分类： health

As the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) approaches, set to take place from November 10 to 21, 2025, in Belém, Brazil, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is issuing a critical health advisory. With an estimated 60,000 participants from 198 countries expected to attend, including heads of state, scientists, activists, and civil society representatives, PAHO/WHO emphasizes the importance of reviewing vaccination statuses for yellow fever and measles before traveling. Yellow fever, a severe mosquito-borne viral infection, can lead to high fever, liver damage, and, in severe cases, death. In 2025 alone, the Americas have reported 294 cases and 121 fatalities across six countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Although Belém has not reported any cases this year, its location in the Amazon region, a high-risk area, necessitates vigilance. Measles, another highly contagious viral disease, has seen a global resurgence, with 177,469 cases worldwide and 12,163 in the Americas as of mid-October. Canada leads in regional cases, while Brazil has recorded 35 cases, none in Belém. PAHO/WHO recommends that unvaccinated individuals receive the yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days before travel and the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) at least 15 days prior. For those aged 60 and older, yellow fever vaccination should be approached cautiously after a medical evaluation. Both vaccines can be administered simultaneously or with a four-week interval. PAHO/WHO also calls for enhanced epidemiological surveillance, vaccine availability, and risk communication across the region. Health systems are urged to monitor COP30 attendees for symptoms such as fever, rash, or jaundice during and after the event.

Dr. Griffin Benjamin, the head of Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital, continues to be on administrative leave weeks after his suspension, with no updates from the Ministry of Health regarding his potential return. The Dominican psychiatrist was relieved of his duties in early September due to what the ministry described as ‘serious concerns’ about his conduct and management of the facility. As part of the suspension, Dr. Benjamin was instructed to surrender all hospital property, prohibited from entering government institutions, and restricted from leaving Antigua and Barbuda without written authorization. The investigation reportedly focuses on two key issues: the confinement of an American University of Antigua student and the administration of an antipsychotic drug not included in the government’s formulary, despite its presence on the broader Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) list. The ministry emphasized that the suspension was a precautionary measure, but the lack of updates has left the hospital without a permanent medical director since his removal. The prolonged absence of leadership raises concerns about the hospital’s operations and the welfare of its patients.

Senator Michael Joseph, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, alongside Permanent Secretary Mr. Colin O’Keiffe, is actively participating in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Pooled Procurement Services (PPS) Meeting and the Ministers of Health Meeting in Grenada. This pivotal five-day event, scheduled from October 20 to 24, 2025, convenes senior officials and technical experts from OECS member states to deliberate on strategies for enhancing regional pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain management. The OECS Pooled Procurement Services initiative is a cornerstone in ensuring the accessibility, affordability, and quality of essential medicines and medical supplies across the Eastern Caribbean. Key topics on the agenda include cost containment, equitable access to healthcare resources, and the fortification of procurement systems to bolster resilient healthcare delivery. The presence of Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation highlights the government’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation and advancing efficient, transparent, and sustainable health systems for the benefit of its citizens. The Ministry anticipates the outcomes of this critical engagement and is committed to implementing recommendations that will refine national procurement processes and enhance health security for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

Sir Molwyn Joseph, Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister, has emphasized the urgent need for robust regulatory reforms and increased investment in the nation’s midwifery workforce. Addressing attendees at the opening of a two-day Competency-Based Education Capacity-Building Workshop for Midwifery Educators, Joseph highlighted that while educational initiatives are crucial, they must be complemented by comprehensive policy measures and institutional support. He stressed that achieving safer motherhood and improved newborn care extends beyond training programs, requiring substantial investment in human resources, reinforced regulatory frameworks, and an enabling environment for midwives to fully utilize their expertise. The minister underscored the workshop’s significance in empowering educators to shape the future of midwifery, aligning with international standards such as the International Confederation of Midwives’ Essential Competencies (2019). Joseph reiterated that maternal and newborn health remains a national priority, essential for social equity, human dignity, and national development. He emphasized the importance of ensuring every woman has access to safe, high-quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, while midwives are empowered, supported, and respected in their roles. The minister also acknowledged the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Caribbean Regional Midwives Association for their technical and resource contributions, which have bolstered systems, curricula, and capacity in Antigua and Barbuda. The workshop, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and UNFPA, focuses on competency-based education (CBE), a practical training model designed to equip midwives with the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to address real-world challenges. Joseph concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to collaborating with partners to provide midwives with the necessary policy, resources, and institutional support to practice effectively and contribute to national development.