Director of the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) School of Nursing in Trinidad, Dr Oscar Ocho says nurses in the Caribbean are more academically qualified but cannot put the theory into practice, resulting in the need for a study on the impact of professionalisation on the profession. “We are churning out professional nurses who ...

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President Irfaan Ali on Saturday announced that his administration’s Georgetown transformation plan includes improving drainage, emphasising history and culture while promoting walking and riding rather than too many vehicles in the city. “All of these sectors and segments that we see the City evolving with will support a city that is people-centric, moving more towards ...

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be investigating claims that dust pollution at the incomplete Nooitgedacht access road exposes nearby residents to toxic material, EPA Executive Director, Kemraj Parsram said Tuesday. He told Demerara Waves Online News that his agency first learnt of the matter Tuesday and would first validate the claims and visit the ...

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced an almost US$50 million (GY$10 billion) cash-injection into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) so that contributors who have not met the required number of contributions could still receive payments. Addressing a National Assembly sitting for several hours, Dr Ali also announced a one-off US$960 cash grant (GY$200,000) to each ...

The test, authorized for use without a prescription, is for use by individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms and uses a nasal swab sample to deliver at-home results in approximately 15 minutes for COVID-19 and influenza (flu). The test detects proteins from both SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and influenza A and B (the viruses that causes flu).

This is the first over-the-counter (OTC) test that can detect influenza to be granted marketing authorization using a traditional premarket review pathway, which enables the test to be marketed in the absence of an applicable emergency use declaration. Other OTC flu/COVID tests are currently available under emergency use authorization.

“As we enter this year’s annual flu season with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 on many of our minds, our ability to detect these pathogens effectively and efficiently can be impactful on our daily lives. Today’s authorization expands the options for individuals with respiratory symptoms to receive information about their health from the comfort of their home,” said Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The FDA continues to take actions that support the development and availability of at-home tests for a variety of medical conditions.”

The test is for use by individuals 14 years or older taking and testing their own sample, or individuals 2 years and older with a sample taken and tested by an adult. The FDA reviewed data from a study of individuals with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza, which showed that this test correctly identified 99 percent of negative and 92 percent of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, 99.9 percent of negative Flu A and B samples, and 92.5 percent and 90.5 percent of positive Flu A and Flu B samples, respectively.

Validation data for the test was gathered through the Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP), a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx®) Tech program, in collaboration with the FDA. ITAP was launched in 2021 to accelerate test evaluation to support the FDA’s regulatory review and the availability of high-quality, accurate and reliable diagnostic tests to the public.

As with all rapid antigen tests, which generally have lower sensitivity than molecular tests, there is a risk of false negative test results. Individuals who test negative and continue to experience symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath may still have SARS-CoV-2, flu or another respiratory infection and should seek follow up care with their health care provider. Individuals who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 or flu should take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading the virus and should seek follow-up care with their physician or health care provider.

Along with this De Novo authorization, the FDA is establishing criteria called special controls that define the requirements related to labeling and performance testing. When met, the special controls, in combination with general controls, provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for tests of this type. This action also creates a new regulatory classification, which means that subsequent devices of the same type with the same intended use may go through the FDA’s less burdensome 510(k) pathway, whereby additional devices can obtain marketing clearance by demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device.

The post FDA authorizes marketing of first home flu and COVID-19 combination test outside of emergency use authorities appeared first on Caribbean News Global.

HCC will be spotlighting Caribbean NCD leaders leading up to the 4th UN High Level Meeting on NCDs (HLM4) to be held during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.

The HLM4 is a global milestone and stocktaking moment for the international NCD Community to pause and reflect on where we are and what needs to be done to accelerate action as we move towards achieving the 2030 SDGs.

Under the umbrella of the NCD Alliance, the global NCD civil society community will be galvanising over the next 12 months under the banner – Time to Lead. The NCDA Global Week of Action, 15-22 October 2024, will kick off this global campaign which calls on leaders worldwide to step forward and champion efforts to reduce the impact of NCDs on communities.

Despite uneven NCD progress regionally and globally, CARICOM has and continues to show tremendous leadership. Individuals and organisations have stepped up and shown bold unwavering leadership in their communities and countries.

As we look towards the HLM4, uniting around the theme – TIME TO LEAD, the HCC is seeking to recognise and showcase NCD champions – individuals and organisations who have shown exemplary leadership in NCD prevention and control in the Caribbean.

We are inviting our constituents to submit nominations of Caribbean NCD Leaders – individuals and organisations who you believe should be celebrated for their acts – small or large – which have changed the trajectory of the NCD response in your communities or countries.

Who is eligible to be an HCC Caribbean NCD Leader? Individuals (representing civil society, academia and the public sector) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the Caribbean.

