Acting Chief Public Health Inspector for St. James, Sherika Lewis, is recommending the establishment of communal sanitation systems for residents affected by Hurricane Melissa. “We are aware that there are some communities that predominantly have pit latrines [and that others have no facilities at all]. At this time, it is going to be a challenge, and we are concerned about...

Over 300 bleach makers have been donated to Jamaica’s health system, bolstering the nation’s capacity to provide safe, on-site medical-grade disinfectants in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. The donation, from United States-based international non-governmental organisation, WaterStep, was facilitated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). Speaking at the handover ceremony at the ODPEM’s headquarters in New Kingston...

Following flooding across sections of Portland due to Hurricane Melissa, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, is urging residents to take precautionary measures against leptospirosis. Speaking at the recent monthly sitting of the Portland Municipal Corporation in Port Antonio, Dr. Lewis said there is an increased risk of human exposure to contaminated water and food, due...

With more than 1,300 with new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in Jamaica each year, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is emphasising the need for more women to get screened to ensure early detection and reduce fatalities. “It is estimated that breast cancer accounts for approximately 35 to 40 per cent of female cancers in Jamaica and...

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, has reported that rapid needs assessments for mental health and psychosocial support have been completed across all four Regional Health Authorities, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28. He further informed that psychological support has been extended to healthcare workers in the affected parishes through in‑person sessions with...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is ramping up measures to help the public safeguard their health by promoting safe water and food practices, highlighting the risk associated with flooding. According to portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, key focus is on reinforcing the importance of hygiene and outlining steps to prevent mosquito-borne and rodent diseases. “These messages are...

Chairman of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Councillor Michael Belnavis, is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The caution comes amid the expected increase in the mosquito population following the heavy rains from the storm. Speaking with JIS News, Mr. Belnavis advised persons to look out for standing water that...