Health leaders from across the Americas, including the Caribbean, have unanimously endorsed a groundbreaking 2025–2030 Action Plan aimed at curbing the rising tide of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). This initiative, ratified during the 62nd Directing Council of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), seeks to address the region’s leading causes of death and disability, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory conditions. The plan underscores the urgent need to fortify primary health care systems to enhance the quality of life for millions affected by these ailments. Dr. Anselm Hennis, PAHO’s Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, hailed the plan as a transformative step toward building resilient, community-centered health systems. The strategy revolves around three core pillars: mitigating NCD risk factors, embedding NCD management into primary health care, and bolstering surveillance mechanisms. NCDs currently claim an estimated six million lives annually in the Americas, with nearly 40% of these deaths occurring prematurely before the age of 70. Alarmingly, 240 million individuals in the region are impacted by these conditions. Despite progress in reducing tobacco use, other risk factors such as harmful alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity remain pervasive. For instance, over 35% of adults are physically inactive, and one in three lives with obesity. Access to diagnosis and treatment is also limited, with only 36% of hypertensive patients having controlled blood pressure and over 40 million diabetics lacking adequate care. The action plan advocates for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing fiscal policies to reduce consumption of harmful products, front-of-package warning labels on ultra-processed foods, and stricter marketing regulations. It also prioritizes integrating NCD prevention and treatment into primary care, alongside innovative digital tools to enhance data surveillance and evidence-based policymaking. Key initiatives include HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening, and the use of advanced technologies to monitor progress. PAHO will support countries in mobilizing resources, with biennial reviews scheduled for 2028 and a final report in 2031.
标签： Jamaica
牙买加
-
Distress calls
In September, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health witnessed an overwhelming surge in calls to its mental health and suicide prevention helpline, with over 500 distress calls recorded in a single month. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton revealed that the 24/7 free and confidential service provided counselling or referrals based on individual needs. This disclosure came in response to inquiries from the Jamaica Observer, following a Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) report highlighting a mid-year spike in suicides, particularly in St. Catherine North. The helpline, staffed by psychologists, offers crisis intervention, psychological support, and referrals for those experiencing suicidal tendencies or mental health challenges. To bolster mental health care, the ministry has trained 47 non-psychiatric healthcare workers under the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), with more training sessions planned. Additionally, the School Mental Health Literacy Programme, set to resume this month, aims to reduce stigma and improve mental health awareness among students. At the community level, Problem Management Plus providers are being deployed to address mild emotional distress and adverse challenges, with 45 active providers currently in the field. Public mental health clinics, including over 150 adult clinics and 20 for children and adolescents, continue to operate islandwide. Despite a 17% overall decline in suicides from 2024 to 2025, the JCF report noted significant variations across months, parishes, and gender categories. A mid-year surge in July and August, coupled with geographic hotspots like St. Catherine North, underscores the need for dynamic, nuanced prevention strategies. The report calls for enhanced early detection, community engagement, and support networks to address these challenges effectively.
-
Gas prices up $0.75, $0.77, diesel up $2.94
Motorists across the region are set to experience a mixed bag of fuel price changes starting Thursday, October 2, as Petrojam, the national oil refinery, has released its latest ex-refinery cost updates. The adjustments reflect a combination of increases and decreases across various fuel types, signaling a dynamic shift in the energy market. Notably, 90-octane gasoline will see a rise of $0.75, bringing its price to $166.60 per litre. In contrast, 87-octane gasoline will experience a slight reduction of $0.77, settling at $159.55 per litre. Diesel fuels are also subject to significant hikes, with automotive diesel increasing by $2.94 to $170.41 per litre and ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) rising by $3.06 to $176.79 per litre. Meanwhile, kerosene prices have dropped by $3.06, now available at $155.08 per litre. These changes are expected to impact both individual consumers and businesses reliant on fuel for operations, prompting a closer look at budgeting and energy consumption strategies.
-
Post-election training for MPs
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bid to enhance legislative efficiency and governance, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Jamaica are set to participate in a comprehensive post-election training programme. This initiative, organized by the Houses of Parliament in collaboration with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), aims to equip both newly elected and returning MPs with essential skills and knowledge to fulfill their constitutional and parliamentary roles effectively.
