For many, consuming even a small amount of certain foods can lead to a life-threatening condition known as anaphylactic shock. Common allergens like peanuts, shellfish, milk, and eggs are widely recognized, but the Grenada Food and Nutrition Council (GFNC) is raising awareness about lesser-known triggers that can be equally dangerous. These include lentils, sesame seeds, avocados, and even specific types of oils. Anaphylactic shock, a severe immune system overreaction, can rapidly constrict airways, cause swelling, and lead to a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, potentially resulting in death. The GFNC emphasizes the importance of understanding and declaring all ingredients, especially when preparing food for others. They urge hosts and food vendors to ask about allergies, avoid including allergens in meals, and provide complete ingredient lists to ensure consumer safety. Ignoring these precautions can have fatal consequences. The GFNC also encourages the public to learn more about food allergies and nutrition through their resources and counseling services. Visit their website or social media for further information and support.
分类： health
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Nearly 59% of Antiguan and Barbudan children consume at least one sugary drink daily
In a bold move to address the growing health crisis linked to sugary drink consumption, Antigua and Barbuda has launched the Sweet Talk campaign on October 6, 2025. This national initiative, spearheaded by the Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association (ABDA), the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Antigua and Barbuda (HSFAB), the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), and the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment & Civil Service Affairs, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of sugary beverages and garner public support for the proposed Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Levy.
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Central Board of Health Struggles with Severe Staff Shortage
The Central Board of Health (CBH) in Antigua and Barbuda is grappling with a severe shortage of trained and certified health officers, with only six staff members currently handling responsibilities that typically require a team of at least 35. This staffing crisis has raised concerns about the nation’s ability to maintain essential public health services, including food safety, sanitation, vector control, and disease surveillance. Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, praised the small team for their “miraculous work” despite the limited resources. However, the lack of certified personnel has hindered the CBH’s operational capacity, leaving many trainees unable to assume full responsibilities. To address this critical gap, the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS) is set to launch specialized training and certification programmes aimed at equipping health officers with the skills needed to meet regional and international standards. Officials emphasize that this initiative is crucial for strengthening the CBH’s ability to safeguard public health, particularly as the government advances its efforts to modernize the nation’s public health systems. The move is expected to enhance sanitation and disease control measures across the country, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for all citizens.
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Delay in Reopening Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Centre
The Antigua and Barbuda government’s plan to reopen the Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Centre by early 2024 has encountered setbacks due to difficulties in removing outdated medical equipment. Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, explained that the process requires specialized professionals, which has prolonged the timeline. Despite the delay, Merchant emphasized that reopening the centre remains a top priority, as the government currently funds overseas cancer treatment for patients. He confirmed that a management agreement for the facility is already in place, and progress will resume once the old equipment is safely cleared. Originally opened in 2009, the centre was a pivotal regional hub for radiation and oncology services. However, operations declined in recent years due to aging infrastructure and staffing shortages, forcing many patients to seek treatment abroad. The refurbishment is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare infrastructure and restore local access to cancer care. Merchant reiterated the government’s commitment to the project, underscoring its importance to the nation’s healthcare system.
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Haiti battles rabies with vaccines and vigilance
In a grim yet transformative public health initiative, Haiti is leveraging tragic deaths caused by rabies-infected dogs to galvanize action against the deadly disease. Supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), Haitian health authorities are addressing a crisis that has claimed multiple lives this year, including that of a nine-year-old boy in the remote village of Butête. The boy, bitten by a stray dog, succumbed to rabies after exhibiting severe symptoms such as muscle spasms and hydrophobia. His death underscores the urgent need for improved healthcare access and preventive measures in a country grappling with political instability, economic hardship, and widespread poverty. Between 2022 and 2024, Haiti investigated over 8,000 suspected rabies cases in dogs, with 46 confirmed cases and eight human deaths. In response, PAHO and WHO have mobilized a nationwide network of health workers, including epidemiology assistants and mobile lab technicians, to combat the disease. A canine vaccination campaign launched in August aims to immunize 140,000 dogs, supported by innovative tools like a mobile app for real-time data collection. The initiative also focuses on public education and improving access to post-exposure rabies vaccines. Despite Haiti’s ongoing challenges, the campaign has been hailed as a significant success, with an estimated 80% vaccination coverage expected to curb the virus’s spread. Rabies remains a global threat, causing 59,000 deaths annually, 40% of which are children. However, the Americas have achieved a 98% reduction in human rabies cases since 1983, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated public health efforts.
