Jamaica has heightened its surveillance to detect the Mpox virus, to ensure that if cases are identified, they are controlled, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Addressing a virtual press conference, today (August 22), the Minister informed that as at August 22, there are no cases of the virus reported, but due to public health...

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) has been closely monitoring accidental poisoning among children, particularly those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Head of the Department of Paediatrics at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, Dr. Ludrick Morris, emphasised that safety should be a priority for all families, regardless of their financial situation. He was addressing a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) 'Think Tank',...

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is warning the public against the dangerous practice of storing household chemicals in food containers. This advisory comes in light of a 14 per cent increase in accidental poisoning cases in the region compared to last year’s statistics – 71 cases in 2023 and 81 cases in 2024. Some 52 per cent of the...

As the start of the 2024/25 academic year approaches, parents are being encouraged to safeguard their children against hand, foot and mouth disease. This urging comes from Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, who says Ministry of Health and Wellness data indicate that increased cases tend to emerge between March and June and September and December. He...

Students and other residents of Old Harbour in St. Catherine received school supplies, medical checks and care packages during an education and health fair staged by the Old Harbour and Friends Association (OHFA). Six students were presented with grants totalling $36,000, another six were gifted with laptop computers, while more than 350 care packages were distributed during the event held...

Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) Regional Director, Michael Bent (left), and Regional Technical Director, Dr. Vitillius Reid Holder (second left), along with Senior Brand Manager, Carimed Group Limited, David Bonner (second right), and Managing Director, Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica Limited, Graham Dunkley, examine VAPE Skin Mist mosquito repellents donated to SRHA for distribution to vulnerable and needy Jamaicans, as part of...

Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP this morning met with the technical team from the Ministry and the four regional health authorities to discuss the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern. This comes as the Government of Jamaica heightens its preparedness for the possible re-introduction of Mpox in the country....

Head of the Department of Paediatrics at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital, Dr. Ludrick Morris, has emphasised that immediate medical attention must be sought after a child has consumed a poisonous substance. “A thing not to do is try to induce vomiting, because that sometimes can make things worse,” he indicated. “Sometimes it (induced vomiting) increases the risk of aspiration,...

Approximately 25,000 persons in Portland are benefiting from the new state-of-the-art Buff Bay District Health Centre, which was built at a cost of $300 million by the National Health Fund (NHF). The facility has been designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services, which is part of a broader effort to improve public health infrastructure and respond to the growing healthcare needs...