The Westmoreland Health Department’s Health Promotion and Education Unit is reminding residents to remain vigilant in preventing mosquito breeding, following recent heavy rainfall across the parish. Health Education and Promotion Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, told JIS News that residents must destroy mosquito breeding sites and take protective measures, particularly in light of the parish’s frequent inclement weather. He emphasised...

With heavy rainfall heightening the risk of water contamination and rodent activity, the Westmoreland Health Department is urging residents to take necessary precautions to prevent leptospirosis. The reminder comes from Health Education and Promotion Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, who told JIS News that the Department is simply reminding residents about leptospirosis prevention, as the disease periodically poses a challenge...

Retreat Health Centre in St. Mary has been upgraded at a cost of $3.5 million, under the Health and Wellness Ministry’s ‘Operation Refresh’. The facility was handed over by Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, on Friday (June 20). The scope of work included the installation of proper signage, air conditioning, wheelchair ramps, increased water storage capacity, repairs to...

Health Education and Promotion Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, is urging parents and caregivers to take greater responsibility in safeguarding children from household chemicals, particularly during the upcoming summer break when the risk of accidental poisoning tends to increase. “Despite our efforts… in bringing to the attention of the people of Westmoreland… the seriousness of accidental poisoning and the implication...

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...