Health Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is encouraging persons to remain alert and prepared for what he describes as the inevitable onset of other new and re-emerging vector-borne diseases. His statement comes against the background of the Chikungunya and Zika virus outbreaks in Jamaica in 2014 and this year, as also the re-emergence of Dengue Fever during the period....

The Ministry of Health is targeting a five percent reduction in the prevalence of diabetes and obesity among Jamaicans, by 2018, under its National Strategic and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases. The increased incidence of non communicable diseases (NCDs) is a worrying concern for Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, who notes that...

Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says there are plans to partner with the private sector on initiatives to encourage preventive oral care among Jamaicans. Preventive care includes caring for the teeth through daily brushing and regular dental cleaning, in order to avoid cavities and gum disease. “It’s about talking to persons about good oral health so we...

The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Diabetes Association of Jamaica to stage a public forum on diabetes on Thursday (April 7). The forum, under the theme: ‘Reversing Diabetes: a Possibility or Dream’, will get underway at 6:00 p.m. at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston. The event, in observance of World...

The Ministry of Health has received a $100,000 donation from Fontana Pharmacy to assist in the fight against the Zika virus. Representatives of the entity handed over the cheque during a ceremony held Tuesday (April 5) at the Ministry of Health’s offices on Grenada Way, New Kingston. In his remarks at the short ceremony, Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher...

Jamaica is equipped to conduct Zika virus testing on behalf of other countries if so assigned by the World Health Organization (WHO). Acting Director of the National Virology Reference Laboratory at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Professor Monica Smikle, told JIS News that the facility is a valid WHO testing agency. Members of staff have also benefited...

The Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) will be placing focus on cervical cancer during Cancer Awareness Month in April. Under the theme: ‘Cervical Cancer is the Most Preventable Cancer…Do Your Pap Smear’, the aim is to raise awareness and encourage more women to do regular screenings for early detection and treatment of abnormal cell changes. Speaking at a Think Tank at...