With hundreds of women in Jamaica diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is urging greater uptake of screening to ensure early detection and reduce the number of deaths from this preventable disease. “Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women worldwide and also in Jamaica. We think that no woman should really...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says the Government has upgraded 138 health centres across the island over the past five years as part of the drive to strengthen Jamaica’s primary healthcare system.  He informed that the works were carried out at a cost of approximately $3.8 billion.  “It's important to note that we're not just...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ ‘Corporate Wellness Challenge – 8×8 Edition’, launched on Thursday (June 19), aims to reduce the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by promoting wellness in the workplace.   Running from July 2025 to February 2026, the eight-month national initiative encourages physical activity, healthy eating, and regular health screenings across Jamaican workplaces.  Addressing...

The Kenneth Standard Health Centre has received medical equipment valued at $3 million, donated by the Jamaican Hi-5K Walk/Run, headed by Jamaica’s Consul General (CG) to Miami, Oliver Mair. Addressing yesterday’s (June 19), handover and adoption ceremony at the Centre, which is based at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is to use data from the fourth Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey (JHLS IV) as a guide in formulating policies. The 15-month survey, to be carried out by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Epidemiology Unit, will be used as a guide for the allocation of health resources, and the evaluation of the...

There is a marked improvement in the number of women who seek antenatal care in the first trimester, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Addressing a certification ceremony for four hospitals that have been designated Baby-Friendly, at the AC Mariott Hotel in New Kingston on June 17, he noted that in 2023, 45 per cent...

Jamaicans planning to visit countries where yellow fever is endemic are urged to get vaccinated before travelling. This advice comes from Acting Senior Medical Officer of Health for Kingston and St. Andrew, Dr. Susan Strachan-Johnson, following an eightfold increase in yellow fever cases across the Americas during the first five months of 2025. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued...