Carib Scope

分类： health

  • Child health system assessed six years after $20m boost

    Child health system assessed six years after $20m boost

    On Monday evening, stakeholders from across Barbados and the global health community converged to celebrate and evaluate six years of groundbreaking work at the Shaw Centre for Paediatric Excellence, a landmark initiative that is positioning the small Caribbean nation as a regional trailblazer in child healthcare.

    Founded in 2019, the centre grew out of a transformative $10 million philanthropic donation from the Canada-based LesLois Shaw Foundation, with hands-on implementation support from Toronto’s world-leading SickKids hospital. Local partners including Barbados’ Ministry of Health, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the University of the West Indies joined the collaboration to build a locally rooted paediatric care model from the ground up.

    At the commemorative reception hosted at the Canadian High Commissioner’s Holetown residence, Jennifer Bernard, President and CEO of the SickKids Foundation, outlined the far-reaching progress the partnership has delivered to date. Fifty nurses have completed specialized training in high-demand paediatric care fields, core clinical infrastructure at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital has undergone comprehensive upgrades, and cutting-edge specialized medical equipment has been rolled out to raise the standard of care across the island. A key priority has been shifting care toward proactive intervention, exemplified by a three-year newborn screening pilot program that is laying the groundwork for earlier detection and treatment of childhood health conditions.

    Bernard emphasized that the centre’s success defies assumptions about the capacity of small island states to deliver systemic public health change. “If we know we can do it in the West Indies, we can do it anywhere,” she noted, adding that the centre’s integrated cross-sector model – which unites government, academic institutions, and frontline healthcare providers – serves as a replicable blueprint for low- and middle-income countries working to strengthen their own child health systems.

    Dr. Clyde Cave, programme director of the Shaw Centre, explained that the initiative represents a fundamental paradigm shift from the traditional reactive model of healthcare delivery to a coordinated, prevention-focused framework. The programme adopts a life-course approach to child wellbeing, extending care from the pre-natal period all the way through adolescence, while addressing long-standing gaps in service access for young people. It has also grown local paediatric expertise: the number of home-grown specialized paediatric nurses has expanded significantly, and new clinical specializations including neonatology, adolescent gynaecology, and paediatric psychiatry have been established locally, eliminating the need for many families to seek costly care abroad.

    Research has also been a core pillar of the centre’s work. The Barbados Childhood Nutrition Study, the centre’s flagship research project, has established the first robust national baseline for childhood obesity rates, providing critical data that has shaped national public health policy, particularly the government’s school nutrition programme.

    Virginia Shaw, director of the LesLois Shaw Foundation, shared that the foundation’s involvement has always centered on delivering measurable impact rather than public recognition. She even revealed that she initially pushed back against the decision to name the centre after her family. A self-described “Bajan Canadian”, Shaw has deep personal ties to the island, noting that her parents were once patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She thanked the full network of partners and frontline staff for their work, stressing that progress has only been possible through collective collaboration and that the initiative’s work to improve child health outcomes remains an ongoing commitment.

    While celebrating six years of achievement, stakeholders also acknowledged the persistent challenges that lie ahead. Key among these is the need to build stronger, more robust systems to measure long-term programme impact and drive systemic cultural change within Barbados’ broader healthcare system, a priority the centre will continue to focus on in coming years.

  • Grenada launches landmark vision restoration programme

    Grenada launches landmark vision restoration programme

    In the coming weeks, 50,000 residents across Grenada’s tri-island territory will gain access to life-changing vision care through a new pioneering national vision restoration programme, a initiative set to deliver clearer sight, restored personal dignity, and expanded opportunity for thousands living with unaddressed vision impairment.

    The official partnership for the programme was formalized on March 27, 2026, during a signing ceremony held in St. George’s. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by Grenada’s Minister of Health, Hon. Philip Telesford, and Keisha McGuire, Chief Global Affairs Officer of the global non-profit organization Restoring Vision. Since details of the programme were made public, it has sparked widespread national attention and enthusiasm, rooted in the personal commitment of Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell, who first championed the initiative.

