Health Promotion and Education Officer for Westmoreland, Gerald Miller, is urging parents and guardians to heighten their vigilance in securing household chemicals, following the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa. In an interview with JIS News he pointed out that many children are now confined to the home, as some schools remain closed. “With the passing of Hurricane Melissa, which has...

Portland residents who missed clinic appointments due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa are being urged to take immediate steps to reschedule, as parish health services continue recovery efforts following weather-related disruptions. Speaking during the Portland Municipal Corporation’s recent monthly meeting in Port Antonio, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr. Sharon Lewis, reported that the Category Five hurricane...

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...