One of three firemen, who were injured while battling the blaze that destroyed Mae’s School in Subryanville, Georgetown, died Saturday night at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), prompting claims by his family of hospital negligence. Voshaun Manbodh (1871), 27, was injured on February 5 when the burning structure collapsed on him and two other ...

The primary health centers of Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Francisco de Macorís, Baní, and San Cristóbal report many respiratory conditions.

Influenza, syncytial influenza, adenovirus, and COVID-19 are some of the respiratory viruses affecting the country in the last four weeks, leading to increased consultations and emergencies reported by health centers. The epidemiological report issued by the Ministry of Public Health indicates that the circulation of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09, influenza A (H3N2), Adenovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and parainfluenza has been reported in week eight. So far this year, respiratory syncytial viruses, influenza B Victoria, and metapneumovirus 1, 2, and 3 have circulated, so Public Health assures that it continues with surveillance in monitoring these viruses.

Official surveillance

The Ministry of Health asked the population to go to the vaccination centers. Recently, there has been a latent threat with the virus that spreads against measles; the recommendation is to get vaccinated. Vaccines have saved millions of lives. In the case of the flu, it does not prevent it, but people do not complicate themselves with the severity and deaths. For this reason, it urges parents and guardians to update their children’s vaccination schedules, which contributes to preserving children’s health and preventing the circulation of measles viruses in the country. Public Health said that the government country has more than 1,400 vaccination posts distributed nationwide, offering all the vaccines of the official scheme free of charge. These immunizations are available as a tool to prevent disease.

The country’s measles vaccines are available in two doses: the first at 12 months of age, along with rubella and mumps vaccines, and the second booster dose at 18 months. The entity highlights the importance of children at this age receiving their vaccines according to the established schedule.

Primary Care

Vaccination corresponds to Primary Care, so vaccination posts are located in the First Level Care Centers (CPNA), diagnostic centers, Children’s Hospitals, maternity hospitals, subcenters, Primary Care Units (UNAP), dispensaries, medical offices, the Health City, the Plaza de la Salud General Hospital, some private clinics, Profamilia, and the Santo Domingo Health Center.

In response to the call of the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen prevention measures due to the increase in measles cases in the region, the ministry has intensified epidemiological surveillance in ports  and airports

The government is on the cusp of completing a purpose-built geriatric hospital, with Senior Minister Dr William Duguid confirming that the project remains firmly on track for completion this year. The facility, intended to revolutionise elderly care, is part of a broader effort to address the needs of the nation’s ageing population.

Providing an update during the closing session of the Estimates debate on Friday, Dr Duguid detailed the significant progress made across various sections of the facility, highlighting that the ambitious project remains on schedule.

“Barbados will have a purpose-built geriatric hospital for its people,” he said. “We are making significant construction progress on this facility, and we are on target to have it completed this year,” he said. “The west wing is moving at pace, with slicking and priming completed on all floors. The first coat of paint is already being applied to the ground and first floors, and the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems is nearing completion.”

The new geriatric hospital offers a modern, well-equipped environment tailored to meet the needs of the nation’s ageing population. In March 2023, during a groundbreaking ceremony to officially start construction of the Waterford, St Michael facility, officials announced that the project would be completed in just under two years at a cost of $1.307 million for phase one of the project. No projections were given for the cost of phase two of the three-storey state-of-the-art facility.

During the first phase of construction – the main hospital building – 300 beds and ten lounges were built, along with two treatment rooms per floor, a rehabilitation unit outfitted with a gym and pool for therapeutic services, a daycare facility, staff offices, amenities, and ancillary services. Phase two focused on another 105 bedrooms and six lounges. 

He further outlined the advancements in other critical areas of the hospital, noting that exterior lighting and fixtures are being installed, while the administration core is progressing rapidly. “Slicking and priming of walls in the administration section are underway, and preparation for similar work is happening in the south wing. Kitchen drains are being installed, and the final portion of the ground floor slab is being prepared for casting,” he explained. “Construction and plastering of internal block work are ongoing on all floors.”

