Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader and Minister of Public Health Víctor Atallah, during a press event in New York, refuted false claims circulating on social media about an alleged rise in HIV and AIDS cases in the Dominican Republic. They emphasized that the situation is under control, with patients receiving proper monitoring and treatment.

Minister Atallah stated that the country’s comprehensive program includes diagnosis, follow-up, and free treatment for HIV patients. He highlighted that the Dominican Republic uses advanced diagnostic techniques to track treatment resistance, ensuring effective care.

Additionally, the National Council for HIV and AIDS (Conavihsida) dismissed rumors of a supposed doubling of HIV cases in La Altagracia province. Technical Manager Melvin Brioso clarified that new positive cases in the region account for just 45%, contradicting the misleading figures. Brioso also noted the progress made through over 80 comprehensive care centers across the country, emphasizing that being HIV positive is no longer a death sentence due to advances in medication and treatment.

Santo Domingo.- The United States and the Dominican Republic have partnered to co-chair the Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas (EHA). This partnership was formalized during a meeting between President Luis Abinader and José W. Fernández, U.S. Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment.

The EHA, an initiative launched by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the Ninth Summit of the Americas in June 2022, focuses on strengthening the supply chains for medical devices and pharmaceutical products. It also aims to identify best practices in these sectors, emphasizing the links between health industries and economic growth.

The Dominican Republic, represented by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and MSMEs (MICM), led by Víctor -Ito- Bisonó, will co-chair the EHA. This role solidifies the country’s position as a regional leader in exporting medical devices and expanding pharmaceutical production.

Santo Domingo – Iliana Carolina Espinal Marte, 35, says that her desire to improve her physical appearance through surgery ruined her life.

On June 12, she went to the San Lucas Medical Institute in Santo Domingo to undergo an abdominoplasty performed by surgeon Juan Stanley. However, what followed was a series of complications that have left her health in a critical state.

Espinal relates that after the operation, she was abandoned by the doctor and was left in the care of her sister, who had no medical knowledge. “The doctor left me alone,” she explained.

During the postoperative massages, she began to suffer fainting spells and noticed blisters appearing on her skin, which the surgeon described as “normal.” In addition, she began to see a foul odor coming from her body.

Subsequently, she contracted a bacterium leading to granulomas and four umbilical hernias. “They tore my life apart,” Espinal said, describing the physical and emotional impact of her situation.

“It really was terrible,” she said with tear-filled eyes as she recalled the worst moments. In addition, she complained that when she needed to be operated on again, Dr. Stanley demanded an additional payment. “It was such terrible pain that I thought I was going to have a heart attack,” she added.

Espinal said she has all the evidence of the difficult time.
Added to the health complications are the high costs of the treatments.

Espinal has had to receive blood transfusions and undergo hyperbaric chamber therapies.

In addition, she needs medication every 21 days, the cost of which amounts to 3,500 pesos, a figure she can no longer afford. “I would like to be taken into account, I no longer have the resources to continue to follow up,” she lamented.

Finally, Espinal called on the authorities to investigate the surgeon and the medical center, warning that she did not want other women to suffer the same experience. “I don’t want more women to go through what I have gone through,” she concluded.

Santo Domingo – In the Dominican Republic, 48 suspected cases were reported during the 36th epidemiological week, and no confirmed cases of the viral disease were confirmed. Likewise, there were nine deaths due to the disease and 31 deaths due to leptospirosis.

The new cases of dengue fever are geographically distributed as follows: 21% in Hermanas Mirabal, 19% in Barahona, and 15% in Santo Domingo. According to the Epidemiology report, 52% of the cases affected females in the 10 to 10 age group.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegyti mosquito. It is advised that mosquito breeding sites be avoided.

Suspected cases
As of epidemiological week 36, a total of 9,300 suspected cases have been reported, of which 1,089 have been confirmed for dengue. The National Public Health Reference Laboratory D has processed 8,307 dengue tests, of which 14% of the tests were positive. Among the positive samples, dengue-3 serotype was detected in 35%, while 64% corresponded to dengue-1 and dengue-2 serotypes. Of the suspected dengue cases, 84% have received care in health facilities, while 15% have been treated on an outpatient basis and 0.6% have been referred to other services.

The epidemiological surveillance system also recorded 729 cases of malaria and 384 cases of leptospirosis.

Santo Domingo – The Ministry of Public Health yesterday highlighted the challenge posed to health systems by dementias caused by various diseases and brain injuries, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common, representing between 60% and 70% of cases.

In view of this reality, he is developing a plan based on Law 352-98 and the “Dementia Response Plan in the Dominican Republic 2020-2025,” which focuses on improving the quality of life of people with dementia, their caregivers, and their family members.

The plan, explains the Ministry of Public Health, proposes four lines of action: strengthening public policies, promoting health and preventing dementia in the community, improving access to comprehensive care, and developing information and monitoring systems.