How do you nominate Caribbean NCD Leaders? Use the google form to nominate the names of Individuals (representing civil society, academia and the public sector) or Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The google form includes a series of prompts including describing the reason you are nominating this person/organisation, 2-3 key contributions/achievements which merit recognition as a NCD Leader and submitting a quote from the nominee in response to this question: What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

The HCC looks forward to your submissions.

Submit Your Nomination Here

Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization

Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization is a non profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and communities through mentorship, youth development, and conflict resolution. Adults also receive individual motivational interviewing session where they gain self esteem and career goals to become more self sufficient. Many people can not afford therapy and they should not be deprived of that service. We all need someone who we can trust and be non judgemental to talk to.Read more
Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization Achievements

Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization (DCEO) stands at the forefront of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention, driving transformative change through innovative programs and personalized interventions. The organization’s targeted youth mentorship programs equip participants with critical life skills and knowledge, empowering them to embrace healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk of developing NCDs. Through comprehensive substance abuse counselling, DCEO addresses a leading risk factor for chronic illnesses, fostering recovery and overall wellness.

Additionally, DCEO integrates conflict resolution training to promote effective stress management, a cornerstone in preventing hypertension and related conditions. A cornerstone of its approach is Motivational Interviewing (MI), which supports individuals facing socioeconomic barriers in making sustainable lifestyle changes. By empowering participants to take ownership of their health decisions, MI significantly increases the likelihood of sustained improvements.

These initiatives underscore DCEO’s unwavering dedication to building healthier, more resilient communities while bridging the gap in health equity.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

Addressing socioeconomic inequalities: Lower income populations often face higher NCD risk due to limited access to healthy food, health care, and safe space for exercise. Policies that address these inequalities such as subsidies for healthy food, health education in schools .

Data collection and monitoring is also needed, there is a need for accurate and up to date health data.

Priscilla Prevost

Mrs. Priscilla Prevost, a Family Nurse Practitioner, has been a champion for NCD prevention and management since 1990.
Her prominence as a health professional in Dominica is evidenced by her passion for the wellbeing of people as she advocates for and provides services across the Public, Private and Civil Society sectors. She has worked tirelessly from 1990 when she coordinated the first health expo in Dominica in collaboration with ADRA to present as she conducts screening, self-management training and food demonstrations within communities and schools on the island.

Read moreNurse Prevost connects with the wider population with a weekly radio Healthy Living Broadcast and Morning Breakfast Show along with health tips five days per alternate week.

She is a strong supporter of Dominica Diabetes Association and the Dominica Cancer Society and serves as Health Director for the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Adventists for Barbados and Dominica.

Priscilla Prevost Achievements

In 1995, Mrs Prevost conducted a six-week programme titled “Lifestyle Intervention for Chronic Disease” in all the communities within the St. Joseph Health District. For this she received a nutrition award from CFNI (Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute)

In 2001 she launched the Healthy Lifestyle and corporate Wellness Services, a private business aimed to identify and reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

1n 2003 she began an employee wellness programme with utility companies and banks in Dominica. Where 75-80% of staff were screened annually until 2017. The companies concerned attributed a decrease in absenteeism and increased staff morale as positive outcomes of the programme.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

At the 75th World Assembly in 2022 member states adopted new recommendations for prevention and management of obesity and endorsed the WHO accelerated plan to stop obesity (WHO,2022).

Obesity, a disease as well as a risk factor, is one of the major contributing factors to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is noticeable that enough is not being done from a policy maker and also from a service delivery standpoint. I am therefore strongly recommending that accelerated action be taken to develop policies prohibiting the promotion and sale of unhealthy foods on and around school compounds and at school sponsored events.

Additionally, policies regarding the creation or allocation of safe spaces for physical activity in every community should be prioritized.

Abi Begho

Abi Begho is an inspirational leader in public health and the founder and director of Lake Health and Wellbeing, a public health NGO in St. Kitts and Nevis. Abi is a fearless advocate who has amplified the voices of vulnerable groups, ensuring they are heard and supported. Among her many accomplishments, she: spearheaded the SKN Disability Working Group, advocating for greater inclusivity across all sectors, launched the EmpowHer program to empower women living with chronic diseases, and developed the Menstrual Health Education program to equip young girls with essential knowledge about their periods and how to identify signs of reproductive conditions such as fibroids.

Read more

Some of Abi’s Achievements

• Created the opportunity for the youth perspective to be integrated into the public health space through the Youth Health Advocates program.
• Created the You’re Sweet Enough Campaign which has garnered local, regional, and international attention and awareness of the need for sugar-sweetened beverage policies, school nutrition policies, and front of package warning labels.
• Spearheaded the creation of the St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance and its recent full membership with the global NCD Alliance.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritising to accelerate action on NCDs?