The minister emphasised that significant strides had also been made on other integral components of the hospital, including the annex, chapel, central plant, and generator building. “In the annex, slicking and priming are ongoing on all floors, while the superstructure and internal block work construction have been completed, with plastering nearing completion. Over at the chapel, the installation of the standing seam roof sheeting is in progress, and the interior finishing is well advanced,” Dr Duguid added.

The mechanical infrastructure, which is crucial to the hospital’s operational efficiency, has also seen notable headway. “The chillers have been placed on the concrete plinths in the chiller yard, with connections being made for chilled water pipes,” he said. “Installation of equipment in the pump room and central plant is progressing at speed. Meanwhile, the generator building’s structure has been completed, and interior and exterior painting is underway.”

Dr Duguid also highlighted key developments in the hospital’s surrounding infrastructure, stating that work on the main road and sidewalks is substantially complete. “We have finished cutting the wall and installing the sidewalk, while work on the internal access road and drainage installation is ongoing. Ninety per cent of the walkway along Waterford Main Road has already been cast, and we are now reinforcing the remaining portion.”

With nearly all trenches for the chilled water pipes dug and connections completed, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to seeing the project through to completion. 

(SZB)

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PAHO Director Underscores the Need to Address Public Health Challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean and Proposes Innovative Solutions

Cristina Mitchell

5 Mar 2025

FORMER DEPUTY Premier of the British Virgin Islands and physician, Dr Kedrick D. Pickering, offers an intimate exploration of his medical journey intertwined with his faith, in his book titled Walk In Faith and Medicine. An international best-...

Nine Latin American and Caribbean countries intensify efforts to curb obesity with PAHO support

Cristina Mitchell

4 Mar 2025

March 4 is recognised as World Obesity Day, with the theme “Changing Systems: Healthier Lives.” This theme is a significant call to action for governments, healthcare institutions, and communities to confront one of our time’s most critical health challenges. Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic, and the Caribbean region is not exempt from its impact.

Despite positive developments, the region continues to face considerable obstacles in reversing trends that place millions at risk for the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. To create a meaningful and lasting impact on public health, we must assess where we are today, celebrate our achievements, and strategically reinforce our systems.

The Caribbean’s Chronic Struggle with Obesity

Obesity has been rising at an alarming rate in the Caribbean, with many countries in the region experiencing a sharp increase in persons living with overweight and obesity across all age groups. According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), over 50% of adults in the region are categorized as  overweight or obese, and childhood obesity has more than doubled in the last three decades. As of 2022, 8.6% of children under five in Latin America and the Caribbean were overweight, surpassing the global average of 5.6%. This trend has been escalating, with the region experiencing a 1.2 percentage point increase between 2012 and 2022, compared to a 0.1 percentage point rise globally. The burden of obesity-related illnesses continues to strain our fragile healthcare systems, reducing productivity and increasing premature mortality.

This surge in obesity is attributed to several factors, including the widespread availability of ultra-processed products, decreased physical activity (PA), and socioeconomic disparities that limit access to healthy food options and safe recreational spaces. These elements contribute to obesogenic environments, particularly in urban areas where more than 81% of the population resides. Despite these challenges, there are some promising efforts.

Signs of Progress: The Good Things We’re Seeing

Several Caribbean nations, NGOs, and health agencies have launched initiatives to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. Among these successes:

School Nutrition Policies

• In 2022, Barbados approved the National School Nutrition Policy (NSNP), representing a significant advancement in efforts to combat childhood obesity. The subsequent launch of this policy in 2023 demonstrates the island’s commitment to implementing structured nutritional guidelines within educational institutions. Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago (2017) implemented a ban on the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages in primary and secondary schools. These frameworks enhance the nutritional quality of school meals by establishing dietary guidelines. Many other countries like Jamaica and Grenada are pursuing similar policies as advocates continue to seek a better Caribbean food environment. By integrating nutrition-focused policies within educational settings, these initiatives aim to instill lifelong healthy eating habits from an early age.

