The Jamaica Association of Professionals in Nutrition and Dietetics (JAPINAD) is hosting a week of activities from March 24 to March 30, in recognition of International Nutrition Month, under the theme ‘Taking Responsibility for Assessing Our Nation’s Nutritional Needs’. The week of events, which coincides with JAPINAD’s 17th anniversary, involves collaboration with the Jamaica Island Nutrition Network (JINN). Speaking to...

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says construction of the 220-bed Western Children Adolescent Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James, will commence by May 2019. The state-of-the-art facility will be built on the compound of the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James. Dr. Tufton said that the contractor for the project has been selected and is “mobilising to set...

Over 500 Jamaicans are to benefit from cataract surgeries at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), performed by Chinese ophthalmologists from the Bright Journey Medical Mission. The Mission, which will be on their second visit to the island, will also be providing equipment and supplies valued at $52.9 million to KPH and carrying out training and lectures in ophthalmology, and facilitating...

Health Minister, Dr. the Hon Christopher Tufton, says rehabilitation work on the main building at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James, is progressing well and is on course for completion by the end of the year. The Independent Oversight Committee appointed by Dr. Tufton to oversee the ongoing restoration at the Type A facility said last month...

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, says formalising a national school-feeding programme using local produce, will ensure improved health for children and a stable income for farmers. The Minister, who was addressing stakeholders in the agricultural sector at Dencon Foods and Farm in Spring Plain, Clarendon, on March 21, said the plan, which will be implemented...

The Lupus Foundation of Jamaica has welcomed the Government’s decision to subsidise medication for persons living with the disease, at a cost of $340 million annually. During his contribution to the 2019/2020 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on March 19, Prime Minster, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, disclosed that starting April 30, Lupus will be added to the...

The St. James Public Health Department has made strides in eliminating mosquito breeding sites across the parish, in order to reduce transmission of the dengue virus. Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector, Sherika Lewis, said that approximately 55 workers have been engaged to strengthen vector control activities. She noted that the efforts of workers have led to over 11,039 premises being...