Carib Scope

分类： health

  • PANCAP director highlights innovation as key to ending AIDS ahead of Tenth NAP managers and partners conference

    PANCAP director highlights innovation as key to ending AIDS ahead of Tenth NAP managers and partners conference

    Health officials and stakeholders across the Caribbean are preparing for a pivotal gathering in Trinidad and Tobago to establish a coordinated battle plan against HIV/AIDS. The Tenth Meeting of National AIDS Programme Managers and Key Partners, scheduled for March 17-20, will focus on finalizing implementation strategies for the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) 2026-2030.

    Dr. Wendy Telgt-Emanuelson, Director of the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) Coordinating Unit, emphasized the critical need for innovative approaches to achieve the region’s ambitious target of eliminating AIDS by 2030. “We must strengthen a coordinated, equitable, and sustainable Caribbean HIV response,” Dr. Telgt-Emanuelson stated, highlighting that success will require “alignment with the CRSF 2026–2030, driven by regional priorities, community-centred approaches, and evidence-informed policy.”

    The summit will assemble an unprecedented coalition of stakeholders, including National AIDS Programme Managers, Chief Medical Officers, Permanent Secretaries from Health Ministries, and representatives from Finance, Planning, and Community Development sectors. This multidisciplinary participation aims to ensure policy coherence and cross-sector collaboration in what organizers describe as a comprehensive approach to public health.

    Civil society organizations and community networks, particularly those representing key populations and People Living with HIV, are expected to contribute ground-level perspectives and advocacy insights. Their involvement is considered essential for maintaining a response strategy that reflects the realities of those most affected by the epidemic.

    International and regional partners including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, PAHO/WHO, and UNAIDS will join the discussions. The CARICOM Secretariat and PANCAP’s Coordinating Unit will facilitate the proceedings, working to transform strategic frameworks into actionable plans that address both national and regional priorities in the final push toward AIDS elimination.

  • New PAHO report highlights progress in front-of-package food labelling in Caribbean

    New PAHO report highlights progress in front-of-package food labelling in Caribbean

    A landmark report from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reveals significant advancements in the implementation of front-of-package warning labels (FOPL) on food products across the Americas, positioning the region as a global pioneer in public health policy. The comprehensive study, titled ‘Best Practices for Front-of-Package Food Labeling in the Region of the Americas,’ evaluates existing regulatory frameworks in eight nations against scientific evidence and PAHO’s established recommendations for optimal effectiveness.

    According to the findings, the Americas maintain a leadership role in adopting nutritional warning systems that empower consumers to make healthier purchasing decisions by easily identifying products with excessive sugars, sodium, or saturated fats. This regulatory progress not only addresses the critical public health challenge of diet-related noncommunicable diseases but also serves as an inspiration for policy innovation worldwide.

    Fabio da Silva Gomes, PAHO’s regional advisor on nutrition and physical activity, emphasized that while these labels are crucial tools for consumer awareness, further expansion and refinement are necessary. ‘Much remains to be done for more countries to adopt these policies and for existing systems to be aligned with evidence-based best practices,’ Gomes noted.

    The report specifically highlights Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico as having implemented regulations most closely aligned with PAHO’s criteria, with Argentina’s legislation meeting 10 out of 11 evaluated parameters. These recent adopters have benefited from incorporating lessons learned from earlier implementations in countries like Chile, which first introduced warning labels in 2016.

    PAHO identifies octagonal warning labels as the most effective design for capturing consumer attention and facilitating product identification. The organization’s nutrient profile model serves as a key tool for determining which products should carry warnings, ensuring comprehensive coverage of ultra-processed foods.

    Beyond consumer choice, these labeling systems enable complementary public health measures including advertising restrictions, school food regulations, and fiscal policies targeting unhealthy products. With over 30 countries currently considering or discussing new FOPL regulations, the report indicates growing global momentum toward creating healthier food environments through evidence-based policy making.

  • Patients get ease-up

    Patients get ease-up

    The Trinidad and Tobago healthcare system is implementing strategic interim solutions to address service pressures resulting from significant delays in the completion of the $1.3 billion Central Block at Port of Spain General Hospital. Health Minister Dr. Lackram Bodoe confirmed the project’s timeline has been extended to June 2026, pushing back the previously scheduled March 31 completion date.

    The state-owned Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) reported the construction is approximately 96% complete but cited multiple complications including delayed payments, workmanship issues requiring corrective measures, and global supply chain disruptions as primary causes for the extended timeline.

