Several health centres in Westmoreland that sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa have reopened following repairs, enhancing access to primary healthcare services across the parish. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Marcia Graham, who made the announcement during the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Savanna-la-Mar on February 12, noted that significant progress has been made in restoring facilities affected by the...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has warned that Jamaica is facing a silent health crisis driven by lifestyle choices and consumption patterns, which he described as more severe than the COVID-19 pandemic. He made the disclosure while addressing residents at the official handover ceremony for the newly renovated Oxford Community Health Centre in St. Mary...

The North-East Regional Health Authority (NERHA) is reporting significant improvements in primary healthcare delivery in St. Mary, following renovation works at the Oxford Community Health Centre. NERHA Board Chair, Laura Heron, made the disclosure during the official handover of the facility on February 13. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, among...

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is expanding outreach efforts to engage persons in tourism spaces, workplaces and large public events as part of its strategy to reduce HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Regional Priority Communicable Disease Coordinator at the WRHA, Dr. Tanesha Hickman, says partnerships with event organisers and the hospitality sector have enabled health teams to reach...

The Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) is reporting that the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV across western Jamaica has remained relatively stable over the past three years, with occasional fluctuations. “We would not say we have seen any significant increase at this time in STI. In 2024, we saw a very slight increase, but in 2025, we...

A wellness bench has been installed at the Sickle Cell Unit at the University of the West Indies (UWI), providing a calming space for staff and patients to pause, relax, and reset. The bench was funded and donated through the collaborative efforts of three sickle cell support groups – Shak’s Hope Foundation, My Friend Jen, and Warriors Unite JA. Speaking...

The Portland Health Department has commenced a series of blood pressure screenings across the parish in observance of Heart Month as part of efforts to promote cardiovascular health among residents. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the National Health Fund (NHF), is being carried out under the theme: ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure’. Medical Officer of Health, Dr....