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Future Fambo suffers ‘mild heart attack’
Renowned dancehall artist Future Fambo, born Warren Gladstone Williams, experienced a mild heart attack in New York on Sunday, prompting an urgent response from FDNY medical personnel. The incident occurred after the artist, who has been diagnosed with diabetes, consumed cornmeal porridge following a period of fasting due to extensive travel. Fambo shared a 28-second video on Instagram, showing himself on a sofa, clad in underpants, connected to medical equipment as paramedics worked to stabilize his condition. He described feeling cold sweats and blurred vision, which led his friend to call for emergency assistance. Fambo attributed the episode to a sudden drop in blood sugar exacerbated by the porridge. Despite the scare, he opted to recover at home rather than go to the hospital, reassuring fans that he is now “alright.” The artist revealed that he received concerned calls from fellow dancehall stars, including Sean Paul, Flexx, and Mavado. Reflecting on the incident, Fambo expressed his intention to embrace Christianity in January 2024, citing disillusionment with the music industry’s hypocrisy. He recently released a gospel-inspired single, “Amazing Song,” on World Blast Records, emphasizing his spiritual journey. Fambo also shared that he had prayed for half an hour before the heart attack, viewing it as a pivotal moment in his life.
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Dr Dawes urges Jamaica to improve efforts in addressing mental health crisis
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid a concerning surge in suicide cases across the nation, Dr. Alfred Dawes, the Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, has urged a collective effort to tackle Jamaica’s deepening mental health crisis. The call comes as the country recorded its highest suicide rate in 23 years in 2024, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
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OP-ED: Big Tobacco Calls It Harm Reduction, Caribbean Youth Calls It Profiting From Addiction
The Caribbean has become a focal point for lobbying efforts by groups such as the World Vapers’ Alliance, Smoke Free Sweden, and We Are Innovation. These organizations are pushing narratives aimed at weakening robust tobacco control measures in the region, particularly ahead of the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Recent articles and social media campaigns targeting Barbados and Trinidad have promoted the tobacco industry’s agenda, falsely portraying electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products as harm reduction tools. However, these claims are not supported by independent public health research. Instead, these products are aggressively marketed to youth, are highly addictive, and pose significant long-term health risks. Nicotine, a key component of these products, is linked to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and impaired brain development in adolescents. The World Health Organization has warned that the tobacco industry is using these newer products to undermine public health policies while continuing to profit from traditional cigarettes. Dr. Arthur Phillips, Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Barbados, highlighted the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to the long-term costs of nicotine addiction. The Barbados National NCD Commission has also raised concerns about the rise of vaping, emphasizing its health risks and aggressive marketing to youth. Caribbean governments, as parties to the WHO FCTC, must remain vigilant against industry interference and advocate for evidence-based tobacco control policies at COP11. Measures such as higher tobacco taxes, advertising bans, and accessible cessation services are essential to protect public health.
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Former UPP Hopeful Jermaine N. Edwards Reveals Breast Cancer Diagnosis
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by this devastating disease. This year, the narrative takes a deeply personal turn as Jermaine N. Edwards, a long-time advocate, reveals her own battle with breast cancer. Known for her unwavering support and advocacy, Edwards now steps into the spotlight not just as a voice for others, but as a fighter in her own right.
Edwards’ journey with breast cancer began with a heavy truth she could no longer silence. ‘I have breast cancer,’ she writes, acknowledging the weight of those words. For Edwards, this diagnosis is more than a personal struggle; it is a call to action. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, urging women to perform self-examinations and seek medical attention at the first sign of abnormality. ‘Early detection is often the difference between life and death,’ she stresses.
Her story is one of resilience and vulnerability. Edwards reflects on the emotional and spiritual toll of cancer, describing it as a rollercoaster of courage, tears, hope, and exhaustion. She shares how cancer has reshaped her life and the lives of those around her, testing the strength of her family and loved ones. ‘Cancer does not strike one. It strikes all,’ she writes, highlighting the collective impact of the disease.
As a community advocate, Edwards has always been the pillar of strength for others. Now, she finds herself in the unfamiliar position of accepting support. ‘Vulnerability has never been my comfort zone,’ she admits, but cancer has forced her to open her hands and let others hold her up. Her message is clear: no one should face this battle alone.
Edwards concludes with a powerful call to action. She urges women to prioritize their health, get screened, and support organizations working tirelessly to find a cure. ‘Your tomorrow may depend on what you choose to do today,’ she reminds readers. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Edwards is not just raising awareness—she is standing in the fire, fighting with everything she has.
Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and determination can prevail.
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New network of air quality sensors to warn of health risks
Barbados is on the verge of a groundbreaking advancement in public health protection, as the University of the West Indies (UWI) spearheads the deployment of an extensive network of air quality sensors across the island. This initiative, developed in collaboration with national agencies such as the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), aims to provide real-time warnings about hazardous smoke and air pollution, particularly benefiting individuals with respiratory illnesses.