NCDs are the leading cause of death in the Caribbean, and urgent action is needed from CARICOM leaders. We urge our leaders to unite to accelerate the development and implementation of policies that focus on preventing, detecting, and managing NCDs. Prevention offers the greatest potential for impact, so we call on all CARICOM leaders to focus on healthy food policies, (such as SSB taxes, trans fat elimination, salt reduction and front-of-package labelling), promoting physical activity, tackling pollution and expanding NCD screening. Our leaders must make health a priority to avoid the premature loss of our loved ones from preventable NCDs.

Breast Friends

A very long time ago Carolyn Aziz had a dream. Long before the word Cancer was actually mentioned in polite conversation, she was afflicted with breast cancer. She advocated single handedly and brought others on board.  She wanted to share her story so that others would understand that there was no shame in having Cancer and to let others know that fear could only kill.

At the time, it was a diagnosis associated with doom and gloom. She wanted to change that for Antiguans. She wanted to share a message of hope.

She continued as long as she could and laid the foundation. Then Ms. Bird joined the fight.

Read moreToday Breast Friends (Women in Touch ) has led the way. When no one was organizing talks about cancer, they were.  When no one cared to care, they did. When there was little money to be made by the pharmaceutical world in this part of the world, Breast Friends walked, Breast Friends talked.

Breast Friends also helped neighbouring Anguilla and Montserrat. When politicians were not talking about Cancer but were lobbying for NCDs thanks to the Nassau and P.O.S declarations, Breast Friends were advocating.

So you see, for Breast Friends it wasn’t a fad, it wasn’t a fate, it wasn’t just an October month fashion. T’was a group of women along with their families helping to change the stereotype, one small step at a time.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

• Caricom leaders must prioritize the war on tobacco and Green spaces (safe and clean). Incentivize exercise in the workplace. Antigua has exercises in the 39ers Square at the Ministry of Health three times weekly for free. In Dominica, the public workday was made shorter to facilitate those who want to exercise.
• Advertisements are needed to promote less alcohol abuse and encourage  eating ground provisions and healthy foods as part of a healthy diet. 
• Stress and psychosocial determinants of Health must be taken more seriously. 

Together we can,  Together we will!

Professor Rohan Maharaj

Professor Maharaj is a beacon in research, medical education and scholarly research in the areas of NCDs, Alcohol reduction, Mental Health Issues and many others. He has contributed immensely during the last 20 years to the sensitisation and education of the population on the harmful effects of alcohol and has lobbied tirelessly for its regulation and control in order to reduce the burden on NCDs. He has provided yeoman clinical services in both the public and private sectors in relation to health promotion, NCD prevention and treatment of NCDs. He is currently an active member of the HCC and led the local efforts for the 2023 Caribbean Alcohol Reduction Day. He is on the cusp of publishing his latest book entitled Rum Songs and Other Alcohol Issues in the English Speaking Caribbean.

Read more
Dr Professor Maharaj’s Achievements

1. Prolific researcher on NCDs and other risk factors associated with NCDs
2. Principal Investigator of ECHORN- Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network
   with NCD publications on Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and T2D diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean, Risk factors for household food insecurity in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network cohort study and Egocentric Health Networks and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the ECHORN Cohort Study.
3. Key actor in the quest for alcohol regulation locally and regionally.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

Alcohol contributes to cardiovascular disease through its effect of elevating blood pressure, and pericardial disease among others; alcohol is a Class I carcinogen, alcohol contributes to breast, liver, and oropharyngeal cancers; alcohol contributes to mental health issues and is often a co-diagnosis to bipolar, personality and mood disorders. CARICOM and regional governments recognize the fact that alcohol contributes to NCDs. Yet there has been little effort to address this. The WHO recommends 3 ‘Best Buys’ (simple, acceptable, and cost-effective interventions) to tackle alcohol in under-resourced settings- 1. Ban the marketing and advertising of alcohol and its products; 2. Implement price measures, such as taxation, Minimum Unit Pricing, and linking alcohol prices to inflation; and 3. Addressing availability, such as hours of sale and outlet density.

CARICOM policymakers should be working in these areas to reduce the harmful impact of alcohol on our Caribbean communities.

Dr. Asante Le Blanc

Dr, LeBlanc is an exceptional and dedicated leader in public health. As the former Chairman and current Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, Dr. Le Blanc has led with vision and impact, steering initiatives focused on cancer prevention and education. Her commitment to public education has been pivotal in raising awareness about the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases, especially cancer. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to make a significant difference in empowering individuals and communities to make healthier choices for long-term well-being.