-
Shein picks France for its first permanent stores
In a significant move to expand its global footprint, Asian fast-fashion powerhouse Shein announced on Wednesday that it will open its first permanent physical stores in France this November. The inaugural store will be located at the iconic BHV Marais department store in Paris, followed by five additional outlets in Galeries Lafayette stores across Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers, and Limoges. This expansion is facilitated through a strategic partnership with Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), the retail property group that owns BHV Marais and several Galeries Lafayette locations. Shein emphasized that this initiative aims to rejuvenate French city centers, revitalize department stores, and create 200 direct and indirect jobs in the country. While Shein has previously experimented with temporary pop-up shops in cities like Paris, this marks its first foray into permanent physical retail. Donald Tang, Shein’s executive chairman, highlighted France’s status as a global fashion capital and its creative spirit as key reasons for choosing the country for this venture. Founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein has built its empire on affordable fashion, extensive product offerings, and aggressive marketing. However, the company faces growing scrutiny over its environmental practices, labor conditions, and alleged exploitation of EU customs exemptions. Despite these challenges, Shein continues to expand, employing 16,000 people globally and generating $23 billion in revenue in 2022.
-
Digicel expands solar project
Digicel Jamaica has embarked on a multimillion-dollar solar power initiative, not to hike customer rates but to safeguard revenues by maintaining service continuity during grid failures. CEO Stephen Murad emphasized that the 12-month collaboration with U.S.-based Caban Energy is designed to ensure uninterrupted services across all parishes, whether during hurricanes, Jamaica Public Service (JPS) outages, or even routine incidents like road accidents. Murad clarified that the investment is not a cost passed on to customers but a strategic move to strengthen the company’s reliability. The project, which began earlier this month, involves installing solar and battery systems at 511 of Digicel’s 930 sites, with teams working on 30 to 40 sites monthly. Caban Energy CEO Alexandra Rasch highlighted that approximately 180 local personnel are engaged in logistics, finance, and construction. The initiative also extends beyond cell towers, encompassing Digicel’s downtown headquarters and regional data centers, which handle critical traffic. Murad described the investment as part of a broader technology upgrade program, including recent fiber builds in Montego Bay. While Jamaica is the first market for this project, other regions like Haiti, the Cayman Islands, and Dominica are already preparing to follow suit. Digicel, operating in 25 markets across the Caribbean, Central America, and the Pacific, serves nearly nine million customers through mobile, home, and business services, with significant operations in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti.
-
Strong quake in central Philippines kills 26 as search ongoing
A devastating 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked the central Philippines late Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 26 lives on the island of Cebu. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue teams continue to search for survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed buildings. The quake, which struck at 9:59 pm near the northern city of Bogo, was shallow and powerful, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported 147 injuries and damage to 22 structures, though specific details remain unclear. Local rescuers in Bogo and the nearby municipality of San Remigio confirmed fatalities, with efforts to recover victims hindered by darkness and ongoing aftershocks. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded 379 aftershocks in the region.
Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the moment a historic Catholic church on Bantayan Island crumbled, its belfry collapsing into the courtyard. Local television also showed a bridge in Cebu violently shaking, forcing motorcyclists to dismount and cling to railings for safety. Power outages affected Cebu and neighboring islands, though electricity was restored shortly after midnight.
The Cebu provincial government has appealed for medical volunteers via its official Facebook page, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance. Rescue official Wilson Ramos highlighted ongoing efforts in San Remigio and Bogo, where survivors may still be trapped under debris. Residents described the terrifying experience, with one witness recounting the collapse of the church belfry and another noting cracked kitchen tiles and neighbors fleeing their homes.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro urged residents to remain calm, avoid unstable structures, and prepare for aftershocks. The USGS initially reported a magnitude of 7.0 before revising it downward, while the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed no tsunami threat. The Philippines, located on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ experiences frequent seismic activity, with unpredictable and destructive quakes posing a constant risk.
-
New MoBay Creative initiative to transform city into cultural tourism hub
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bold move to revitalize cultural tourism and foster economic growth, Kingston Creative has unveiled the Mobay Creative initiative, a groundbreaking Creative Placemaking Programme set to transform Montego Bay into a vibrant cultural hub. This year-long project, centered in St James, aims to strengthen the synergy between the creative and tourism sectors while generating new income opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs.
At the heart of the initiative are two large-scale murals designed to enhance Montego Bay’s visual appeal, complemented by a Creative Placemaking Training Programme. This training will empower local creatives and community leaders with the skills to organize cultural events and develop a thriving cultural district. The project will culminate in the Artwalk Festival, a grand celebration of music, food, and local artistry in Sam Sharpe Square.