In addition, it emphasizes multisectoral collaboration and the promotion of human rights.

The details of the plan are contained in epidemiological bulletin number 36, released yesterday by the Ministry of Public Health. This bulletin highlights Alzheimer’s disease as a central issue of interest.

She says that dementia is a syndrome that causes memory loss, communication problems, and mood swings due to brain damage, which is progressive and requires care as it progresses.

Remember that, although there is no cure, early diagnosis and symptom management can improve quality of life.

Risk factors can be identified and modified to prevent cognitive decline.

Population ageing

It highlights that, in the Dominican Republic, the proportion of people over 60 has increased from 2.7% in 1950 to 6.1% in 2015 and is estimated to reach 15.2% by 2050.

It points out that the country’s population over 65 years of age grew from 3.7% in 1981 to 9.3% in 2014. Life expectancy has also increased, from 46.1 years between 1950 and 1955 to 71.0 years in 2010, and is expected to reach 79.6 years by 2050.

Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is a common form of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a progressive disease that begins with mild memory loss and can lead to an inability to hold a conversation and respond to the environment.

It highlights that in the Region of the Americas, more than 10 million people are living with dementia, and the number is estimated to double every 20 years, with Latin America and the Caribbean experiencing a significant increase from 3.4 million in 2010 to 7.6 million in 2030.

The Ministry of Public Health report highlights that, currently, more than 55 million people in the world live with dementia, and more than 60% of them are in low- and middle-income countries. Almost ten million new cases are registered every year.

Women are disproportionately affected, as they face higher rates of disability and mortality due to dementia, as well as performing 70% of the hours of care for those who suffer from it.

Dementias have a significant economic impact, with a global cost of $818 billion in 2015, and it is estimated that by 2030 they could exceed $1 trillion.

In the Caribbean, the cost of dementia increased by 18.2% between 2010 and 2015.

The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will be stepping up its mosquito reduction exercise by visiting six parishes this week.

On Monday the team will target areas in St John and St Philip. These include College Savannah with avenues, Fortescue, St Mark’s, Consent Bay, Blades Hill, and Three Houses.

The next day the following districts in St Michael, will be sprayed: Station Hill, Goodings Road with avenues, Bellevue Gap, and Deane’s Village.

The Unit will go into Christ Church on Wednesday and fog Parish Land, Thyme Bottom, Fairy Valley, and surrounding communities.

On Thursday the Unit will visit districts in St James and St Thomas. They are Bagatelle Terrace with avenues, Kew Road, Redmans Village, Hoyte’s Village, and environs.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude in Christ Church, on Friday, when the team goes into Coverley Drive, Coverley Stage 2, Coverley Gardens, Pilgrim Road, Pilgrim Palms, Pilgrim Place A and B, and neighbouring districts.

Fogging takes place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. daily. Householders are reminded to open their windows and doors to allow the spray to enter. Children should not be allowed to play in the spray.

Members of the public are advised that the completion of scheduled fogging activities may be affected by events beyond the Unit’s control. In such circumstances, the Unit will return to communities affected in the soonest possible time. (PR)

The post Vector Control Unit will visit 6 parishes this week appeared first on Barbados Today.

Punta Cana – Health care from the moment of myocardial infarction is an Achilles heel. However, the subject is not as obscure as it used to be. Specialists at the Dominican Society of Cardiology Congress in Punta Cana, Higüey, discussed this aspect.

In this scenario, the Minister of Public Health, Victor Atallah, and other physicians stated that deaths due to heart attacks continue to be the leading cause of death in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and therefore insisted that timely attention and timely intervention is the most important thing.

Atallah assured us that the National Health Network would solve part of the problem. “But we are better off. In the National Health Network we are going to reduce to less than two hours the time from when the symptom occurs, to receiving treatment,” he commented.

While participating in the Congress of the American College of Cardiology, which is taking place in Punta Cana, the doctor said that they are working with hospitals and the 9-1-1 Emergency System so that, through an application, the patient is received at the health center and attended to immediately.

Dr. Licurgo Cruz, governor of the Dominican Chapter of the American College of Cardiology, said that variables still allow for slow attention.

Among these, he cited the idiosyncrasy of the patient who self-medicates and seeks care late.

He valued the role of the 9-1-1 System in improving the situation and the availability of life-saving drugs.

Punta Cana – Dominican gastroenterologists and those from other countries will meet next week in Punta Cana to discuss an agenda full of scientific content. Dr. Claralí Almonte, president of the Dominican Society of Gastroenterology (SDG), announced this, saying it is her most important annual scientific activity.

The congress will be held from September 26 to 29 at the International Convention Center in Punta Cana.

The XXXII edition of the meeting is dedicated to Dr. Julio Camarena Trabous, a prominent Dominican gastroenterologist, professor, and past president of the SDG, who will be honored for his career.

