In a landmark initiative to bolster national health systems, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, supported by the Direct Relief-funded Enhancing Health Infrastructure and Resilience (EHIR) project, delivered critical resources to the Ministry of Health of Antigua and Barbuda on August 29th, 2025. The donation included two vehicles, thirty laptops, and ten tablets, aimed at enhancing vector control and epidemiological surveillance efforts. These resources are expected to significantly improve the Ministry’s capacity to monitor disease trends, coordinate rapid responses, and implement targeted interventions to curb the spread of vector-borne and communicable diseases. The vehicles will provide essential mobility for health teams in field operations, while the laptops and tablets will streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting for surveillance programs. The handover ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, was attended by key officials, including the Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, and senior representatives from the OECS Commission. Sir Molwyn Joseph highlighted the growing impact of climate change on the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses and stressed the importance of continued vigilance. He expressed profound gratitude to the OECS, Direct Relief, and PAHO for their partnership, emphasizing the power of solidarity in addressing public health challenges. Dr Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion, and Social Protection at the OECS Commission, underscored the project’s alignment with OECS Strategic Priority 4, which focuses on building resilience by strengthening communities, systems, infrastructure, and people. She framed the event as a celebration of collaborative solutions and regional cooperation, stating, ‘A victory for one is indeed a victory for all.’ This initiative underscores the OECS Commission’s commitment to fostering resilience and improving health outcomes across the region.
分类： health
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Pharmacies to patients: Alternatives available despite supply issues
Private pharmacists in Barbados are stepping up to reassure citizens that intermittent shortages of prescription medications, including those for chronic conditions, are being effectively managed. While alternative drugs are available, patients may face higher costs at private pharmacies compared to the subsidized prices offered through the Barbados Drug Formulary, administered by the Barbados Drug Service. The shortages have been attributed to global supply chain disruptions exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Marlon Ward Rogers, President of the Barbados Pharmaceutical Society, emphasized that while brand-name medications may be temporarily unavailable, generic alternatives often remain accessible. He noted that private pharmacies frequently stock non-formulary medications, albeit at higher prices, ensuring patients can still obtain necessary treatments. Former Health Minister Donville Inniss highlighted broader concerns about access to basic medicines within the public health system, particularly at polyclinics and hospitals. Ward Rogers acknowledged the challenges but stressed that pharmacists are committed to finding solutions, even if it means sourcing from non-traditional suppliers. Despite the hurdles, he assured that medications are typically restocked within one to two weeks, minimizing prolonged shortages.
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Sandals Halcyon health fair focuses on breast cancer and more
In a significant initiative to promote health and wellness, Sandals Halcyon Beach Resorts partnered with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs to organize a health fair on October 22. This event was part of the global observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and aimed to provide a wide range of health services to the resort’s employees. Shannelle Coore, the HR manager at Sandals Halcyon, emphasized the importance of the health fair, stating that it is an annual event designed to offer accessible health services and information to all team members. The fair covered various aspects of health, including breast cancer awareness, sexual health, mental health, and more. Coore highlighted the critical role of a healthy workforce, noting that educating employees on health measures can positively impact their families as well. The event was not limited to line staff but was open to the entire workforce, ensuring comprehensive participation. Shirlan Edward, a family life educator at the Ministry of Health, expressed her department’s satisfaction in bringing essential services to the resort’s staff. The health fair included services such as blood pressure and blood sugar testing, pap smears, breast screenings, rapid testing for infectious diseases, dental screenings, and body measurements by the nutrition unit. Additionally, the event featured an information table on environmental health and mental health nurses available for consultations. Edward stressed the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the workplace, and noted that the Ministry of Health has been actively involved in various activities throughout October to raise awareness about breast cancer. These activities included pink Fridays and collaborations with schools and workplaces like Sandals Halcyon Beach Resorts. The health fair ran from mid-morning until late afternoon, providing an invaluable opportunity for the resort’s team members to prioritize their health and well-being.
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#EyeOnMelissa: NCDA helplines to remain open during hurricane period
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As hurricane season approaches, the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), a division of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has assured the public that its support helplines will remain active despite potential weather-related disruptions. The NCDA acknowledges that severe weather conditions might cause temporary service interruptions but emphasizes that assistance remains accessible through multiple channels.
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PAHO urges Caribbean to ensure the region remains polio-free
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) marked World Polio Day on Friday, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and action to preserve the Americas’ polio-free status. The region has not recorded a case of wild poliovirus in over three decades, a milestone achieved through widespread vaccination efforts. However, PAHO warns that declining immunization rates pose a significant threat to this hard-earned achievement.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Pregnant women urged to prepare as storm nears
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa advances across the Caribbean Sea, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has issued a critical advisory urging expectant mothers to take immediate precautions. The ministry emphasized the heightened risks for pregnant women, especially those in their final trimester or with high-risk conditions such as hypertension, sickle cell disease, or diabetes. In a statement released on Friday, the ministry reassured the public that all maternity wards and hospitals across the island remain fully operational and prepared to assist pregnant women during the storm. Pregnant mothers are advised to stay informed through official updates from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). The ministry outlined several safety measures, including consulting healthcare providers for guidance, preparing essential items such as maternity records and hospital bags, keeping phones charged and important contacts accessible, staying indoors away from windows, and ensuring access to clean water, non-perishable food, and medications. Additionally, pregnant women residing in low-lying or coastal areas are urged to relocate to safer shelters promptly. The ministry also warned against walking or driving through floodwaters and advised avoiding flooded areas altogether.
