SADO and its partners will commence their awareness campaign on 1 September 2025, culminating on 1 November 2025, with the annual walk from Hermitage to Progress Park

View the full post SADO launches 2025 Cancer Awareness Campaign on NOW Grenada.

Health authorities on Monday intensified calls for vigilance in Barbados amid regional outbreaks of chikungunya and new Oropouche virus cases, warning that the country’s tropical conditions leave it vulnerable despite no current outbreaks here.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) on Friday called for reinforcement of surveillance, clinical management, and vector control to tackle these outbreaks across the Americas. PAHO cautioned that the simultaneous presence of these and other arboviruses increases the risk of outbreaks, severe complications, and fatalities among vulnerable populations.

While Barbadian health officials are assuring the country that there is no outbreak of any of these or other viral diseases, the Ministry of Health says Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and Oropouche are of particular concern.

 “The diseases of concern to the ministry are Zika, chikungunya, and Oropouche, in addition to dengue fever. We recently reported to PAHO regarding cases of chikungunya in Barbados. We had 14 confirmed cases in 2024, and so far this year, we have had six confirmed cases,” Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George told Barbados TODAY.

Dr George said that although chikungunya is transmitted via the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and its symptoms are similar to those of dengue fever, there is a difference in the outcome.

The chief medical officer explained that chikungunya has a longer effect that persists for months after the infection has cleared.

The government’s top public health adviser pointed out that the levels of chikungunya remain low, with only six cases reported this year. He said the health ministry would carry out chikungunya and Zika screening if tests for dengue fever prove negative. 

“If we are receiving negative dengue cases, and persons are presenting with symptoms of mosquito-borne illness, we then do a wider screen for Zika, chikungunya and other viral agents,” he explained.

Dr George added: “We have not had any reported cases of Zika for several years. Remember, Zika is the infection that presents similarly to dengue, but is a cause for concern because it can affect pregnant women, leading to some form of birth defect. But there are no cases of Zika in Barbados for the past five years.”

Noting that the country experiences intermittent cases of chikungunya, he said the Ministry of Health will continue to conduct tests.

“We know that the vector Aedes aegypti mosquito is present … in Barbados,” the chief medical officer said. “Dengue is endemic in Barbados. We have always had dengue fever, but there is no outbreak of dengue on island at the moment.”

But, Dr George cautioned residents against becoming complacent: “Barbadians still need to play their part, not only in protecting themselves but in ensuring that breeding areas close to their properties are eliminated.”

On the Oropouche virus, which can be transmitted by sand flies, the top public health expert revealed that Barbados has not had any new cases for over a year and a half. But Barbadians can have confidence in the country’s surveillance system, he said.

“We have a strong surveillance system in Barbados that captures prevailing illnesses within the population. Our data suggests there is no Oropouche, so I have to believe it,” he declared.

According to a new epidemiological alert from PAHO, the largest chikungunya outbreaks have been concentrated in South America—particularly Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay—and in parts of the Caribbean. These are associated with the Asian and East/Central/South African (ECSA) genotypes, marking a shift in the pattern observed since 2014. Cases reported in the Indian Ocean region, Europe, and Asia also raise the risk of reintroduction and further spread into new areas with conditions conducive to transmission.

PAHO reports that as of August 9, 14 countries in the region reported a total of 212 029 suspected chikungunya cases and 110 deaths, with more than 97 per cent occurring in South America.

 In comparison, 2024 saw 431 417 reported cases and 245 deaths—indicating a decline this year, though localised outbreaks remain active.

In the first seven months of the year, over 12 700 confirmed Oropouche cases have been reported in 11 countries, including indigenous cases in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela which were not attributed to travellers.

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

The post Health authorities urge vigilance as region battles mosquito-borne viruses appeared first on Barbados Today.

The Metropolitan Hospital of Santiago (HOMS) and the Centers for Diagnostics, Advanced Medicine, and Telemedicine (Cedimat) made history by introducing the MagDI System for bariatric surgery against obesity. It is a milestone in bariatric and metabolic surgery in the Dominican Republic.

HOMS, together with its Digestive, Bariatric, and Precision Surgery Institute, and in collaboration with Jenner Dominicana, performed the first Magnetic Bariatric Surgery in the Dominican Republic, Central America, and the Caribbean, consolidating its position as a regional benchmark in surgical innovation.