    Technical challenges have substantially impacted progress. Critical systems including pipeline pressurization testing revealed leaks in fire sprinkler and water systems during August-December 2025, necessitating repairs and drywall replacement. HVAC commissioning faced delays due to postponed insulation shipments from China and additional flushing requirements for chilled water lines. A significant setback occurred in January 2026 when water infiltration damaged electrical bus ducts, causing a three-day power outage that requires component replacement expected in April.

    Medical gas system certification encountered obstacles when two approved American verifiers declined travel due to U.S. Embassy restrictions during Trinidad’s State of Emergency. A new certified inspector arrived in March 2026 to complete this essential verification process.

    Despite these construction delays, the North-West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) has activated multiple contingency measures to maintain healthcare standards. These include establishing an internal medicine ward at St James Medical Complex to divert eligible patients from Port of Spain General Hospital, implementing filter clinics at both facilities to separate lower-acuity cases, and enhancing emergency department staffing.

    Additional improvements feature upgraded digital infrastructure through Laboratory Information and Picture Archiving systems, creation of an additional observation area in the Emergency Department, equipment procurement, and facility refurbishments. These coordinated efforts aim to optimize patient flow, strengthen emergency care capacity, and ensure continued timely medical services during the construction period.

    The Ministry of Health and regional authorities emphasize their commitment to effectively managing available resources to safeguard population health while awaiting the eventual addition of 540 beds and expanded inpatient capacity upon the Central Block’s completion.

  • Health Reform Must Start Beyond Hospitals, Minister Says

    Health Reform Must Start Beyond Hospitals, Minister Says

    In a landmark address to the South Leeward Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph unveiled a comprehensive national health reform strategy targeting Antigua and Barbuda’s growing epidemic of chronic diseases. Speaking under the theme “The Cause for Health Reform,” Minister Joseph framed health improvement as a collective national responsibility extending far beyond healthcare institutions alone.

    The Minister praised the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its historical leadership in promoting holistic wellness principles, including nutrition, physical activity, and temperance. He contextualized current health challenges within what experts term an ‘epidemiological transition’ – the global shift from infectious diseases to chronic conditions as primary causes of mortality.

    Alarming statistics reveal that approximately 82% of deaths in Antigua and Barbuda now stem from non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular conditions, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses. Minister Joseph identified widespread risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption as driving this public health crisis.

    The government’s multipronged response includes enhanced epidemiological surveillance systems to detect emerging health threats more effectively. A major cervical cancer elimination initiative will expand HPV testing, improve screening access, and strengthen early detection services.

    Significant mental health reforms are underway, including the development of a new Mental Health Bill designed to strengthen protections for individuals with mental illness and ensure rights-based care delivery. The recently established Behavioural Health Centre expands access to assessment, treatment, and community-based support services.

    Minister Joseph reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing National Health Insurance, characterizing it as both a financing mechanism and a statement of principle that healthcare constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privilege.

    The address concluded with a call for collaborative action, emphasizing that sustainable health improvement requires partnership between government, communities, civil society, and faith-based organizations. The Minister commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health initiative and pledged ongoing cooperation to build a healthier nation for present and future generations.

  • Youth Mental Health Fund to Launch March 18 in Antigua and Barbuda

    Youth Mental Health Fund to Launch March 18 in Antigua and Barbuda

    Antigua and Barbuda is poised to launch a groundbreaking mental health initiative as the Antigua and Barbuda Holistic Coalition (ABHC) announces the official commencement of its Youth Mental Health Fund on March 18, 2026. This pioneering program will provide substantial financial assistance to young citizens seeking mental health services across the twin-island nation.

    The comprehensive scheme will offer eligible youth vouchers worth up to EC$240 annually to access critical mental health services including individual counseling, family therapy, group sessions, psychiatric care, and psychological evaluations. The program specifically targets residents aged 6 to 25 who are either currently receiving or seeking mental health support.

    Strategic implementation will feature three distinct application cycles throughout 2026, with families permitted multiple applications. However, the program establishes clear parameters: recipients cannot exceed the EC$240 annual cap, and all vouchers must be utilized within 90 days of approval. Funding allocation will be contingent upon both eligibility and resource availability.

