The new Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread to more than 60 countries, fueling widespread anxiety, as many consider the implications for public health. Here in Jamaica we understand that anxiety and wish to reassure the public that we are, even now, enhancing our readiness for the very real possibility of the virus coming to our shores. Up to March 1, there...

Mr. Speaker, I rise to advise this honourable house and the nation on Jamaica’s preparedness for the new Coronavirus. In December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was alerted to several cases of pneumonia in Wuhan City, China, but the virus did not match any other known viruses. Subsequently, Mr. Speaker, in January 2020, the Chinese authorities confirmed that it...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to update this honourable house and again members of the public, regarding the status of Influenza in Jamaica. Every year, influenza activity in Jamaica begins to increase in October to November, peaks between December to March, and can last until May. Influenza is a viral infection, Mr. Speaker that spreads easily from person to person, mainly...

Good evening, As we approach the end of the year, the health sector faces its busiest time with increase in vector borne disease, gastroenteritis, influenza and Influenza Like Illnesses as well as trauma. As a result, there is an increase in waiting times as most public health facilities will be seeing increased numbers of patients. Dengue Fever is a big...

Mr. Speaker, I rise to give an update to this honourable house and the nation on the current and ongoing challenge of the Dengue Outbreak that the country faces. This honourable house will recall, Mr. Speaker, that the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) has declared a pandemic in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, with more than 2 Million cases and...

The Intervention Mr. Speaker, health, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is not only the absence of disease and infirmity, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. It is against this background, that I am tabling today four Ministry Papers that reflect the progress of this Administration’s vision and strategic and operational direction for public...

Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness.

Mr. Speaker, on January 3 (2019), the Ministry of Health confirmed that Jamaica had surpassed the epidemic threshold for dengue, based on the number of reported cases in December. In line with the section 16 (1) of the Public Health Act, a press conference was called and the nation immediately notified, based on available and verified data. In line with...