For the first time

Magnetic bariatric surgery, performed at Homs and Cedimat, is a hybrid procedure that creates a partial bypass of the small intestine (between the duodenum and ileum) by placing a magnet endoscopically in the duodenum and another laparoscopically in the ileum.

These magnets attract each other to form an anastomosis, which allows for a faster recovery with less pain, no blood loss, and a lower risk.

In Santiago, the procedure was attended by Rafael Sánchez Español, General Director and bariatric surgeon; Héctor Sánchez Navarro, Head of Robotic and Bariatric Surgery; and James Hamilton, Director of Innovation and Quality.

This team had the honor of welcoming Michel Gagner, a Canadian pioneer in bariatric surgery and creator of the MagDI technique used in this procedure. Also present were Brígida Navarro, gastroenterologist and director of the Center for Digestive Studies, and Luis Peralta.

From Cedimat

In its press release, the company states that it has consolidated its leadership in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes with the introduction of the revolutionary MagDI system, a minimally invasive bariatric and metabolic technique that marks a significant milestone in Dominican medicine. This advancement was presented by Dr. Luis Alfredo Betances, director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program at CEDIMAT, along with Dr. Michel Garnier (creator of the technology) at the Bariatric Institute.

During the nationwide relaunch of the “Let’s Beat Dengue” campaign, under the slogan “Eliminate, Clean, and Cover,” the Minister of Health emphasized that prevention efforts have allowed the country to be recognized as a leader in disease control.

He also affirmed that the achievements in the fight against dengue are the result of coordinated efforts with the Provincial Directorates and Health Areas (DPS/DAS), as well as the active participation of communities. He specified that the campaign will have a renewed focus on education and the control of mosquito breeding sites.

“We have demonstrated that prevention works. The country today shows encouraging figures that reflect the dedication of our personnel and the commitment to protecting the health of the Dominican people. Now we will redouble our efforts to sustain and expand this success, and continue winning the battle against dengue,” Atallah stated.

The campaign was launched simultaneously in all DPS/DAS (Dental Health Departments). 

According to data from the Epidemiology Directorate, between epidemiological weeks 1 and 32 of this year, 171 confirmed cases were reported, compared to the 1,110 cases recorded in the same period in 2024, reflecting a reduction of more than 85%.

The trend in dengue fever over the past four weeks has also shown a downward trend, with EW 32 having the lowest number of cases, with only one confirmed report.

Juan Manuel Méndez García, executive director of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), stated that the campaign has a positive impact, emphasizing that prevention is a fundamental pillar in the effort to protect the population.

He also stated that the COE is joining these actions, reinforcing its commitment to working together to ensure the well-being of citizens.

 Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ancell Shecker, Vice Minister of Technical and Pedagogical Affairs of the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education (MINERD), emphasized that health and education are national causes and that it is everyone’s responsibility to work on disease prevention. Therefore, today, the Ministry of Education is joining the “Let’s Beat Dengue” campaign.

The Dominican Republic was recognized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for its effective management of dengue fever, particularly in 2024, when the country was named a regional leader in disease control amid a rise in cases in other nations.

As part of the campaign, educational workshops, community operations to eliminate breeding sites, targeted fumigations, junk removal, distribution of informational materials, and distribution of abate (larvicide), in addition to providing guidance to the population, will continue to be carried out with the goal of keeping the disease under control.

Among the complementary initiatives is the National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Dengue, developed with the support of PAHO, which has prioritized social interventions.

Also present at the “Anti-Dengue Family” strategy, developed in coordination with the Ministry of Education and PAHO, is the “Anti-Dengue Family” strategy, which trains students and teachers to multiply preventive efforts in their communities.

The Ministry of Health reiterated that the key to defeating dengue lies in joint action between authorities and the population, urging continued implementation of preventive measures in homes and communities.

Present at the campaign relaunch were Edisson Feliz Feliz, director of the Metropolitan Regional Health Service, and Alba María Ropero Álvarez, representative of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

This year, 2025, is not an epidemic year, and if the country receives an award for control, it should be given to other countries on the continent that have better indicators. Rodríguez Monegro referred to the statements of the Minister of Public Health, Víctor Atallah, who stated that the Dominican Republic has recorded a 78% reduction in dengue cases, thanks to the work carried out by provincial and regional health departments. For the pediatrician and former director of the SNS, the reduction in dengue cases is not due to any implemented strategy; rather, 2025 is a non-epidemic year with a low incidence of the disease. “The decline in dengue cannot be attributed to official campaigns, since when there is a dengue prevention and control campaign, it is felt in the community,” he said.