    Prime Minister Mitchell opened up about his own experience struggling with unaddressed vision problems during his secondary school years, framing the programme as a deeply personal priority. “For me, any opportunity to help someone who suffers from vision loss is something I am deeply passionate about,” he said. He further emphasized that the project centers on tangible, people-focused healthcare improvement, noting that uncorrected poor vision creates unnecessary barriers to nearly all routine daily activities for affected people.

    Minister Telesford echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgent need and strategic importance of the cross-sector collaboration. “This comes at a critical time in our efforts to strengthen primary health care and expand access to essential services. Vision health is often overlooked, yet it is fundamental to productivity, independence, and quality of life,” he explained. For Small Island Developing States like Grenada, unaddressed presbyopia represents a widespread public health gap: data shows 6 out of 10 adults over 40 live with the age-related vision condition, yet the vast majority lack access to even a basic pair of reading glasses to correct it.

    Over the 12-month pilot period, the programme will integrate free vision screenings and near-vision eyeglass distribution directly into Grenada’s existing public health system. The rollout will leverage the country’s established primary care network and trained community health workers to bring services directly to citizens, both at local clinics and in remote, hard-to-reach communities across all three islands.

    McGuire, representing Restoring Vision, framed the partnership as a model for other small island nations facing similar public health challenges. “This programme reflects a shared vision to advance the health and wellbeing of our people. No one in Grenada should be held back by something so easily corrected as poor near-vision,” she said. Restoring Vision, the global non-profit behind the collaboration, has made addressing uncorrected presbyopia its core mission: the age-related near-vision deterioration is the most common cause of vision impairment across the globe, and the organization works to expand affordable access to correction globally.

    The partnership marks a major turning point for essential eye care access in Grenada, with the shared goal of helping all residents access the care they need to see clearly, participate fully in daily life, and build more stable futures. Approximately 50 Grenadians already confirmed to have unaddressed near-vision impairment will be the first to receive free eyeglasses as the programme launches in the coming weeks.

  • Dominican Health Ministry distributes 25,000 first aid kits for Easter 2026

    Dominican Health Ministry distributes 25,000 first aid kits for Easter 2026

    Residents and travelers across the Dominican Republic are set to benefit from a sweeping nationwide public health initiative aimed at boosting emergency response capabilities during the upcoming 2026 Easter holiday period. Unveiled by the nation’s Ministry of Health as a core component of Operation SS 2026, the program centers on three foundational pillars: proactive incident prevention, rapid on-site medical care, and continuous public health surveillance across high-foot-traffic areas.

    A key centerpiece of the initiative is the distribution of 25,000 fully stocked first aid kits, which will be routed through local Provincial and Area Health Directorates to locations that see the largest volumes of visitor and traveler movement over the holiday. Priority deployment zones include major city exit routes, highway toll plazas, and low-resource vulnerable communities that face gaps in immediate emergency access.

    Public health officials designed the full set of measures to address the most common preventable health and safety risks that spike during the Easter holiday season: traffic collisions, incidents linked to excessive alcohol consumption, and outbreaks of food poisoning. The plan guarantees that rapid, professional medical assistance will be available at pre-identified strategic checkpoints and gathering spots across every region of the country.

    Dominican Health Minister Víctor Atallah emphasized that while the newly distributed first aid kits will serve as a critical lifeline in time-sensitive emergency scenarios, proactive prevention of incidents remains the single most effective strategy to protect public safety and save lives over the holiday. Beyond first aid supplies, authorities have also upgraded the national capacity to respond to poisoning incidents by restocking critical life-saving medications at all major public health facilities across the country.

    The cross-cutting program has secured coordinated support from a network of partner institutions, including Promese/CAL, the Dominican Red Cross, and the national Civil Defense agency. Public health teams have also ramped up epidemiological surveillance protocols, with a particular focus on early detection and response to diarrheal illnesses and other diseases spread through contaminated food, which are common holiday-related public health concerns.

    To support real-time tracking of incidents and inter-agency coordination, national Health Situation Rooms have been activated across all administrative regions of the country. The activation falls under the broader “Awareness for Life Holy Week 2026” operation, which is led by the Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE). In closing, public health officials have issued a public appeal for holidaygoers and residents to practice responsible behavior, uphold strict personal and food hygiene standards, follow safe food handling protocols, avoid consuming unregulated and unsealed alcohol products, and seek prompt professional medical attention if they experience illness or injury over the holiday period.

