Warning signs are being erected near rivers and streams across Westmoreland as part of an intensified public education drive by the Westmoreland Health Department to reduce the risk of leptospirosis and diarrhoeal diseases, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, told JIS News that the signage targets popular water bodies where...

The Westmoreland Public Health Department has been implementing corrective measures to safeguard food safety and sanitation standards across the parish, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Chief Public Health Inspector for Westmoreland, Steve Morris, who was addressing the monthly meeting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation in Savanna-la-Mar on December 11, indicated that inspections were carried out to identify risks and...

Jamaica's push towards a fully digitised healthcare system received a major boost, with the handover of US$1.3 million worth of equipment to support the country's Electronic Immunisation Registry (EIR). Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, was on hand to receive the equipment, during a handover ceremony held at the St. Ann Health Department in St. Ann...

Medical Officer of Health for Westmoreland, Dr. Marcia Graham, is urging residents to treat all non-bottled water as the parish continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s recent monthly meeting, Dr. Graham said compromised infrastructure and inconsistent water quality have heightened the risk of waterborne illnesses. “The quality of the water is not what it...

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has underscored the importance of mental health support and strong community bonds, as Jamaica recovers from the effects of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a land titling ceremony at the Lacovia Community Centre in St. Elizabeth on Friday (December 12), Dr. Holness said the Government has already taken steps to address this need....

Psychosocial support has been ramped up for persons affected by Hurricane Melissa, by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. So far, more than 500 healthcare workers and 3,475 persons in the wider population have been reached. Making the disclosure, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, said with support from several partners, they have made a very targeted approach to...

There has been a reduction in suspected or confirmed cases of leptospirosis and related deaths, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Describing the development as “encouraging for the country”, the Minister said the Ministry’s teams are in the fields, along with other agencies involved in clean-up activities, “doing the work, and I think this is...