March 21 is recognised as World Down Syndrome Day as global attention is drawn to the many children and adults who have the condition caused by triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

Across various social media, Barbadians from every walk of life were ‘rocking their socks’ in the public awareness campaign dubbed Rock Your Socks.

The colourful show of support for the Down syndrome community makes for compelling images, with the usual clicks and likes. But forgive those among us who harbour a measure of cynicism about this show.

From people working in government offices and private sector entities, from supermarkets to law enforcement offices – the colourful socks were the trend for the day.

We do not desire to diminish in any way the nobility of the cause, for any effort that brings attention to the challenges of those in our community who are marginalised, is a good thing.

The wearing of the colourful socks has blossomed into a very commercialised event, with street vendors and store owners stocking up for the expected boost in sales of the mix-matched socks.

One cannot blame them; this is what business is about. Commercialisation is what maintains Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Old Year’s Night as such valued periods on our calendars.

President of the Barbados Down Syndrome Association (BDSA) Asha Alleyne-Renwick assures that the sales from vendors and merchants ahead of World Down Syndrome Day represent an important source of funding for the BDSA. 

Mrs Alleyne-Renwick, a teacher, parent of a child with Down syndrome and respected advocate for those with the condition, has been a vocal cheerleader for this community. While encouraged by the growing support for the day and the Rock Your Socks campaign, Mrs Alleyne-Renwick too wants the businesses that benefit from the boost in sock sales to ensure that some of those funds are channelled to the BDSA.

The advocate appealed: “We are not at that stage yet, and we understand that is a situation that does take time . . . . In the meantime, we are here raising our funds every year for the Rock Your Socks campaign. So, when you see vendors, merchants and individuals selling socks, we appeal to them to give back to the association.”

We too join in that call. Our urging also is to not simply view the day to publish the photographs and soothe our conscience that we have done our social good for the month or the year.

As the BDSA president pointed out: “While it is financially beneficial to some to sell socks, they must realise that they’re only selling socks because there are individuals with Down syndrome living among them and they do have a social and a moral responsibility to give back to the association.”

The cause of the Down syndrome community in Barbados is representative of the challenges confronted by the many disabled and special needs persons among us.

According to the last census data, there are approximately 11 546 Barbadians living with some form of disability. Though there are many examples of those from the disabled community who have reached prominent heights in Barbados, such as former President of the Senate Kerryann Ifill, blind attorney-at-law Janeil Odle, and current Government Senator Andwele Boyce, there are thousands of others who are not so privileged.

As Senator Boyce wrote in a 2021 article published in Barbados TODAY, “Living with any kind of disability in a country like Barbados, where multiple barriers to full inclusion remain, can come with a myriad of challenges, a lack of social and legislative recognition, which necessitate the call for accommodations and adaptation.”

Disabled people in Barbados also require and should demand all the benefits afforded to other Barbadians. They want job opportunities, equal access to housing, health care services, education, public transportation and the full range of services that are provided to others.

The disabled, including those with Down syndrome, do not want tokenism or demonstrations of support that are meant to assuage the consciences of others. They want and deserve full inclusion.

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Santo Domingo.- The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Víctor Atallah, emphasized that the country possesses an advantageous position to combat dengue effectively, provided all sectors unite with a shared vision and coordinated preventive measures.

During a meeting to unveil the National Plan for Dengue to various institutions encompassing public, private, and civil society sectors, attended by members of the Health Cabinet and the COE, Dr. Atallah underscored the potential to mitigate the negative impact of dengue in the country through timely preventive actions.

“While the dengue situation in the region presents challenges, our nation stands in a favorable position, allowing each of us to play a crucial role in finding solutions. With shared responsibilities and ensured resource availability, we can address any situation,” he emphasized.

Dr. Atallah stressed the importance of community integration, involving civil society, the private sector, the Medical College, academic institutions, and government collaboration to combat dengue collectively.

“It’s imperative for the Ministry to not tackle dengue alone. We all share a responsibility and commitment to our nation. Community integration through various avenues like academia, schools, churches, community leadership, and family involvement is crucial for dengue prevention through education, waste management, and support from international organizations such as PAHO, USAID, among others,” he added.

The “National Plan for Dengue” is structured around two main programmatic lines: social interventions (debris removal, fumigation) and prompt care, emphasizing health personnel training, academia integration, and care protocol updates.

Dr. Eladio Pérez, Vice Minister of Collective Health, highlighted the importance of providing support and guidance to the population for prevention and early detection to prevent severe cases and ensure effective care protocols.

PAHO’s representative in the country, Dr. Alba María Ropero, affirmed the organization’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for dengue management, focusing on intersectoral coordination, resource advocacy, capacity building, and clinical management.

Erdwin Robert Olivares, Director of Operations of the Emergency Operations Center (COE), reiterated the entity’s dedication to coordinating social intervention efforts with other organizations.

