With more than 1,300 with new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Jamaica each year, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is emphasising the need for more women to get screened to ensure early detection and reduce fatalities. “It is estimated that breast cancer accounts for approximately 35 to 40 per cent of female cancers in Jamaica and...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has reported that rapid needs assessments for mental health and psychosocial support have been completed across all four Regional Health Authorities, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28. He further informed that psychological support has been extended to healthcare workers in the affected parishes through in‑person sessions with...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is ramping up measures to help the public safeguard their health by promoting safe water and food practices, highlighting the risk associated with flooding. According to portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, key focus is on reinforcing the importance of hygiene and outlining steps to prevent mosquito-borne and rodent diseases. “These messages are...

Chairman of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Councillor Michael Belnavis, is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The caution comes amid the expected increase in the mosquito population following the heavy rains from the storm. Speaking with JIS News, Mr. Belnavis advised persons to look out for standing water that...

Starting next week, contractors will begin renovation work on the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny, which was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Melissa. Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, in making the disclosure, said that the areas to be prioritised include the damaged COVID-19 ward to return 50 to 70 beds to service, the operating...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has developed a comprehensive Health, Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Plan. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, made the disclosure in a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 11). “The plan involves several key interventions, supporting the provision of...

Regional Clinical Psychologist at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Dr. Alcon Barnett, is encouraging parents to create stable, nurturing environments to help their children recover emotionally and psychologically from the trauma of Hurricane Melissa and its aftermath. Speaking in a recent interview with JIS News, Dr. Barnett noted that many children have been affected psychologically, physically and behaviourally, with...