Increased Awareness Campaigns

• Governments and NGOs have intensified their public health campaigns to raise awareness about obesity and the vital benefits of active living. Leveraging social media, television, and community outreach, these initiatives are reshaping health perspectives across the region. Notably, Jamaica’s Jamaica Moves Campaign, launched in 2017, Dominica’s Fit for Life Campaign, which began in 2020 and the 2024 Caribbean Moves initiative stand as powerful testament to this commitment, effectively encouraging citizens to embrace regular PA, nutritious eating habits, and routine health screenings.

Legislation and Advertising

• The Caribbean has been slow to adopt clear food labelling and strict regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods targeted at children. Nevertheless, some member states have taken significant steps in this area. Barbados, for instance, introduced a 10% excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in 2015, and increased it to 20% in 2022, to decrease consumption and encourage healthier choices. Following suit, Jamaica and Grenada established the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Restrictions in Schools in 2019 and 2020 respectively, which imposed limits on the sugar content of beverages available in educational institutions, promoting the adoption of healthier alternatives.

Community-Based Wellness Initiatives

• The rise of community-driven wellness programs has encouraged participation in healthier habits at the local and national levels. Saint Lucia’s National Physical Activity Program (2017) encourages exercise through community fitness sessions and the development of walking trails. The Bahamas’ Healthy Lifestyles Initiative (2018) enhances this effort by offering nutrition workshops, fitness classes, and community gardens to improve access to healthy food. Additionally, the Medical Benefits Scheme of Antigua and Barbuda implements community-based events that aim to raise awareness regarding NCDs while providing opportunities for increased levels of physical activity (PA). Ultimately seeking to promote informed health choices and enhance the overall well-being of communities.

Multilateral Agencies, NGOs, and Government Partnerships

• Obesity prevention in the Caribbean has progressed due to the collaboration of governments, NGOs, and international agencies. From the Healthy Caribbean Coalition’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Action Plan (2017-2021) which has been instrumental in engaging civil society to address this health issue and the CARPHA Six-Point Policy Package in 2019. To the Creative Play Initiative in Barbados (2024), developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which promotes PA in schools. These and other programs such as the Reversing the Rise in Childhood Obesity Project (2017-2020) in Saint Lucia and Grenada have focused on reducing obesogenic environments through policy reforms and educational efforts, encouraging healthier choices in communities. While progress has been made, continued investment in preventative strategies remains crucial to reversing obesity trends in the region.

Strengthening Our Systems for Greater Impact

For the Caribbean to see a significant and lasting reduction in obesity rates, we must move beyond isolated programs and create sustainable frameworks that integrate health into every aspect of society. Here’s how we can strengthen our systems:

