Vaccination has played a crucial role in safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of preventable diseases in Jamaica, says Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie. Speaking in an interview with JIS News, the CMO noted that the country’s long history of immunisation has been instrumental in eliminating several life-threatening illnesses. “We’ve eliminated polio,...

Jamaicans are being advised to get the flu vaccine to reduce severe outcomes from the illness. Speaking with JIS News, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, noted that the vaccine is available free of cost at health centres islandwide. She said that the Ministry is urging everyone, particularly the elderly, children, and...

Several infrastructure improvement projects are on the way for the parish of Westmoreland. Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in making the disclosure during a visit to the parish on Friday (January 24), said he will provide details of the works to be done in his upcoming Budget presentation. “The parish of Westmoreland needs specific attention as it...

With new evidence showing a direct link between alcohol consumption and  cancer, the  National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) has issued a stark warning to Jamaicans about the dangers of alcohol misuse.  Findings from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United States health authorities, indicate that alcohol is a major contributing factor for at least seven types of cancer –...

Principal Director in the Prevention, Public Education and Treatment Branch at the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), Collette Kirlew, is imploring parents to play an active role in steering their children away from alcohol use.  She told JIS News that active parental involvement is essential in combating underage drinking and its potential long-term health impacts.  “Parents must pay close...

Jamaica’s mass casualty response was tested on Thursday (January 23) with a full-scale simulation of a large plane crash and the subsequent search and rescue and medical attention of victims, at the Ken Jones Aerodrome in Portland.  The exercise was spearheaded by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, with the involvement of several key...

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is encouraging more young people to pursue careers in health. She noted that the Government is committed to ensuring young Jamaicans are trained and equipped to become highly skilled professionals in the sector. It is for this reason, she said, that the Ministry collaborated with the...