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Five years ago, a person would not willingly admit to having the HIV infection as the stigma surrounding the disease was so great, it was considered taboo. Today, while there are still reservations about publicly declaring the condition, individuals can feel more comfortable discussing the issue. This is the stage Jamaica has reached since the Ministry of Health put in...

Disability Awareness Week is being celebrated in Clarendon from November 28 to December 3 under the theme: 'Nothing about us, without us'. Michelle O'Connor, Co-ordinator of the Clarendon Group for the Disabled, told JIS News that several activities have been planned to commemorate the week, which began with a church service on November 28 at the Kellits New Testament Church....

Health Minister, John Junor is urging Jamaicans who suffer from chronic illnesses, to take advantage of the National Health Fund (NHF), which provides assistance to persons with such conditions by subsidising their prescription costs. In addition, the Minister is also encouraging doctors to advise their patients to enroll with the Fund. Speaking at a media luncheon organised by the NHF...

Beneficiaries of the National Health Fund (NHF) now have access to over 800 prescription items, as the NHF has substantially increased the number of drugs it provides for its cardholders. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHF, Rae Barrett, has announced that beginning next Monday, November 1, the Fund would cover more than 800 items, up from the 500 drugs...

The St. Elizabeth Health Department has planned a number of activities to mark World AIDS Day on December 1. Parish Health Educator, Delphene Grandison told JIS News that the theme for this year's observance is 'Women with AIDS'. Activities will include the printing of placards with catchy slogans to provide the public with information about the disease, while laminated bookmarkers...

November will be observed as Health Month by the St. Ann Health Committee. The Month will be celebrated under the theme: 'Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Environment Equals Healthy People'. Members of the Committee will be hosting several events to educate the public and promote good health among residents in the parish. There will be a series of health exhibitions at the...

The Ministry of Health is conducting a review of the training curricula in the health sector to correct disparities that may exist in the training programmes for the various fields within the sector. The review is being conducted with the assistance of the National Curriculum Committee and should be completed by November 2004. Health Minister John Junor, who made the...

The Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation has purchased two 12.2 metres (40 ft) containers to house its Morant Bay outreach station in St. Thomas. Executive Director at the Foundation, Beryl Weir, told JIS News the containers would replace the old building, which was recently demolished. She said the containers were at the Morant Bay property and activities have been put...

Minister of Health, John Junor has lauded workers in the health sector for their high quality of work and dedication to duty. He however pointed to areas within the sector that needed an intensification of effort. "Our maternal mortality rate is still unsatisfactory at 112 deaths per 100,000. HIV/AIDS and our chronic diseases situation continue to pose very serious challenges...

Food items have been condemned and seized island wide, as the Ministry of Health steps up its effort to monitor food-handling establishments in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. In the parish of Portland, for example, 11,699 kilograms of food items have been condemned. The categories of food condemned run the gamut from meat products to bottled and boxed drinks. Speaking...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Jamaica Cancer Society will be intensifying its efforts to increase the level of awareness among women about the disease. Mammography Unit Manager/Outreach Co-ordinator at the Society, Yvonne Watson tells JIS News that the month's activities will be observed under the theme: 'Early detection equals longer life - Please tell a friend'. She...

The Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) has donated $150,000 to the Early Stimulation Project, which was created to meet the developmental needs of children with disabilities. The money will be disbursed over the next three years with an initial contribution of $50,000 in the first year. Mayor of Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, made the announcement at a graduation ceremony held...