Read more

Dr Le Blanc’s Achievements

Dr. Asante Le Blanc merits recognition as an NCD Leader for her impactful work in two key areas. First, she spearheaded the implementation of an Anti-Smoking/Vaping Campaign in high schools nationwide, educating youth on the harmful effects of these habits. Her efforts aim to reduce the early adoption of smoking and vaping, fostering healthier future generations. Secondly, through the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, Dr. Le Blanc works closely with patients and survivors, empowering them to advocate for early detection. This initiative not only provides emotional support but also inspires others to undergo screening, promoting early diagnosis and better outcomes.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

Dr. Asante Le Blanc merits recognition as an NCD Leader for her impactful work in two key areas. First, she spearheaded the implementation of an Anti-Smoking/Vaping Campaign in high schools nationwide, educating youth on the harmful effects of these habits. Her efforts aim to reduce the early adoption of smoking and vaping, fostering healthier future generations. Secondly, through the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, Dr. Le Blanc works closely with patients and survivors, empowering them to advocate for early detection. This initiative not only provides emotional support but also inspires others to undergo screening, promoting early diagnosis and better outcomes.

CARICOM policymakers should prioritize three key areas to accelerate action on NCDs;

• Strengthening Public Education and Prevention Campaigns Greater emphasis is needed on awareness campaigns, particularly targeting youth, to promote healthy lifestyle choices and reduce risk factors such as smoking, vaping, poor nutrition, and inactivity.
• Expanding Access to Screening and Early Detection Services Policymakers must invest in accessible, affordable screening programs to enable early diagnosis and timely intervention, improving health outcomes for chronic diseases like cancer.
• Implementing Stronger Policy Frameworks and Regulations. This includes enacting stricter tobacco and sugary drink regulations, promoting healthy school environments, and ensuring that health policies are integrated across all sectors for a whole-of-society approach

The post Caribbean NCD Leaders Spotlight appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

One Communications, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and several non-governmental organisations, collectively referred to as Champions of Hope, officially launched Pinktober 2024 on Friday, continuing its mission to raise awareness and support for cancer fighters and survivors across Guyana, the company said. Speaking at the launch event themed ‘Many Hearts, One Fight,’ Ian ...

Barbados has recorded its first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that “a child less than 15-year-old residing in Bagatelle, St Thomas” tested positive for the virus last month and is still under care and recovering.

The WHO made the disclosure in a post in its Disease Outbreak News on Thursday, assuring that the overall risk to public health is “low”. Based on available information so far, it has not recommended any restrictions on travel and/or trade for Barbados.

WNV is a mosquito-borne virus that causes disease in humans, horses, and birds. It spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it can make people sick and even cause death.

“This is the first human case of WNV infection detected in Barbados. Additionally, no infections have been previously documented in birds or horses in this country, making this case both unusual and unexpected,” the WHO said.

“However, the WNV has spread throughout the Caribbean, likely via infected migratory birds. It is possible that the virus is circulating in birds and horses undetected. Despite this, the overall impact on public health remains limited at this stage, as there is currently only one recorded human case and appropriate public health response measures have been implemented. WHO considers the current risk from WNV as low but will continue to evaluate the epidemiological situation in Barbados.”

According to the post, the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point (NFP) for Barbados notified WHO on September 13 of the confirmed infection.

Giving the details of the case, the WHO said that on June 10, the patient reported the onset of symptoms including headache, fever, vomiting, neck pain and painful knees, and visited a private clinic four days later. A test for dengue conducted on the same day was negative.

The patient was hospitalised on June 16 due to worsening of signs and symptoms, including joint pain, abdominal pain, altered mental status, and slurred speech. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis returned negative results for some bacterial and viral pathogens. Despite treatment, the patient’s condition worsened.

On September 3, blood samples were collected and sent to the Mayo Clinic in the United States for WNV testing. The presence of WNV antibodies was confirmed the following day.

“The patient is still under care and recovering,” the WHO said.

The child had reported visiting a horse stable in February and a beach frequented by horses on June 8, two days before symptom onset.

“Although these exposures to horses were considered risk factors for WNV infection, the precise source of infection remains unspecified,” the WHO said.

After confirmation of the case, the WHO said health authorities in Barbados conducted interviews with the patient’s parents to investigate risk factors such as exposure to animals known to carry WNV, recent travel history, and other relevant factors; and implemented ongoing epidemiological surveillance and testing to ensure no further cases are missed and to evaluate the potential risk of local transmission in the area.

“No other suspected cases of WNV were identified, but public health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely,” it said.

“The risk of international dissemination of WNV from Barbados is low. The virus is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, with birds as the natural hosts. There is no evidence to suggest that WNV spreads easily between humans or from horses to mosquitoes. Therefore, the potential for widespread international transmission remains low.”

Symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people.

The post Child is Barbados’ first human case of West Nile Virus appeared first on Barbados Today.