  • Larger Family Islands to get second ambulance unit

    Larger Family Islands to get second ambulance unit

    The Bahamas Ministry of Health and Wellness has announced a strategic initiative to enhance emergency medical response capabilities across its larger Family Islands. This development comes in direct response to recent incidents that exposed critical challenges in ambulance service coverage, particularly in regions with significant geographical distances.

    Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville revealed plans to deploy at least two ambulances to major islands including Exuma, where current emergency response infrastructure has proven inadequate. The expansion specifically targets the Georgetown area, where vast distances have historically compromised the effectiveness of single-ambulance coverage.

    This policy shift follows the tragic death of 29-year-old Deno Rolle on Exuma, whose family reported he waited nearly an hour for emergency medical transport after a hit-and-run incident. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised serious questions about response time adequacy in remote island communities.

    Minister Darville acknowledged existing ambulance services while emphasizing the logistical challenges posed by large island territories. “We are now working the logistics on how to have at least two ambulances on our larger islands,” he stated, assuring residents that current single-ambulance operations would be expanded to dual-vehicle coverage.

    The deployment coincides with the graduation of a new cohort of Emergency Medical Technicians from the Public Hospitals Authority Academy, with most specialists designated for Family Island assignments. This personnel expansion complements ambulance acquisitions funded through the Inter-American Development Bank.

    Current emergency medical infrastructure already includes operational ambulances on Bimini, Cat Island, and San Salvador, with further deployments contingent on available trained staff. Minister Darville emphasized the importance of practical resource utilization, noting that vehicles must be accompanied by qualified personnel to ensure productive operation rather than remaining idle.

    The ministry maintains that service expansion must balance operational costs with sustainability, considering the significant expenses associated with personnel training and equipment maintenance. Officials are implementing comprehensive maintenance programs and ensuring medical staff familiarity with updated emergency response systems to guarantee effective ground transportation services across the island chain.

  • Upgraded $2m National Reference Lab expected to expand disease surveillance

    Upgraded $2m National Reference Lab expected to expand disease surveillance

    The Bahamas is poised to significantly enhance its public health capabilities with the scheduled relocation of its National Reference Laboratory to a state-of-the-art facility at Oaks Field by the end of May. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Michael Darville confirmed the move, which transitions operations from a historic structure dating to the 1870s to a modern, purpose-built center funded with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

    Constructed at a cost of just under $2 million, the new laboratory represents a critical component of a broader, multi-million dollar health systems strengthening program financed by the IDB. Dr. Indira Martin, the laboratory’s director, emphasized that the upgrade will dramatically improve working conditions for staff and substantially expand the lab’s diagnostic and surveillance capacities.

    A key advancement is the newly acquired genetic sequencing capability, made possible through equipment donations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). This technology, absent during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now actively being used to monitor COVID-19 and influenza variants. Dr. Martin announced plans to soon extend sequencing efforts to dengue virus strains, enabling health officials to map the movement of viruses across the Bahamian archipelago. This data will provide invaluable epidemiological intelligence, allowing for more proactive public health interventions and policy decisions.

    Minister Darville highlighted the laboratory’s vital role in supporting the nation’s massive tourism industry, which hosts over 12 million visitors annually and requires robust surveillance for airborne and waterborne diseases. The transition to the new facility will be conducted in a phased manner to ensure the lab remains fully operational and does not disrupt critical public health services throughout the move.

    Shirley Gayle, the IDB’s country representative for The Bahamas, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating the bank is proud to support the Bahamian people in strengthening their health infrastructure and building a more resilient public health system for the future.

  • ‘Most nurses came to work’

    ‘Most nurses came to work’

    The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) has issued a firm rebuttal against statements advising patients to avoid public hospitals due to nursing staff protests. Chairman Dr. Tim Gopeesingh emphasized that patient care remains uncompromised despite ongoing challenges, calling such warnings “irresponsible” and potentially life-threatening for those with serious medical conditions.