    In preparation for the launch, ABHC has curated a network of verified mental health professionals who have formally partnered with the initiative. These practitioners represent diverse specializations and service age groups:

    – Dr. Chenelle Joseph, MD (Internal Medicine and Psychiatry) serving ages 10-25
    – Feona Charles-Richards, MSc (Counselling Psychology) serving ages 6-25
    – Kendra Telesford, M.A.C.P. (Canadian Certified Counsellor) serving ages 6-25
    – Nicola Reefe-Babb, MSc (Counselling Psychology) serving ages 13-25
    – Regina Apparicio, MSc (Counselling Psychology) serving ages 18-25
    – Terese Millet-Joseph, MSc (Counseling Psychology) serving ages 20-25

    The coalition has verified all professional credentials through supporting documentation while maintaining that selection of providers remains the responsibility of applicants and families. ABHC explicitly notes it does not guarantee services nor monitor the clinical care provided by listed professionals.

    Prospective applicants can access the application portal through the coalition’s official event page as this transformative initiative seeks to dramatically improve mental health accessibility for youth and families throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Advances Integrated, Wellness-Based Mental Health Reform

    Antigua and Barbuda Advances Integrated, Wellness-Based Mental Health Reform

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has embarked on a groundbreaking national initiative to fundamentally restructure its approach to mental healthcare. Moving beyond traditional clinical models, the government is implementing a comprehensive reform program centered on integrated wellness and community-based support systems.

    This paradigm shift recognizes mental health as an integral component of overall public health rather than a separate medical specialty. The new framework emphasizes early intervention strategies, destigmatization campaigns, and the incorporation of mental wellness into primary healthcare services nationwide. The reform package includes training for primary care physicians in mental health first aid, establishing school-based wellness programs, and creating community support networks.

    Government officials highlight that this holistic approach addresses both biological factors and social determinants of mental health, including economic stability, housing security, and social connection. The initiative also leverages digital health technologies to expand access to counseling services, particularly in remote areas of the archipelago.

    The Caribbean region faces unique mental health challenges, including high stress levels related to climate vulnerability and economic instability. Antigua and Barbuda’s progressive model is being closely watched by regional partners as a potential blueprint for other small island developing states seeking to transform their mental healthcare infrastructure while working within resource constraints.

  • KHMH Board Boosts Staff Morale with Internal CEO Hire

    KHMH Board Boosts Staff Morale with Internal CEO Hire

    The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) has concluded its five-month leadership search by appointing Chief Financial Officer Sharine Reyes as its new Chief Executive Officer. This decision marks a significant departure from traditional appointment practices at Belize’s sole tertiary-level public healthcare institution.

    Reyes assumes leadership following the October 15th departure of former CEO Chandra Nisbet-Cansino, during which period the hospital operated under interim management. The selection process considered five finalists including Assistant Administrator Timothy Seguro (who served as acting CEO), former immigration chief Gilroy Middleton, labor administrator Ann-Marie Thompson, and medical practitioner Gilda Diaz-Hall.

    Hospital insiders indicate that Reyes secured the position due to overwhelming staff support, representing a notable shift in the institution’s leadership selection criteria where internal backing has historically played a minimal role. Her financial background is expected to be crucial in addressing the hospital’s ongoing budgetary challenges.

    The new CEO inherits a complex operational landscape characterized by staffing shortages, financial constraints, and patient care quality concerns. Additionally, Reyes must prepare for potential regional geopolitical impacts, including the possible withdrawal of Cuban medical professionals amid mounting pressure from the United States.

    This appointment aims to stabilize leadership at Belize’s most critical healthcare facility while positioning the institution to navigate anticipated transitional difficulties in the coming months.

  • CARPHA raises alarm as Kidney Disease rates in Caribbean Outpace Global Average

    CARPHA raises alarm as Kidney Disease rates in Caribbean Outpace Global Average

    The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has issued an urgent warning regarding the escalating chronic kidney disease (CKD) epidemic across the region, revealing that prevalence rates significantly surpass global averages. This alert coincides with World Kidney Day observations on March 12, 2026.

    According to recently released data, the Latin America and Caribbean region recorded a CKD prevalence of 15.4% among adults in 2023, substantially exceeding the global average of 14.2%. Health authorities attribute this disproportionate burden largely to preventable lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions.

    CARPHA emphasized that many kidney-related fatalities could be averted through enhanced early detection protocols and improved management of primary risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The agency specifically highlighted diabetes prevention and control as fundamental strategies for reducing kidney disease incidence and improving long-term health outcomes.

    The crisis disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities, exacerbating existing health disparities throughout the Caribbean. In response, CARPHA advocates for expanded community-based screening programs, particularly targeting high-risk populations and underserved areas. Early CKD detection can preserve renal function, diminish dependency on costly dialysis treatments, and significantly improve patient prognosis.