1. Enhancing Policy Implementation and Enforcement – Policies like school nutrition policy  must be enforced strictly, with harsh penalties for non-compliance, in addition to being adopted. Taxing sugar-sweetened drinks and offering subsidies for locally grown, fresh fruit are two bold measures that governments must adopt. This two-pronged strategy will enable communities to make better decisions and ensure that everyone has access to wholesome food.
2. Strengthening Primary Healthcare Systems – Prevention and management must become the cornerstones of our primary healthcare systems if we are to effectively tackle obesity. We need to increase access to bariatric services, fund aggressive early intervention programs, and make large investments in nutrition counselling.
3. Integrating Physical Activity into Daily Life – Urban planning must prioritize the development of safe and inviting green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities. We should mandate daily physical education in schools and implement workplace wellness policies that actively encourage movement throughout the day. By embedding PA into our daily routines, we foster a culture of health and vitality.
4. Expanding Food Security and Access to Healthy Choices – The Caribbean must champion sustainable agriculture to reduce our reliance on imported processed foods. Strengthening partnerships among farmers (including young agripreneurs), manufacturers, retailers, and governments is essential to guarantee that nutritious foods are not only available but also affordable for all citizens. This collaborative effort will lay the groundwork for a healthier future.
5. Education and Behaviour Change – To effectively transform cultural attitudes toward food and PA, we must weave health education into the very fabric of school curricula. Launching powerful media campaigns that normalize balanced lifestyles, coupled with leveraging digital platforms to enhance health literacy, will profoundly influence societal norms and inspire meaningful behaviour change. Together, we can shift mindsets and create a healthier, more vibrant Caribbean.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The Caribbean stands at a defining moment in the fight against obesity. If we choose to maintain the status quo, we are inevitably heading toward skyrocketing healthcare costs and a significant decline in our quality of life. However, by investing in the strengthening of our systems today, we can pave the way for a healthier, more productive region for generations to come. Achieving this vision demands unwavering collaboration between governments, private sector leaders, and community organizations, all united in the pursuit of prioritizing health in every aspect of our lives.

As we commemorate World Obesity Day 2025, let us issue a powerful call to action for our leaders, healthcare professionals, and citizens to embrace real, systemic change. A healthier Caribbean is within our grasp, but it will only become a reality if we boldly take the necessary steps to fortify our systems and champion the well-being of our people. Together, we can transform our future and create a thriving Caribbean region.

Offniel Lamont is a public health advocate with Healthy Caribbean Coalition/Youth (HCC/HCY) and a registered physiotherapist (MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise & Health).

The post Strengthening Systems for Healthier Lives: Tackling Obesity in the Caribbean appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

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With fourteen (14) delegates, the Caribbean was well represented at the recent NCD Alliance Global Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda from 12-15 February 2025. The meeting was the largest yet, bringing together over 700 NCD advocates from across the globe united and moblising around the upcoming 4th UN High Level Meeting on NCDs to be held on 24 September, 2025 at the UNGA in NYC.

The HCC was represented by Vice President Debbie Chen (also CEO of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica); Board Member, Charity Dublin (also Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association and HCY member); Executive Director Maisha Hutton, Advocacy Officer and Lead of Healthy Caribbean Youth, Danielle Walwyn; Project Assistant and HCY Member Dorial Quintyne; HCY Member Simone Mathews; HCC Technical Advisor (and Co-Chair of the NCDA Supporters Group) Professor Alafia Samuels; HCC Technical Advisor Pierre Cooke Jnr; and member of the HCC PLWNCDs High-level Advisory Group (and member of NCDA OVOV) Diana Gittens.

HCC members from across the region were also out in full force including: Trinidad and Tobago NCD Alliance represented by Dr. Andrew Dhanoo (President Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago) and Jessica Johns (President of Trinidad and Tobago Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians); Maria O’Brien (Director, Mindwise TT and Voices of SIDS lead); Michele Baker representing the St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance/ Lake Health and Wellbeing (also Policy Coordinator at the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) and HCY member); and UNICEF youth activist Jamaica, Cavan Lewis.

The HCC/ Caribbean contingent coordinated, hosted, or participated in a number of sessions including: the Youth pre-meeting, the Our Views Our Voices pre-meeting, Caribbean Civil Society pre-meeting, plenary sessions, a Commercial Determinants of Health/Conflict of Interest session, Roche session launching the East Africa NCD Framework, World Diabetes Session session dedicated to spotlighting civil society contributions to NCD responses, World Obesity Federation session focused on mobilizing change to address obesity and many others.

HCY members participated in the preparation and dissemination of the Kigali Youth Declaration. All are invited to show their support for the NCDA Alliance’s Call to Lead and the Kigali Youth Declaration.

Enjoy our photo gallery below.

The post HCC at the NCD Alliance Global Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, 12-15 February 2025 appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.