What is happening in all countries of the Americas is that there is a significant reduction in the incidence of dengue, because this is a year of low incidence and possibly the next one as well, unlike 2022 and 2023, he explained.

Under the criteria used by the Dominican authorities, all of America should be declared champions in the fight against dengue.

Official position

The Ministry of Health called on citizens to join efforts to reduce dengue transmission. The Ministry of Health continues to strengthen vector control efforts to reduce dengue transmission in the country. It stated that mosquito breeding site elimination campaigns, community education on hygiene habits, and fumigation efforts have been intensified.

The Ministry also stated that it has implemented various actions as part of the National Dengue Plan, intending to reduce the incidence of this disease. It also said it has relaunched the “eliminate, clean, and cover” campaign. This week, data for week 33 were released.

Preventive measures against dengue include eliminating mosquito breeding sites (such as stagnant water in containers and tires), protecting against mosquito bites with repellent, and using mosquito nets over beds, doors, and windows.

Public Health urges people to visit the nearest health center if they experience symptoms such as a sudden high fever, severe headache (especially behind the eyes), muscle and joint pain (“breakbone fever”), nausea, vomiting, and a skin rash.

A confirmed case of dengue was reported this week, bringing the total number of cases to 174.

“Recent surveillance data indicate a significant increase in cases of acute respiratory infections, including a resurgence of Covid-19”

View the full post Rising respiratory illnesses in Grenada demand immediate action on NOW Grenada.

View the full post GHTA launches free prostate cancer screenings on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Grenada continues to strengthen healthcare ties with US partners on NOW Grenada.

A sharp increase in self-harm and attempted suicide among young girls marks a deepening mental health emergency, with a government expert sounding the alarm that the true scope of the problem remains hidden.

Dr Joy Sue, consultant psychiatrist at the Ministry of Health and based at the Psychiatric Hospital in Black Rock, warned on Wednesday that these issues may represent only the surface of a much wider crisis affecting the nation’s young people, as males remain largely absent from those seeking assistance.

She explained that one of the main reasons for this troubling mental health trend is the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is only now becoming apparent. 

“To tell you the truth, we have always seen a fair amount of cuttings, but it has increased. We had an increase in depressive anxiety [during COVID] for sure. And with that, we had an increase in persons who presented with cuttings and other forms of parasuicide or what we called self-harm, that is not necessarily meant to cause death.

“During COVID and post-COVID, those conditions increased. And the whole pandemic, and what came with the pandemic…meaning, the isolation, the online schooling, the lack of socialisation…we are only now seeing the fallout from that. Young people now have changed drastically from the way they behaved previously. I think a lot of it stems from that,” she said.

Addicted to devices

Dr Sue also addressed the addiction to mobile devices as a pressing mental health issue requiring intervention. 

She said: “There is a lot more of the digital world… It’s much more a part of their lives now. They are addicted to social media, and that can affect your self-esteem…. They are doing this social comparison thing…. For most people, it is something they put on, but social media is not real life. Or, they are getting bullied on social media. All of that is a part of it. They were isolated all of that time during COVID, they did not have the social support necessary, so they weren’t adapting.”

Extending her concern about social media’s pervasive influence, Dr Sue added: “Even lying down next to each other, people are on their devices.”

Silent struggle 

Dr Sue revealed that the majority of new clients she now sees are young people ranging from their early teens to age 35, further underlining how social and emotional challenges are affecting an entire generation.

She highlighted the importance of the home environment: “They didn’t just get depressed overnight. A lot of them have a lot of trauma dating back from childhood.”

Eating disorders and gender disparities

Eating disorders were flagged by Dr Sue as another disturbing trend, especially among young females seeking help. “You are going to have poor health outcomes later on. With all of these NCDs [non-communicable diseases] that we are talking about, it is going to put them at risk.”

The psychiatrist clarified that eating disorders are rarely the primary concern brought to her by clients, but emerge as a secondary diagnosis discovered during consultations: “They are not seeing me for eating on its own. So they usually are seeing me because of some kind of depressive anxiety. Eating habits is something that is a secondary diagnosis that is discovered when I speak to them, but not necessarily the reason why they are presenting.”

