To live normal lives, people living with HIV must stick to their medication, says Regional Manager, Kingston, with the Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL), Christina Gordon. Noting that the illness is no longer a death sentence, Miss Gordon said it is very important that persons get tested to know their HIV status, and if they are positive, they must...

The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) is intensifying activities in its northeast region to educate young people about drug use and provide them with the tools to build their resilience skills. The focus is part of observances for National Drug Awareness Month, which aims to educate, prevent, and provide support in combating substance abuse. Under the theme ‘Know the...

The St. Ann Health Department has successfully contained an increase in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) that affected several early childhood institutions between September and October 2024. Chief Public Health Inspector for the parish, Leroy Scott, who provided an update during Thursday’s (November 14) monthly sitting of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation in St. Ann’s Bay, indicated...

The Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ) is observing World Sugar Awareness Week with a series of activities from November 11 to 15. The week aims to educate the public about the serious health risks posed by excessive sugar consumption. One highlight of the period will be the November 14 observance of World Diabetes Day, which calls for greater awareness and...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is undertaking several initiatives geared toward the prevention and control of diabetes among the population. Speaking during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think’ Tank on Tuesday (November 12), Director of the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Disease and Injury Prevention Unit, Dr. Tamu Davidson, outlined some of the major programmes. Among these are engagements focusing on public...

The Government is soon to establish a National Drug Research Network, comprising academia and technical experts. This body is intended to tackle drug use in the island, according to Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. He said the Network’s task will go beyond prevalence studies and delve deeply into drug use, particularly in the high-risk areas...

Government Senator, Kavan Gayle, has called for the reintroduction of the revised Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) in Parliament. The legislation, aimed at promoting and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment in Jamaica, was initially tabled in 2017. After thorough scrutiny by a Joint Select Committee of Parliament, the Bill underwent substantive amendments. Senator Gayle, who opened the 2024/25...