The Minister of Health and Wellness is heightening its vigilance against water-borne, vector-borne and food-related illnesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Disease surveillance, rapid response capabilities and public health interventions have been enhanced in the parishes most severely impacted by the storm. Portfolio Minister, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, who was addressing a recent meeting with public health workers at...

The Government is intensifying its efforts to support pregnant and lactating women, ensuring they receive the guidance, care, and essential supplies required for safe pregnancies and the healthy development of newborns. State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, made the disclosure on Tuesday (November 18), during a handover ceremony for WaterStep Bleach Makers at the...

Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, is urging parents and guardians to heighten their vigilance in securing household chemicals, following the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa. In an interview with JIS News he pointed out that many children are now confined to the home, as some schools remain closed. “With the passing of Hurricane Melissa, which has...

Portland residents who missed clinic appointments due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa are being urged to take immediate steps to reschedule, as parish health services continue recovery efforts following weather-related disruptions. Speaking during the Portland Municipal Corporation’s recent monthly meeting in Port Antonio, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, reported that the Category Five hurricane...

Acting Chief Public Health Inspector for St. James, Sherika Lewis, is recommending the establishment of communal sanitation systems for residents affected by Hurricane Melissa. “We are aware that there are some communities that predominantly have pit latrines [and that others have no facilities at all]. At this time, it is going to be a challenge, and we are concerned about...

Over 300 bleach makers have been donated to Jamaica’s health system, bolstering the nation’s capacity to provide safe, on-site medical-grade disinfectants in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The donation, from United States-based international non-governmental organisation, WaterStep, was facilitated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Speaking at the handover ceremony at the ODPEM’s headquarters in New Kingston...

Following flooding across sections of Portland due to Hurricane Melissa, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, is urging residents to take precautionary measures against leptospirosis. Speaking at the recent monthly sitting of the Portland Municipal Corporation in Port Antonio, Dr. Lewis said there is an increased risk of human exposure to contaminated water and food, due...