Almonte said that the activity is international and will have as its motto “Integration in the approach to digestive pathologies.” It will bring together renowned national specialists and international guests to exchange experiences, approaches, and studies on the latest research related to gastroenterology and digestive pathologies.

They will also discuss training, updating, and growth strategies for gastroenterologists.

“The agenda to be developed in this congress has been prepared with a broad vision and a comprehensive approach adapted to the new times and aimed at responding to the great challenges of health and, especially, of gastroenterology,” said Dr. Almonte.

It is an exchange of experiences among the participants, said the doctor.

Santo Domingo.- The capital’s seafront will be closed to vehicles next Sunday, September 22, in celebration of World Car-Free Day, as announced by the National Institute of Transit and Land Transport (Intrant). This event is part of the 2024 National Sustainable Mobility Week, running from September 22 to 29, aimed at raising awareness among citizens and authorities about improving their quality of life through sustainable transportation choices.

Intrant’s CEO, Milton Morrison, urged the public to rethink their travel habits and work together toward more responsible and inclusive transportation options. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to foster change.

Now in its seventh edition, National Sustainable Mobility Week promotes the use of eco-friendly transport such as public transit, bicycles, and walking. It also highlights the benefits of the city’s Integrated Public Transport System, including the metro, cable car, and buses.

Residents in St Lucy are calling for a reduction in their water bills or a complete waiver, as they continue to experience worsening water quality.

Discoloured water, which has plagued the parish for weeks, leading to a rare boil water advisory, has led to public outcry, with many questioning why they should pay regular rates for substandard water.

Residents across the northern parish told Barbados TODAY of their frustration with the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) and the Ministry of Health, particularly after the recent advisory to boil tap water. The BWA said in an advisory on Wednesday that routine post-flood testing in various parts of the parish has shown an increased presence of brown water.

The water utility noted that it has been involved in a vigorous programme of mains replacement in the parish and is fully aware of the probability of infiltration of flood water into the distribution system.

It has responded to the problem by increasing chlorination, but residents argue that the water quality remains unacceptable. Many are calling for relief, with some stating that decades of poor water service have reached unbearable levels in recent weeks.

Sheryl Smith, a resident of Coles Cave, said: “That sewage tax should be off ever since and the water rate itself should be reduced. It’s not fair to people. I came to Barbados in 1974, I was born in England,  and the water we have now is far way worse. The water at that time was excellent. What is happening? What is the reason why we are not progressing?”

Smith noted that the water irritated her skin, forcing her household to buy bottled water at a significant cost. She explained that her family buys two cases of bottled water weekly at $37 per case, using the water primarily for consumption, while relying on water truck deliveries for other uses.

She said her family is forced to wear mostly dark clothing as the water stains lighter garments: “It stains the clothes no matter how much baking soda or [stain remover] you use, the stains do not come out.”

Other residents echoed Smith’s concerns. At a village shop, Crab Hill resident Haw Haw Graham argued that water bills should reflect the poor quality of service.

“We shouldn’t be paying for nothing. If you pay for a service, you should be paying for quality. And too much chlorine is not good, it can poison you. That is why we have to boil it.” Graham said.

Fellow bar patron David Slocombe, who lives in Archers Bay, criticised the BWA for leaving unfinished pipework in the community for over a year. “Waterworks men come down here and start working, leave down here, which has bad water, and gone somewhere else. They came from early last year and left about a month now,” he said.

Slocombe lamented that residents are still being charged despite the ongoing issues, including paying a sewage tax without having a sewage system in place.

“The only sewage we have is the water we’re drinking,” he quipped before expressing doubts about whether connecting to the new lines would improve the situation.

Slocombe also pointed to poor road conditions exacerbated by the unfinished work, with dust from passing vehicles creating a nuisance. He, along with other residents, questioned how much longer St Lucy would be neglected in terms of infrastructure development.

Alvin Moore, another Crab Hill resident, shared similar frustrations.

“We should not be paying for water until we get a good water supply. We should not be billed… and talk about the roads – the roads are so bad you have to buy water and car parts too,” he remarked.

In Grape Hall, resident Terrence Clarke revealed that he had been forced to install a costly water filtration system to cope with the brown water coming from his taps.

“But it comes with a cost,” he said, explaining that the filters, which turn brown quickly due to the water quality, are expensive and must be changed regularly. “[The filters] are brown, brown, when being changed and to do so is expensive. I bring them in from overseas. I spent about $1 500 for the system itself and for the filters, one filter is $172.”

Given the expense, the filtration system is only installed on indoor taps, while unfiltered water is still used for washing and gardening.

Clarke emphasised that the situation is particularly unfair to pensioners.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

The post St Lucy residents demand compensation for brown water from taps appeared first on Barbados Today.