In its continued mission to increase healthcare skills, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has awarded 151 medical scholarships under the Dr. Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship, at a cost of more than $280 million. The scholarship programme is part of a strategic response, an intentional effort to build capacity, fill gaps and strengthen the health system to ensure that every...

The Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) in Kingston has strengthened its capacity to provide specialised maternal care with the donation of foetal doppler machines from the Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA). The handover ceremony, held on the hospital grounds in downtown Kingston, on August 21, marked yet another chapter in JURA’s long-standing support for the institution. Senior Medical Officer at VJH,...

The building of a state-of-the-art medical tower at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), represents not just bricks and mortar but also an “unwavering commitment” to provide world-class medical care to everyone who walks through its doors, says Chairman of the institution, Patrick Hylton. According to the Chairman, each floor has been designed with one purpose – to...

Sexually active women between the ages of 21 and 65 are being urged to get screened, as they are at risk for cervical cancer. Consultant Gynaecologic Oncologist at the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Dr. Anna-Kay Taylor-Christmas, said the women are in a risk category for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) that can lead to various cancers. “So, everyone needs to be screened...

The Westmoreland Health Department, on Wednesday (August 20), staged a parade through the streets of Savanna-la-Mar to mark World Mosquito Day under the theme ‘Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a More Equitable World’. Vector Control Specialist for Westmoreland, Sasharna Matalie, told JIS News that the event was designed to raise awareness about mosquito-borne diseases and mobilise community action in...

Jamaica is to commence a pilot shortly using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. SIT is a method of insect pest control that is safe for people and the environment. Insects are sterilised using radiation, like gamma rays or X-rays, so that while they still compete for mates they cannot reproduce. It aims to...

Jamaica is participating in an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) project to pilot the use of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) as a strategy to combat the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue and Zika.  Part of the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Integrated Vector Management (IVM) programme, the initiative involves releasing sterile male mosquitoes into the environment to...