    Contrary to claims made by Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association (TTNNA) president Idi Stuart, Dr. Gopeesingh revealed that 73% of nurses reported for duty last Saturday, with additional staffing measures being implemented. The Authority is addressing the situation through multiple strategies: recruiting 51 new nurses this week, integrating 115 locum doctors into mainstream service, and creating a new 24-bed ward at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex to alleviate overcrowding.

    Gopeesingh questioned Stuart’s authority to speak on operational matters, noting his lack of certification from the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board. The chairman provided substantial evidence of operational improvements, including expanding operating theaters from three to seven, performing five successful renal transplants, and conducting complex surgical procedures with international medical teams.

    The scale of operations at NCRHA facilities remains substantial, with over 500,000 patients annually accessing the Eric Williams Complex alone. Daily operations include approximately 250 emergency department visits, 150 pediatric emergencies, and extensive diagnostic services totaling 45,000 CT scans and 4,500 MRIs annually.

    Additional measures to enhance healthcare access include reopening the Accident and Emergency Department at Arima Hospital after a five-year closure and maintaining 24-hour operations at the St. Joseph health facility per the Prime Minister’s mandate. Gopeesingh reiterated the Authority’s commitment to hiring qualified nursing assistants and encouraged patients to seek immediate medical attention when needed without hesitation.

  • Kinderafdeling AZP krijgt renovatie en eigen spoedpost

    Kinderafdeling AZP krijgt renovatie en eigen spoedpost

    The Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP) has announced a major modernization initiative for its pediatric care facilities, funded by a $13 million capital injection from TotalEnergies. Hospital Director Claudia Redan revealed that the project will establish a dedicated emergency post for children, separating them from the general Emergency Department where they currently receive treatment.

    The announcement came during AZP’s 5-kilometer walk event celebrating the institution’s 60th anniversary. Redan, who completed the entire route herself, emphasized that despite significant challenges including staff shortages and facility limitations, the hospital remains committed to expanding and improving healthcare services.

    Government support has been crucial in advancing these improvements. Following a visit from President Jennifer Simons, several stalled projects have been reactivated, including the expansion of the Emergency Department. Additional resources have been allocated for essential medical supplies and steps are being taken toward salary adjustments for staff.

    Significant progress has already been made in maternal and child care, with the maternity ward returning to the AZP complex in February after 13 years of operation at the Military Hospital.

    The TotalEnergies-funded project, named GranMorgu, will dedicate $10 million of the total investment specifically to AZP’s pediatric department upgrades. ‘We will completely upgrade our children’s ward, with the pediatric emergency post as a central component. Children will no longer need to go to the adult emergency department but will receive care in their own specialized environment,’ Director Redan stated.

    The walkathon concluded a series of anniversary activities that included honoring long-serving staff, interfaith prayer services, academic symposiums, and field visits to the Central Market.

  • ‘Can’t thank you enough, Cornwall Regional Hospital’

    ‘Can’t thank you enough, Cornwall Regional Hospital’

    In a remarkable testament to healthcare excellence, Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay has received extraordinary commendation from cancer patient Anthony Jackson, who completed a transformative seven-week radiation therapy program at the institution. His experience, detailed in a heartfelt letter to the Jamaica Observer, presents a compelling counter-narrative to the hospital’s previously criticized public perception.

    Jackson’s treatment journey, spanning from January 19 to March 16, 2026, exemplified clinical excellence despite a temporary four-day interruption when radiation equipment required repairs in mid-February. The hospital promptly restored services following the Ash Wednesday break, demonstrating operational resilience.

    The Radiation Department, under the expert guidance of radiation oncologist Dr. Praveen Kumar Sharma and manager Candeies Campbell, fostered an environment of exceptional professionalism and compassionate care. Jackson specifically highlighted the multidisciplinary team’s coordinated efforts, from the welcoming registration staff to the dedicated nursing team—including a particularly compassionate Cuban nurse and the gracious Eulalee Edgar.

    Medical physicist Anthony Scott and his team provided crucial technical support, while Dr. Omar Bullock conducted weekly progress evaluations with meticulous attention. The radiation therapy team—including Rajesh Singh, Alesha Smith, Keno Richards, Godfrey Denton, and Judith Whyte—delivered treatment with exceptional patience and encouragement throughout the challenging process.

