Montevideo, Uruguay in December 2023. The meeting served as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and policy alignment among health ministries, technical partners, and financial institutions.

    Key objectives included evaluating national implementation pathways for primary healthcare as a catalyst for system-wide transformation, sharing innovative approaches that demonstrate improved healthcare access, outcomes, and operational efficiency, assessing the Alliance’s progress in meeting its objectives while strengthening regional cooperation, and reaffirming the Alliance’s strategic value while securing renewed commitments from members to deepen collaborative action.

    The Alliance represents a unique regional mechanism designed to accelerate primary healthcare implementation through targeted investment and innovation. Its core mission remains supporting member countries in transforming their health systems through coordinated policy guidance and harmonized investment planning.

  • Ghanaian nurses begin two-week orientation at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

    Ghanaian nurses begin two-week orientation at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A cohort of healthcare professionals from Ghana has commenced a comprehensive two-week orientation program at Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, marking a significant step in Antigua and Barbuda’s initiative to reinforce its public health infrastructure. The structured onboarding process, which launched Monday under the guidance of hospital authorities, is specifically designed to equip the newly recruited nurses with essential clinical competencies and facilitate their seamless integration into the national healthcare framework.

    The orientation curriculum, developed and administered by the hospital’s Learning and Development and Human Resources divisions, encompasses intensive training modules on clinical standards, professional ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration within Antigua’s health system. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph personally inaugurated the program alongside senior ministry officials and executive management representatives from the medical center, underscoring the government’s commitment to this staffing enhancement initiative.

    Hospital administration emphasized that this recruitment drive represents a strategic response to address staffing requirements and elevate service quality at the nation’s primary public medical facility. The orientation process aims to familiarize the Ghanaian nurses with institutional protocols, operational procedures, and workplace expectations while ensuring their preparedness for direct patient care responsibilities. This international collaboration reflects broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery through targeted workforce expansion and knowledge exchange between Commonwealth nations.

  • FOAM president says celebrate your birthday by donating blood

    FOAM president says celebrate your birthday by donating blood

    The Bahamas is confronting a severe blood supply crisis that has prompted urgent public health appeals and innovative community mobilization efforts. Khandi Gibson, president of Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM), has initiated a distinctive campaign challenging citizens to commemorate their birthdays by donating blood rather than seeking material gifts. This initiative emerges against a backdrop of daily circulation of flyers pleading for blood donations for patients across age groups.

    Gibson advocates for transforming birthday celebrations into opportunities for lifesaving contributions, suggesting visits to Princess Margaret Hospital, Doctors Hospital, or the Blood Bank with family and friends. ‘Instead of looking for money or worldly gain, celebrate your birthday by allowing somebody else to celebrate theirs,’ she emphasized, revealing her personal commitment to annual blood donation.

    The urgency of this initiative was highlighted through Gibson’s recollection of a tragic case where despite public appeals, a woman’s mother succumbed to her condition due to insufficient blood availability. This experience underscores the critical nature of sustained donation efforts.

    Health authorities across the archipelago have amplified concerns regarding dangerously low blood reserves. Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama and Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau report struggling to maintain adequate supplies amidst rising demand. In March 2025, Grand Bahama Health Services issued emergency appeals as transfusion requirements increasingly outpaced available donations.

    Adelecia Campbell, administrative manager at Grand Bahama Health Services, confirmed that the hospital’s blood bank has been overwhelmed by request volumes, forcing staff to utilize social media for urgent public appeals during critical patient situations. Claudia Glinton, laboratory manager, revealed that collected blood units are typically utilized within one week—significantly before their 35-day expiration period—due to constant demand from multiple medical departments.

    Patients requiring regular transfusions include those battling kidney disease, cancer, anemia, and women experiencing childbirth complications. Health officials continue stressing that consistent donor participation is essential for maintaining supplies for both emergency situations and routine medical treatments, urging all eligible donors to contribute regularly to this vital community resource.

  • Column: Onze gezondheid begint bij onszelf: de strijd tegen chikungunya

    Column: Onze gezondheid begint bij onszelf: de strijd tegen chikungunya

    Suriname faces a mounting public health crisis as chikungunya virus resurges after more than a decade, exposing critical failures in environmental management and community responsibility. The Aedes aegypti mosquito—known vector for multiple diseases—is thriving in urban areas due to widespread accumulation of discarded containers and stagnant water sources.

    Health authorities have launched emergency response measures, including targeted waste collection in neighborhoods reporting the highest infection rates. This intervention comes as citizens experience characteristic symptoms including high fever and severe joint pain, creating significant healthcare pressures.

    Historical context reveals a concerning regression: previously effective environmental inspection systems that methodically documented household compliance with sanitation standards have gradually eroded. While the environmental service department remains operational, its enforcement capabilities have diminished over time despite the growing threat.

    The current outbreak underscores a painful reality that environmental cleanliness constitutes the first line of defense against vector-borne diseases. Each improperly discarded plastic bottle and abandoned container serves as potential breeding ground for mosquitoes, which require minimal water for reproduction.

    Public health experts emphasize that government action alone cannot resolve the crisis. Community participation is essential—from reporting illegal dumping to maintaining clean residential surroundings. The article calls for renewed social accountability, urging citizens to confront neighbors whose negligent practices endanger collective wellbeing.

    This health emergency demonstrates the inseparable connection between environmental stewardship and disease prevention. Sustainable solutions require cultural shift toward recognizing that public health begins with individual responsibility for maintaining clean streets, yards, and communities.