Carib Scope

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  • Tufton urges more support for children, elderly after Hurricane Melissa

    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.

  • Barbados and Nigeria sign landmark MOU

    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.

  • Day 3 of World AIDS Day Week Delivers Expanded Testing and Community Outreach

    Day 3 of World AIDS Day Week Delivers Expanded Testing and Community Outreach

    The third day of the 2025 World AIDS Day Week of Activities brought a flurry of events to the AIDS Secretariat’s Headquarters on upper Long Street. From 9am to 8pm, attendees could access free HIV and STI testing, while blood pressure and glucose screenings were available from 9am to 3pm. Additionally, counseling sessions were offered on a walk-in basis, ensuring accessibility for all. The week’s agenda is packed with diverse activities, including an HIV Symposium at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Center on Wednesday at 5pm. Thursday will feature a Pop Up Fair at Market Square starting at 9:30am, followed by the inaugural Teens Talk event on Friday at the same venue, running from 9am to 1pm. On Saturday, November 29th, the Spanish Community Fair will take place on Joseph Lane in Ottos from 9am. The week will culminate on World AIDS Day, December 1st, with a grand RED Ribbon event and a street rally through the capital’s streets, beginning at 9:30am. This year’s theme, ‘Overcoming disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response in Antigua and Barbuda,’ underscores the commitment to revitalizing efforts in the fight against AIDS.

  • Jamaica Hit by Deadly Leptospirosis Outbreak After Melissa

    Jamaica Hit by Deadly Leptospirosis Outbreak After Melissa

    Jamaica is grappling with a severe health crisis as a deadly outbreak of leptospirosis has emerged in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Health officials have confirmed six fatalities and are investigating 28 additional suspected cases. The outbreak, which began in late October, has been linked to the catastrophic flooding and landslides caused by the Category 5 hurricane that struck the island on October 28th. Stagnant water left in the storm’s wake has created ideal conditions for the spread of the bacterial disease. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the heightened risk of exposure to contaminated water and soil, particularly for farmers, cleanup workers, and emergency responders. Public health teams are actively warning residents, especially those relying on river water, about the dangers. The outbreak adds to the already significant challenges Jamaica faces as it assesses the full extent of the storm’s destruction, which has caused an estimated $8.8 billion in physical damage, equivalent to 41% of the country’s 2024 GDP.

  • Experts: Make STI meds more readily available in Trinidad and Tobago

    Experts: Make STI meds more readily available in Trinidad and Tobago

    Health experts in Trinidad and Tobago are calling for expanded access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and doxycycline prophylaxis (doxy-prep) to combat the rising rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Advocates argue that these preventive measures are not only essential for public health but also cost-effective in empowering individuals to protect themselves. However, political, cultural, and religious barriers have hindered progress in this area. Dianne Weekes, Coordinator of the National HIV Helpline, emphasized the importance of these tools, criticizing previous government approaches for failing to prioritize prevention. She expressed hope that the current administration would implement comprehensive policy reforms. The call for action follows alarming statistics, including nearly 200 cases of syphilis among pregnant women in 2025, a significant increase from previous years. Dr. Faith Brebnor, Tobago House of Assembly Health Secretary, has urged for PrEP to be included in national HIV/AIDS prevention protocols. Advocates like Rae Alibey and Kimberly Springer highlighted the need for accessible prevention tools, updated sex education, and evidence-based national conversations to reduce stigma and empower marginalized communities. Springer also pointed out socio-economic vulnerabilities affecting women, stressing the importance of integrated approaches to tackle HIV and STIs effectively. The Health Minister, Dr. Lackram Bodoe, has yet to provide a detailed response to these calls for action.

  • Jamaica confirms leptospirosis outbreak after Hurricane Melissa

    Jamaica confirms leptospirosis outbreak after Hurricane Melissa

    The Jamaican government has confirmed a significant outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted through contaminated water and soil, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton reported that nine cases have been confirmed, with 28 suspected cases and six suspected deaths linked to the outbreak between October 30 and November 20. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and nearly $9 billion in damages, which created ideal conditions for the spread of the disease. Leptospirosis, which thrives in environments contaminated by the urine of infected animals such as rats, dogs, and livestock, has been recorded in multiple parishes, including St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine, and Hanover. Symptoms of the disease range from flu-like conditions such as fever and muscle aches to severe complications like kidney failure, jaundice, and meningitis. Dr. Tufton emphasized that the outbreak poses a significant public health risk, particularly to farmers, emergency responders, and residents involved in cleanup efforts. Authorities are managing the situation through a coordinated response, including the distribution of antibiotics in hospitals and support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Public health inspectors are working to monitor cases, educate communities, and urge residents to avoid floodwaters. Dr. Tufton noted that the current outbreak far exceeds the typical number of cases observed in previous years, highlighting its unusual scale. Residents are advised to seek medical care if symptoms arise and to take precautions to minimize exposure to contaminated environments.