Representatives from various sectors including the Catholic Church, Dominican Council of Evangelical Unity (CODUE), Ministry of Agriculture, Association of Private Clinics (ANDECLIP), and others expressed their support for the strategy and emphasized the need for continuous preventive actions.

Notable attendees included Santiago Hazin, director of SENASA, Dr. Edinson Feliz, director of the Metropolitan Health Service, Vice Ministers of Health José Antonio Matos and Miguel Rodríguez Viñas, alongside other officials and managers.

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Santo Domingo.- First Lady Raquel Arbaje, along with Carlos Bonilla, Minister of Housing and Buildings (MIVED), and Mario Lama, Director of the National Health Service, unveiled the new “Uniendo Voluntades Oncopediatric Pavilion” at the Rosa Emilia Tavarez National Cancer Institute (INCART).

This facility, equipped with cutting-edge medical technology for pediatric and adolescent cancer treatment, spans 2,273 square meters and includes 41 hospital beds, two operating rooms, an anesthesiology room, an intensive care unit, six pediatric offices, a nursing station, and a day hospital.

Arbaje emphasized that the pavilion not only aims to provide high-level therapeutic care and a pleasant physical environment for children, adolescents, and young adults but also prioritizes the human aspect of the project.

For the first time, the Uniendo Voluntades Oncopediatric Pavilion will offer specialized care to adolescents and young people up to 24 years old, with an exclusive protocol tailored to their needs.

Minister Carlos Bonilla expressed appreciation for the First Lady’s initiative in securing funding for the construction and equipment of the pavilion, highlighting her commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable Dominicans. He thanked her for involving MIVED in the project, which adhered to the highest national and international health standards.

Mario Lama, Director of the National Health Service (SNS), underscored the significance of the pavilion in providing timely and quality care to children affected by cancer, thanks to President Luis Abinader’s commitment to making it a reality. He commended the collaborative efforts of the First Lady and MIVED in achieving this milestone.

The new pavilion, a product of the Uniendo Voluntades initiative, aims to expand specialized services for children with cancer while also humanizing the therapeutic process and alleviating the emotional burden on patients and their families.

Designed by MIVED, the pavilion meets national and international standards that prioritize spaces conducive to the emotional well-being of pediatric patients.

Through her “Uniendo Voluntades” initiative, the First Lady secured non-refundable financial contributions for the construction and acquisition of equipment, facilitated by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI).

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) jointly announced the establishment of a toxicological center in the country on Monday. The primary objective of this center is to provide specialized assistance and management for cases of poisoning.

According to a statement released by Public Health, the center will offer information, guidance, and specialized care for diagnosing and treating cases of poisoning. Additionally, it will conduct toxicological laboratory tests, develop programs for poisoning prevention and toxicovigilance, promote research on poisoning prevention and management, and manage mass poisonings by alerting health authorities for prompt decision-making and effective health responses in incidents involving chemical substances.

To initiate this initiative, an inter-institutional commission was formed by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with PAHO advisors. This commission analyzed the feasibility of implementing the center.

Health Minister Víctor Atallah met with PAHO representative Alba María Ropero to validate specific details for the immediate commencement of installation work. As part of the preparation process, visits were conducted to pre-selected institutions to assess their physical, technological, and personnel capabilities. This assessment aimed to develop a roadmap and define the stages for the center’s development.

Minister Atallah described the establishment of a poison center as an unprecedented milestone for the country. He emphasized the necessity of having tools to mitigate health damage resulting from various causes, including improper handling of chemicals and food.

Ropero Álvarez underscored the significance of the initiative in reducing poisoning incidents. He noted that toxicological centers have been established across Latin America and the Caribbean to address similar situations of exposure to chemical substances. While a previous attempt was made in the Dominican Republic in 2009, Ropero Álvarez expressed confidence that the current endeavor would succeed.

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Belgium.- As part of the International Women’s Day commemoration activities, the Dominican Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg organized two special discussions on mental health tailored for the Dominican diaspora in these regions. These sessions were led by renowned Dominican psychiatrist and therapist, Alexandra Híchez.

Both events, held over the weekend of March 16-17, at the Beford Hotel in Brussels and the Hotel Royal in Luxembourg, focused on addressing the mental health challenges and concerns faced by the Dominican diaspora. The aim was to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being for Dominican migrants residing in Brussels and Luxembourg, providing them with a platform to share their experiences and reflections on the topic.

During her presentations, Dr. Híchez provided valuable insights and practical advice to enhance emotional and psychological well-being, especially in the context of migration. She also discussed significant topics such as women’s empowerment and their importance in contemporary society, along with other psychosocial risk factors.