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Elmsbridge Donates $5,000 to Support SLBMC’s PINKparty and Breast Cancer Awareness Efforts
The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has secured a significant boost to its breast cancer awareness efforts with a $5,000 donation from Elmsbridge, a leading property developer in Antigua. This contribution marks Elmsbridge’s debut as a sponsor of the hospital’s PINKparty fundraising campaign, an annual event dedicated to raising funds for critical healthcare advancements. The proceeds from this year’s PINKparty will be directed toward acquiring a state-of-the-art mammogram system, aimed at improving early detection capabilities and bolstering cancer care services across Antigua and Barbuda. Elmsbridge emphasized its commitment to supporting the local community, stating, ‘As property developers deeply rooted in Antigua, we are dedicated to uplifting the people and places that define this island.’ The PINKparty is scheduled for Thursday, October 23, at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, commencing at 5:30 PM. Interested individuals are encouraged to register and join the initiative to champion breast cancer awareness and care.
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Dajabón market under health checks to prevent cholera spread from Haiti
In response to a resurgence of cholera in Haiti, health authorities in the Dominican Republic have escalated surveillance and sanitary measures at the Dajabón border to curb the potential spread of the disease. Dr. Zaberkis Rodríguez, Provincial Health Director, outlined the comprehensive steps being taken to safeguard public health. Inspectors have been deployed to the Dominican-Haitian bridge, where they are enforcing stringent hygiene protocols, prohibiting the entry of cooked food from Haiti, and disseminating educational materials in both Spanish and Creole. Additionally, health teams are closely monitoring the binational market to ensure compliance with food safety and water sanitation standards. Dr. Rodríguez assured that hospitals in Dajabón are fully equipped with trained medical staff and necessary supplies to handle any potential cholera cases. Haiti has reported more than 270 suspected cholera infections and at least 17 fatalities, primarily concentrated in Port-au-Prince. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and its partners have initiated emergency response efforts to address the deteriorating sanitary conditions. Dominican officials are urging citizens to maintain rigorous hygiene practices, disinfect water sources, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhea or dehydration arise.
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Regering kiest Marciano Djanam als nieuwe voorzitter SZF-bestuur
The Surinamese government has appointed Marciano Djanam as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the State Health Fund (SZF), following a rigorous selection process involving over eighty candidates. This strategic decision underscores the government’s commitment to fostering professionalism, transparency, and results-driven leadership within the nation’s healthcare system. Djanam brings extensive expertise in health, safety, security, environment, and quality (HSSEQ), having led teams in both the public and private sectors. His career is marked by the implementation of international quality standards and the development of strategic policies aimed at process improvement, risk management, and sustainable governance. Known for his people-centric, analytical, and forward-thinking leadership style, Djanam holds a Master of Science in International Health and Safety Management and an MBA, complemented by advanced training in leadership, auditing, risk management, and sustainable business practices. His appointment aims to bolster the SZF—Suriname’s largest health insurer—in its mission to provide affordable and accessible healthcare. Key priorities include enhancing service quality, improving the efficiency of healthcare policy implementation, and fostering closer collaboration with healthcare providers, all while upholding human dignity as a core principle.
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Health : Inauguration of the AMHE-GRAHN-Monde Community Health Center in Milot
A groundbreaking development in community healthcare has emerged in Haiti with the inauguration of the AMHE-GRAHN-Monde Community Health Center in Milot. Located in the northern commune of Génipailler, this state-of-the-art facility is the result of a collaborative effort led by the Reflection and Action Group for a New Haiti (GRAHN-Monde), with significant financial backing from the Haitian Medical Association Abroad (AMHE) USA-Canada, the Rally of Haitian Nurses and Auxiliary Nurses of Haitian Origin of Quebec (RIIAOHQ), and numerous international donors. Dr. Samuel Pierre, Co-founder and President of GRAHN-Monde, emphasized the center’s mission to deliver high-quality, accessible healthcare tailored to the needs of the local population. The facility offers a comprehensive range of services, including primary healthcare, mental health support, infectious disease screening and treatment, sickle cell disease care, eye care, cardiovascular disease management, and maternal and child health services. Beyond medical care, the center prioritizes health education, aiming to foster healthier lifestyles and regular access to healthcare. By providing essential services at an affordable cost, the AMHE-GRAHN Center addresses a critical gap in healthcare access, potentially reducing preventable mortality in the region. This initiative highlights the vital role of diaspora contributions, local organizations, and healthcare professionals in addressing Haiti’s ongoing multidimensional crisis and rebuilding its healthcare infrastructure.