Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, says that while the World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the global risk of Hantavirus as low, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is increasing its vigilance. Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie, who gave the update during Wednesday's (May 6) Post-Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston, noted that Hantavirus is rare but can be...

A report outlining recommendations to strengthen operations at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) has received Cabinet approval and will be made publicly available shortly, says Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday (May 5) at the Ministry in New Kingston, to present the findings of the UHWI Institutional...

Rehabilitation of the Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover, is progressing steadily, with ongoing efforts to restore safe, functional, and resilient healthcare facilities following damage caused by Hurricane Melissa last year. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Princess Wedderburn, reported that repairs to the dietary and maternity wards are ongoing, while work on the staff quarters is nearing completion. She noted that...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, is urging residents to return to their local health centres for chronic disease management, preventive screenings, and reliable access to medications. He noted that the centres, particularly those impacted by Hurricane Melissa last October in the western region, are being reopened to relieve overburdened hospitals. Speaking at a press briefing...

St. Thomas residents are commending the efficient and hassle-free vaccination services in the parish during the annual observance of Vaccination Week in the Americas. The initiative, which ran from April 20 to May 2, was organised under the theme: ‘Your Decision Makes A Difference. Immunisation For All’. It formed part of the wider Disease Elimination Initiative, which aims to accelerate...

Port Maria, St. Mary, was the site for Jamaica’s commemoration of Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026 with a Vaccination Outreach and Health Fair at the Giant Family Mart Car Park on Thursday, April 30. The event offered the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Influenza (Flu) Vaccine and...

The Portland Health Department is reporting strong compliance among butchers in the parish, with more than 95 per cent of applicants recommended for licensing following the annual Butchers Licensing Session held on April 27. Organised in partnership with the Portland Municipal Corporation, the session brought together butchers and their associates at Hotel Tim Bamboo in Port Antonio for training and...