  • HIV Figures Show Only Half of Diagnosed Individuals in Treatment

    HIV Figures Show Only Half of Diagnosed Individuals in Treatment

    Preliminary HIV statistics for 2024 reveal concerning trends in Antigua and Barbuda, with low treatment uptake and persistent stigma posing significant challenges. Delcora Williams, the AIDS Programme Manager, shared early data indicating approximately 1,500 cumulative HIV cases in the country, with over 400 deaths recorded. Currently, only around 600 individuals are receiving care, leaving an estimated 1,015 people living with HIV without access to treatment. Williams described the situation as troubling, emphasizing that only about half of those diagnosed are in care. She urged individuals who test positive to start treatment immediately, highlighting that viral suppression not only maintains health but also prevents transmission. ‘If you are virally suppressed, you cannot transmit HIV to your partner,’ she stated. Williams acknowledged that stigma remains a major barrier, discouraging people from testing or seeking care. ‘People must know they have the right to access treatment,’ she stressed. In preparation for World AIDS Day on December 1, several events are planned, including pop-up education sessions, a teen workshop, outreach to Spanish-speaking residents, and a national initiative to ‘paint the place red’ to show support for those living with HIV.

  • Caribbean cancer care, ‘under pressure, can work around’ treatment delays, shortages, say docs

    Caribbean cancer care, ‘under pressure, can work around’ treatment delays, shortages, say docs

    Cancer care systems across the Caribbean are grappling with mounting challenges, including delayed treatments, restricted access to advanced therapies, and a backlog exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These pressing issues were highlighted during the second day of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners’ Continuing Medical Education (CME) conference, themed *A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care*. Experts emphasized the need for innovative strategies to deliver high-quality care despite resource limitations. Dr. Kelly Alleyne-Mike, a prominent speaker at the event, underscored the scarcity of advanced cancer therapies in the region, noting that some treatments are ineffective at advanced disease stages, leaving patients reliant on private healthcare. She also pointed out that the pandemic worsened the situation, causing delays in diagnoses and treatments, which clinicians are now struggling to manage. However, Dr. Alleyne-Mike highlighted the potential of telemedicine to bridge gaps in care by enabling specialists to share expertise across borders. She also stressed the importance of lifestyle medicine in cancer survivorship, citing exercise, nutrition, and stress management as critical factors in improving patient outcomes. Dr. Jacqueline King, a registered physiotherapist, emphasized the often-overlooked role of physiotherapy in cancer care, advocating for its integration into treatment plans to enhance functionality and quality of life. The conference concluded with a consensus on the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and regional investment in training, equipment, and shared decision-making systems to achieve holistic cancer care in the Caribbean.

  • Governor General Praises the Antigua and Barbuda Renal Society for Their Lifesaving Work

    Governor General Praises the Antigua and Barbuda Renal Society for Their Lifesaving Work

    His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, alongside Her Excellency Lady Williams, attended a luncheon hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Renal Society yesterday. During the event, Sir Rodney praised the Society for its exceptional contributions to national health. He expressed pride in serving as Patrons of the Renal Society and paid tribute to former Patrons, Sir James and Lady Carlisle, particularly acknowledging Lady Carlisle’s continued dedication post-retirement. Sir Rodney highlighted the severe impact of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the Caribbean, which account for 75% of regional deaths and consume up to 8% of the GDP in several countries. He emphasized the critical role of the Renal Society in combating NCDs through public awareness, prevention, improved renal care, and early intervention. The Governor General also commended healthcare professionals at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre’s Renal Unit and noted the recent donation of an angiography table and lead jackets as significant advancements in renal care. He urged the Society to maintain its focus on education and prevention, especially amid rising kidney disease cases. Sir Rodney acknowledged the support of partners like the Halo Foundation and expressed optimism that collaborative efforts would continue to enhance renal health outcomes in Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Nigerian doctor invites GOJ to partner on future medical missions

    Nigerian doctor invites GOJ to partner on future medical missions

    FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Dr. Cliff Eke, President of the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), has urged the Jamaican Government to establish long-term partnerships to improve healthcare services across the island. Leading a team of eight medical professionals on a recent mission to Jamaica, Dr. Eke emphasized ANPA’s commitment to expanding its support but stressed the need for governmental collaboration to achieve sustainable impact.