    Globally, CKD affects over 850 million adults aged 20 and above. CARPHA recommends practical preventive measures including regular physical activity, nutritional dietary choices, blood pressure and glucose monitoring, adequate hydration, tobacco avoidance, and limited use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

    Notably, the agency highlighted the emerging connection between environmental factors and kidney health. Climate-related stressors—including air pollution, extreme heat, dehydration, and severe weather events—can precipitate acute kidney injury and accelerate disease progression. Simultaneously, advanced treatments like dialysis consume substantial resources and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, creating a concerning feedback loop between climate change and kidney disease progression.

  • The Lifelong Skills Training was also represented at Wednesday’s Health fair

    The Lifelong Skills Training was also represented at Wednesday’s Health fair

    In a landmark initiative addressing healthcare accessibility, Barbados’ Social Empowerment Agency (SEA) hosted its inaugural Month of the Disabled health fair at its Collymore Rock headquarters this Wednesday. The event represented a significant collaboration between pharmaceutical manufacturer Carlisle Laboratories, the Disabilities Unit, and several private health organizations including the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados and Eventa Limited.

    Dozens of attendees received complimentary medical screenings for blood glucose levels, cholesterol, hypertension, and glaucoma, alongside educational workshops focusing on mental health support. Acting SEA director Wayne Nurse highlighted the financial barriers preventing comprehensive healthcare access for disabled individuals, noting that the event specifically aimed to eliminate cost-related obstacles through free specialized testing.

    The health fair coincided with implementation efforts for Barbados’ recently ratified national disabilities policy, which seeks to improve systemic accessibility to medical services. Nurse emphasized that policy reforms would ensure “persons with disabilities will be able to access healthcare just like anybody else.”

    Medical professionals provided critical insights during the screenings. Ophthalmologist Dr. Kendi Griffith warned about glaucoma’s asymptomatic nature, describing it as “a painless disease that causes blindness in advanced stages” while stressing the necessity of regular pressure testing. Meanwhile, Aventa Limited’s Medical Sales Representative Janelle Carrington-Greenidge revealed alarming statistics: approximately 40-44% of Barbadians live with hypertension, while one in five faces diabetes risks, emphasizing the importance of proactive testing.

    The event also incorporated therapeutic services, with massage therapist Donna Potthoff demonstrating how therapeutic massage provides both physical and mental benefits for disabled individuals. For participants like Suzanne Harewood, who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since childhood, such events represent rare opportunities to access typically cost-prohibitive services like dental and vision care, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by unemployed disabled individuals in maintaining comprehensive healthcare.

  • If Kids Plant It, They’re More Likely to Eat It

    If Kids Plant It, They’re More Likely to Eat It

    In an innovative approach to combat childhood nutrition challenges, Belize is transforming school landscapes into educational farms through a collaborative initiative between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Education. The program, operating under the National Healthy Start School Feeding Program, is establishing covered garden spaces with raised beds in six strategic schools across the country’s districts.

    The foundational philosophy driving this initiative is straightforward yet profound: children who participate in growing vegetables demonstrate significantly greater willingness to consume them. This addresses a critical nutritional gap where students frequently reject unfamiliar vegetables in their free school meals. Through hands-on agricultural experience, students encounter both traditional crops like tomatoes and lettuce alongside indigenous varieties such as chaya, cassava, okra, sweet potato, and pumpkin.

    Complementing the infrastructure development, FAO has implemented comprehensive school garden training programs across twenty Belizean schools. Fourteen training sessions have already been successfully conducted, with the remaining sessions scheduled for completion by month’s end. Participating educators report remarkable success in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application.

    Audra Manzanero, a teacher at Eden SDA Primary, observed that ‘the training effectively connected classroom learning about plant cultivation with real-world field implementation.’ Student engagement measures similarly indicate enthusiastic reception, with Holy Angels Primary student Aden expressing particular excitement about ‘learning different soil types and understanding animal contributions to plant growth.’

    The program provides substantial material support including fruit trees, vegetable seedlings, diverse seeds, and professional gardening tools to ensure immediate implementation capability. Participating institutions include Eden Seventh-day Adventist Primary School, Belize Rural Primary School, San Antonio Government School, Trinidad Government School, San Felipe Government School, and Holy Angels Roman Catholic Primary School.

    This agricultural initiative enhances the existing National Healthy Start School Feeding Program that currently serves over 15,000 daily meals, potentially transforming nutritional quality and acceptance of school-provided foods throughout Belize.