Jamaica is a step closer to developing policy to eliminate trans-fatty acids or tans-fats from the local food system. The move is part of measures by the Government to reduce the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD) and premature death. Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Industry,...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will be implementing several key strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the ‘Know Your Numbers’ initiative. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 28). The Know Your Numbers initiative aims to facilitate 500,000 screenings to help citizens identify their risk...

The National Health Fund (NHF) has expended approximately $9.4 billion on drugs for the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) since April 2024. Ministry of Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure during a statement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (January 28). He informed that $2.4 billion worth of medications was dispensed through Drug...

Vaccination has played a crucial role in safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of preventable diseases in Jamaica, says Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, the CMO noted that the country’s long history of immunisation has been instrumental in eliminating several life-threatening illnesses. “We’ve eliminated polio,...

Jamaicans are being advised to get the flu vaccine to reduce severe outcomes from the illness. Speaking with JIS News, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, noted that the vaccine is available free of cost at health centres islandwide. She said that the Ministry is urging everyone, particularly the elderly, children, and...

Several infrastructure improvement projects are on the way for the parish of Westmoreland. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in making the disclosure during a visit to the parish on Friday (January 24), said he will provide details of the works to be done in his upcoming Budget presentation. “The parish of Westmoreland needs specific attention as it...

With new evidence showing a direct link between alcohol consumption and  cancer, the  National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) has issued a stark warning to Jamaicans about the dangers of alcohol misuse.  Findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United States health authorities, indicate that alcohol is a major contributing factor for at least seven types of cancer –...