    Jackson noted the department’s remarkable camaraderie and dedication persisted even under stressful conditions, creating a profoundly supportive environment that significantly eased his treatment journey. This personal account stands as a powerful affirmation of the hospital’s capability to deliver world-class cancer care despite previous public criticisms.

  • St Elizabeth students get a head start on oral health

    St Elizabeth students get a head start on oral health

    In a significant community health initiative, Santa Cruz Family Dental has provided free dental care to more than 100 children in Jamaica’s St. Elizabeth parish. The two-day \”Sweet Smiles, Smart Choices\” campaign, timed with World Oral Health Day observances, directly served students from Goshen Primary and Infant School, Austin Primary and Infant School, and families at Refuge Temple Ministries.\n\nThe program offered comprehensive dental screenings, professional cleanings, and distributed essential oral health kits. It specifically targeted grade six students, a strategic choice as they prepare to transition into secondary education where mandatory dental assessments are required. This proactive approach ensures students meet health requirements while receiving vital education on maintaining proper oral hygiene.\n\nThe campaign’s theme, \”A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life,\” aligns with both global oral health objectives and Jamaica’s new public health policies. The initiative serves as a community-level complement to the government’s impending Special Consumption Tax (SCT) on sugar-sweetened beverages, scheduled for implementation in April. While the tax primarily targets obesity and diabetes reduction, this dental outreach highlights the often-overlooked connection between sugar consumption and dental health.\n\nHealth Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton’s recent statements provide critical context for these efforts. He revealed that non-communicable diseases account for over 75% of regional mortality, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive public health measures. At a February community health event, Dr. Tufton specifically addressed sugar consumption, advising consumers to make informed choices by selecting beverages with the lowest sugar content per serving.\n\nThe dental campaign achieved immediate impact through both services and education. When asked about the program’s meaning, one grade six student demonstrated successful knowledge transfer, stating it meant \”making the choice to take care of your mouth by brushing and flossing in the morning and before you go to bed.\” Beyond classroom education, the program provided families with practical tools—toothbrushes and floss—to maintain oral health long after the event concluded.\n\nLocated in Fern Village, Santa Cruz, Family Dental has served the community for over two years. This school outreach represents their strategic expansion beyond clinical services into community partnership, positioning themselves as active participants in overall community wellness alongside governmental health initiatives.

  • Decrease in Jamaicans reporting having at least one non-communicable disease, says JSLC

    Decrease in Jamaicans reporting having at least one non-communicable disease, says JSLC

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive national health survey reveals hypertension, asthma, and diabetes as the predominant non-communicable diseases affecting Jamaica’s population, with significant disparities across demographic groups. The 2023 Jamaica Survey of Living Conditions, jointly published by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica and the Planning Institute of Jamaica, provides critical insights into the nation’s health challenges.

    The study indicates that approximately 23.6% of Jamaicans reported at least one NCD, showing a decrease from 26.8% in 2021. Elderly citizens aged 60 and above demonstrated the highest prevalence at 62.7%, while females reported higher rates (27.9%) compared to males (19.3%). Specifically, hypertension affects 12.4% of the population, followed by asthma at 6.1% and diabetes at 5.1%.

    Concerningly, 7.3% of Jamaicans reported multiple chronic conditions, with higher rates among women (9.5%) and the elderly (31.5%). The survey also noted a positive trend in reduced illness reports, with only 4.1% of respondents reporting sickness or injury during the four-week reference period—a significant decline from 9.0% in 2017.

    However, healthcare seeking behavior shows concerning patterns. Among those reporting illness or injury, only 61.8% sought medical care in 2023, down substantially from 76.6% in 2021. Private facilities were preferred by 68.3% of those seeking care, while only 31.7% utilized public health services exclusively.

    The survey further revealed inadequate health insurance coverage nationally at just 20.1%, with stark regional disparities. The Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area showed higher coverage at 32.6%, while the wealthiest quintile reached 40.1%. Age-based analysis indicated highest coverage among 50-59 year-olds (25.7%) and lowest among adolescents 10-19 years (12.4%).