The events commenced with welcoming remarks from Ambassador Iván Ogando Lora, who expressed gratitude to all participants and Dr. Híchez for her enthusiastic commitment to conducting these discussions. Ambassador Ogando Lora emphasized the significance of addressing mental health issues within migrant communities, particularly among women, whose migration and adaptation to a new country often entail significant emotional and psychological challenges.

He underscored that these discussions are part of the ongoing commitment of the mission to support the hardworking Dominican community in Belgium and Luxembourg, particularly in crucial areas like mental health, which contribute to strengthening unity and solidarity.

These activities were made possible with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic (MIREX) and Air Europa. Special acknowledgment is extended to Mrs. Gloria Paniagua, Veridania Mercedes, and Mórela Segura of the Bedford Hotel for their cooperation in facilitating the events.

The Vector Control Unit of the Ministry of Health and Wellness will take the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses to three parishes this week – St Lucy, St Peter, and St James.

The team will fog districts in St Lucy on Monday, March 18, including Crab Hill No. 2, Content, Long Gap, Coles Cave Road, Grape Hall, Archers Bay, and Salmond.

The following day, Tuesday, March 19, they will return to that parish and visit Durham, Mount View Road, Rock Hall Road, Jemmotts, Mount Gay, Alexandra, Josey Hill, Nestfield, and Pickerings.

The Unit will then take its mosquito eradication efforts to St Peter, on Wednesday, March 20, when Graveyard, Date Tree Hill, Boscobel, Collins, Diamond Corner, Moore Hill, Castle, Gays, and surrounding areas will be sprayed.

On Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22, the parish of St James will be targeted. On Thursday, the team will go into Upper Mount Standfast, Weston, Taylor Gap, Fox Club Road, Reid Gap, Pineapple Avenue, Prescod Road, Husband Road, The Garden, and Store House Road.

The fogging exercise for the week will conclude on Friday, in the following communities: Store House Road, Haynes View Close, Patanne Gardens, Willow Heights Drive, Pavilion Grove, Glitter Bay Terrace, Ince Walk, Mango Drive, Heron Court, Trent’s Tenantry, and Jamestown Park.

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 fog.

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.

(BGIS)

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Citing documents and people close to the matter, the American business daily said prosecutors in the southern US state of Virginia are looking into whether the company’s social media platforms are facilitating and profiting from the illegal sale of drugs.

Prosecutors have asked for records on “violative drug content on Meta’s platforms and/or the illicit sale of drugs via Meta’s platforms,” according to copies of subpoenas reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been helping with the investigation, the paper reported.

“The sale of illicit drugs is against our policies and we work to find and remove this content from our services,” Meta told the Journal in a statement, adding that it “proactively cooperates” with law enforcement to help combat the sale of illicit drugs.

Contacted by AFP on Saturday morning, neither the FDA nor Meta would comment.

On Friday, Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Meta, said the company had joined an effort alongside the US State Department, the United Nations and Snapchat to help disrupt the sale of synthetic drugs online and educate users about the risks.

“The opioid epidemic is a major public health issue that requires action from all parts of US society,” Clegg wrote on X.

More than 700,000 people died of opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2022, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCE: AFP

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It is part of the second phase of the Ministry’s Build Them Out, Starve Them Out, Kill Them Out, rat reduction campaign. The partnership will see businesses adopt signs and garbage bins that would encourage members of the public to refrain from littering.

The bins are being placed along the south coast. The campaign also involves correcting the businesses’ garbage disposal methods to help “starve out” the rats.

Senior Environmental Health Officer at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Oistins, Trevor Taylor, explained that health officials discovered some deficiencies in the way businesses were storing garbage, which encouraged the proliferation of rats because these businesses became a food source.

“We engaged the business owners along the coast on how they should store garbage appropriately in bins and garbage houses and have it removed at appropriate times. We also found there was a lot of litter around the boardwalk coming from persons using that area,” Taylor stated.

He added: “It is not only about rats but about the outlook for Barbados as a clean destination and protecting the marine environment. I like spearfishing and the amount of litter you find in the sea is amazing. It is not just for businesses to get involved; it is for everybody. Just take your garbage and place it in bins.”

The Senior Environmental Health Officer said one aspect of the campaign, which started in August, last year, is to ‘rat proof’ the garbage bins, which is the “build out” component. However, he pointed out that this was still a work in progress.

Taylor noted that the bins health inspectors are aiming to have placed along the south coast will have a key, so business owners can open and lock the bins, when necessary, to keep out rodents. In the meantime, health inspectors continue to bait along the south coast, the “kill them out” phase of the campaign.

So far, he said two well-known businesses, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pirates Inn, have partnered with the Ministry to combat littering and rodents on the south coast, with a number of hotels expressing an interest in coming on board.

Businesses interested in partnering with the Ministry of Health and Wellness in its rodent reduction campaign may contact Taylor at the Randal Philips Polyclinic at telephone number 536-4314.

SOURCE: BGIS

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