Asked about males turning up with eating disorders, Dr Sue noted: “You don’t get as many males presenting for depressive anxiety. That is from most females.

“There are a variety of reasons. The fact is that it is more common [for females] because of hormonal reasons. But that’s not the only reason. It could be cultural too. It is not that males aren’t experiencing that…but culturally, how ready females are to come forward and access services for something like that…which is not what the act says about males culturally. So, if males are going through something like that, culture says: ‘Suck it up, I am man, be strong;’ and perhaps because the males aren’t coming forward, we are not getting complaints from the males because they simply aren’t talking about it.”

This, she suggested, means the nation may be unaware of the true picture of mental health in Barbados, with women always more likely to seek help: “We are always trying to get to be the ones to come forward. A lot of emphasis is placed on males.”

Dr Sue emphasised the risks of men not seeking support: “The eating disorders in the men are associated with the other things that females also have. Don’t forget the males are the ones that are disproportionate by suicide as well. All those factors could contribute to increased risks, not only for NCDs, but for more severe mental health outcomes.”

Troubled home environments, missing girls

Touching on the possible link between mental health issues originating at home and the phenomenon of girls going missing, Dr Sue reflected on her work at the Government Industrial School (GIS) female section.

“The persons who were the perpetrators were [getting away] scot-free, while these girls were locked up. I always used to think this was foolishness. They are punishing them when they are victims and their rebellious behaviour is because of something that happened to them and those persons who did these things, they aren’t punished. 

“When they are finished with [the Government Industrial School], they got to go back into the same household because they don’t have anywhere else to go. They are back into the same problems that were never resolved. A vicious cycle.” 

emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb

The post Isolation driving surge in self-harm, anxiety among youth, says doc appeared first on Barbados Today.

By Michael Landl, Director of the World Vapers’ Alliance

Barbados has made impressive progress in reducing smoking rates—the lowest in the Caribbean region—but there is still work to do. The stark difference between men’s and women’s smoking rates shows that targeted, practical solutions could push smoking down even further. As the global tobacco control community prepares for COP11, Barbados has a unique chance to push for smarter policies that reflect real-world success and science.

Harm reduction offers an alternative to the traditional all-or-nothing approach. Instead of demanding everyone quit nicotine altogether, which many struggle to do, harm reduction provides safer options like vaping, nicotine pouches and heat-not-burn products. These alternatives avoid burning tobacco, which produces the harmful smoke that leads to cancer, heart disease, and other deadly illnesses. The science is clear: remove the smoke, reduce the harm.

Worldwide, places that have embraced harm reduction—like Sweden, the UK, New Zealand and Japan—have rapidly cut smoking rates. Millions of smokers have successfully switched to these safer choices. Yet, despite this evidence, global tobacco control institutions often dismiss harm reduction as unproven or risky, ignoring the voices of consumers and smaller countries whose needs differ from those of wealthier nations. Instead, large donors and entrenched interests dominate the agenda.

Barbados should not accept being overlooked. The country’s experience and perspective are vital. COP11 presents the chance to lead, demanding a working group focused on tobacco harm reduction, mirroring Barbados’s recent global leadership on biodiversity. This group would ensure ongoing, evidence-based discussions, allow like-minded countries to collaborate, and prevent one-size-fits-all policies that ignore science and real lives.

Supporting harm reduction means rejecting blanket bans on less harmful products, tailoring rules to reflect true risk, and insisting on transparent negotiations where consumers who have benefited from these tools are heard. Tobacco control must evolve to put outcomes over ideology.

Barbados already has strong tobacco control laws and a balanced approach to vaping regulation. Promoting cessation support and harm reduction will build on this foundation, saving lives and accelerating progress. With an already low smoking rate of 6.4%, Barbados can follow Sweden and become the next smoke-free nation.

Speaking up at COP11 will set Barbados apart as a leader among smaller countries demanding science, fairness, and inclusion in global policy. The world needs voices like Barbados’s that prioritise people over politics.

The global health community faces a crucial choice: resist change and prolong suffering, or embrace proven, compassionate strategies that reduce harm. Barbados can help tip the scale toward progress. This moment calls for courage and clarity. Barbados can show leadership by backing harm reduction and making sure its people have access to safer choices. The world is watching. Now is the time for Barbados to act.

The post Barbados can shape the future of tobacco control appeared first on Barbados Today.