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....

Health officials in Westmoreland are looking to screen at least 2,000 individuals for hypertension during Heart Month, being observed throughout February, as part of efforts to encourage early detection and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. This was disclosed by Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Marcia Graham, during her address to the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in...

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is moving to assess the structural integrity of 105 health centres, damaged in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Portfolio Minister, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said the Ministry has engaged four to five engineering firms to examine the facilities that were in the hurricane's primary impact zone. The assessment, he said, will determine whether...

Students from Haile Selassie High School in Kingston, are among the first to benefit from a new mobile mental-health service that will support schools in Zones of Special Operations (ZOZOs), as well as those in western Jamaica, affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Wellness Express – Adolescent Mental Health Mobile Service was officially launched at the school on Friday (February 13)....

A total of 226 primary-care facilities are slated for rehabilitation and modernisation in the new financial year. Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, made the announcement while delivering the Throne Speech to open the 2026/2027 legislative year in Gordon House on Thursday (February 12). He said that improvements will also be done on the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital in...