The St. James Health Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has officially launched a $50 million Integrated Vector Control Programme aimed at reducing vector-borne diseases in high-risk communities across the parish. The project features a two-component strategic approach: a Breteau Index reduction, which lowers the number of mosquito breeding sites per 100 houses, and a robust...

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness have reaffirmed their readiness to respond effectively in the event of a major earthquake. Speaking during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’, JFB Public Education Officer, Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, noted that the Brigade has enhanced its rescue capabilities through specialised training and sustained investment in modern...

Health personnel at the St. Elizabeth Health Department are on top of efforts to prevent the spread of dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases as the parish's Aedes index climbs to 10 per cent. Medical Expert at the St. Elizabeth Health Department, Dr. Carol Hamilton, said the index is up from six per cent before Hurricane Melissa swept through the parish...

A comprehensive rodent control programme is to be implemented across several communities in Westmoreland as public health officials intensify efforts to reduce environmental risks and improve sanitation standards. The initiative, which will be carried out by the Westmoreland Public Health Department, will target communities such as Negril, Grange Hill, Savanna-la-Mar, Petersfield, Whitehouse, Darliston and Bethel Town. Chief Public Health Inspector...

Residents of Westmoreland are being urged to take proactive steps to protect themselves against influenza as public health officials emphasise vaccination and basic prevention practices to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, told JIS News that influenza vaccination should ideally be taken before the start of the flu season...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is assuring the public that chemicals being used in fogging activities are considered safe for human health. Fogging is being conducted in several communities to control the increase in the mosquito population since Hurricane Melissa. Speaking with JIS News, Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said that fogging is a “safe method” for...

The Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), in St. James, has received medical supplies and equipment valued at more than $1.2 million from the Hummingbirds Association, a Jamaican diaspora organisation based in The Bahamas. The donation, which includes bassinets, baby scales, infusion pumps and a paediatric laryngoscope, is expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to deliver safe, quality care to newborns and...