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 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...

Fifty-two Community Health Aides (CHAs) from the Hanover Health Department have been recognised for their exceptional contributions to community healthcare in the parish. The appreciation event was held on Thursday, November 7, at the Lucea United Church Hall, where the CHAs were commended for their dedication and commitment to local health services. It was held as part of activities to mark CHAs...

Jamaicans are being urged not to swim or bathe in stagnant water following the recent passage of Tropical Storm Rafael. Health Education and Promotion Officer at the Westmoreland Health Department, Gerald Miller, said playing in or swimming in stagnant water is a risk factor for contracting leptospirosis from rat urine. “You might have the rat’s habitat being disturbed and they...