Montego Bay’s Mayor, Richard Vernon, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, ‘This project reflects our cultural pride, community resilience, and the creative power of our people. It is a visible step toward the inclusive, sustainable city we envision under Vision 2030.’ He highlighted the murals as symbols of the city’s stories, struggles, and aspirations, bringing beauty, opportunity, and dignity to overlooked spaces.
The initiative is expected to directly engage 25 creatives, create 20 paid opportunities, and involve 800 members of the public, while fostering partnerships with at least seven key stakeholders. Andrea Dempster Chung, Executive Director of Kingston Creative, noted, ‘This partnership goes beyond murals; it’s about arts for social and economic transformation. We are excited to collaborate with western creatives and encourage corporations in the region to join this movement.’
Supported by Target 8.9, with funding from the TUI Care Foundation’s TUI Colourful Cultures initiative, the project also enjoys backing from the S-Hotel Montego Bay, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, and the city itself. Implementation is set to begin in October 2025, with $8.75 million already committed. Coral Purvil-Williams, Destination Manager at Target 8.9, remarked, ‘This partnership unlocks Montego Bay’s creative and economic potential, aligning with the goals of the TUI Colourful Cultures programme.’
-
High blood pressure leads to surprise prostate cancer diagnosis
In early 2025, Gregory White, a 65-year-old man, experienced a sudden spike in blood pressure after using pesticide. This incident led him to seek medical attention, a decision that potentially saved his life. During the visit, his doctor inquired about his last prostate exam, which he had undergone two years prior. The doctor emphasized the importance of annual screenings, prompting further investigation. Initial blood tests showed normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, but subsequent tests revealed a slightly elevated PSA level of 5.6. Although a physical examination suggested no abnormalities, the doctor recommended additional testing to uncover the underlying issue. White was referred to urologist Dr. Dean Wong at Apex Medical Centre, where an MRI and biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of stage 2 prostate cancer. ‘I was concerned; I never expected that,’ White shared with Observer Online. ‘But knowing that it is there, I have to deal with it.’ After discussing treatment options with Dr. Wong, White chose surgery over radiation and underwent a radical prostatectomy in June. Post-surgery tests showed undetectable PSA levels, indicating successful cancer removal. Since the surgery, White has been engaged in functional rehabilitation, focusing on urinary continence and sexual function recovery. Dr. Wong highlighted the importance of early physiotherapy and the use of the Emsella chair, a specialized device for treating urinary incontinence and pelvic floor issues. White is also undergoing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, electromagnetic wave therapy, and sexual rehabilitation, including daily medication and the use of a penile vacuum pump. While he reports no pain from the surgery, urinary leakage remains a challenge. ‘I have to wear pull-ups,’ White admitted. ‘Last two months or month and a half ago I had to have a pad in the pull-ups to hold the urine, and if I’m physical during the day, I would change like three of those pads for the day. Now I’m down to one.’ Dr. Wong emphasized that post-surgery results evolve over time, with functional recovery typically assessed at one year. White remains optimistic about his prognosis as he continues his recovery journey.
-
Endometriosis test backed by French government under scrutiny
In 2022, France introduced a groundbreaking strategy to combat endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting one in ten women of reproductive age worldwide. Central to this initiative was the promotion of the ‘Endotest,’ a saliva-based diagnostic tool developed by French start-up Ziwig. Marketed as a revolutionary solution leveraging artificial intelligence and microRNA technology, the test promised to simplify and expedite the diagnosis of endometriosis, which currently requires invasive surgical procedures. However, despite significant government backing and financial investment, questions linger about the test’s efficacy and broader applicability. Researchers have raised concerns about the limited scope of studies supporting the Endotest, with some arguing that the participant samples may not be representative of the general population. While the French Health Authority (HAS) has acknowledged the test’s diagnostic performance, it has also called for further research to confirm its clinical utility. Critics have pointed out the disproportionate funding allocated to the Endotest compared to other endometriosis research avenues, such as improving ultrasound interpretation. Patient advocacy groups like Endomind have campaigned for broader access to the test, but some patients and experts remain skeptical, questioning whether the Endotest truly represents a significant advancement in endometriosis care. Ziwig’s leadership defends the test, citing published research and ongoing efforts to validate its effectiveness through peer-reviewed journals. As the debate continues, the Endotest remains a focal point in France’s broader efforts to address the challenges of diagnosing and treating endometriosis.