View the full post Minister Williams responsible for 3 ministerial portfolios on NOW Grenada.

Azua, DR.- Residents in the Azua province voiced their opposition to the installation of thermoelectric vessels aimed at boosting energy production, citing concerns over polluting emissions.

Protesters gathered near Los Negros beach in Azua province, chanting slogans and holding candlelight vigils to mourn the environmental impact. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the presence of the vessels, denouncing them as harmful to the environment.

“Those who want the vessels can take them away,” and “The criminal vessels must be removed,” they exclaimed. The demonstrators marched to the beach, where the vessels are visible a few meters offshore, donning caps and shirts emblazoned with the slogan “No vessels in Los Negros.”

Environmental authorities granted permits in 2022 for the anchoring of two vessels, with the aim of increasing thermoelectric generation in the area from 180 MW to 400 MW. The permits were issued following an evaluation process, as stated by the firm in a statement released in March 2023.

Local residents have reported emissions of smoke and wastewater discharge from the vessels operated by the Turkish company Karadeniz Holding. “Human health is being compromised here. The ecology, mangroves, and marine species are all being affected,” remarked one protester.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health issued a warning urging the public to take precautions against respiratory issues as Saharan dust is expected to reach the area starting this weekend.

Emphasizing the importance of preventive measures, particularly for individuals with asthma, allergies, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, and other respiratory conditions, the ministry explained that the phenomenon of Saharan dust is a regular occurrence preceding the cyclone season. This event leads to the formation of dust clouds, creating a simultaneously dry and humid atmosphere that heightens the risk of respiratory ailments, allergic reactions, and other health concerns.

Annually, typically between May and August, the dense cloud of Saharan dust descends upon the region, prompting heightened vigilance among those already susceptible to respiratory issues. Special attention is advised for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, pregnant and postpartum women, immunocompromised individuals, and other at-risk populations, as outlined in a press release by the Ministry of Public Health. Moreover, the ministry cautioned that the particles carried by the dust may cause temporary eye irritation.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health highlighted the concurrent occurrence of Saharan dust and recent rainfall across the national territory, posing an additional risk for outbreaks of diseases like dengue, leptospirosis, and acute diarrheal illnesses. To mitigate these risks, the ministry recommended staying hydrated, wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, using damp cloths to clean surfaces, and minimizing exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The event, held under the banner of the Rotary Club’s Health and Wellness Initiative, was spearheaded by the club’s president, Ermine Darroux-Francis. Rotary Club is one of the oldest in Barbados, boasting a proud 61-year history and a membership exceeding 110.

“We started at 9 a.m. and people were waiting to get tested. So, this in itself is a success for us,” Darroux-Francis told Barbados TODAY, adding that from early in the morning, Barbadians were lining up to take part in the event.

She expressed her satisfaction with the turnout, emphasising the importance of early detection in the fight against NCDs.

“Barbadians are responding, and this is good because we believe early detection and knowing your status is the first step to help fight NCDs,” she added.

The initiative, which started in September last year, saw Rotarians traversing all 11 parishes to conduct early screenings. The Rotary Club President explained that the decision to embark on this project stemmed from the alarming rates of NCDs reported by health authorities in the region. With a focus on early screening and raising awareness, the Rotary Club aimed to make a tangible difference in combating these diseases.

Reflecting on the broader spectrum of Rotary’s endeavours, Darroux-Francis highlighted their commitment to seven key areas of focus, including disease prevention and youth empowerment. “For us, the economic value of this particular project is more than $600,000,” she revealed, underscoring the club’s substantial investment in community health.

Acknowledging Rotary’s ongoing initiatives, particularly in youth development, Darroux-Francis outlined their Youth Elevation Scheme, conducted in collaboration with the Juvenile Liaison Scheme. “Our aim is to boost their confidence, enhance their communication and listening skills, and help them to think before they act,” she stated.

The event was a culmination of a nine-month-long endeavour by the Rotary Club of Barbados, dedicated to combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the community. (Photo by Ryan Gilkes)

In addition to youth-focused endeavours, the Rotary Club of Barbados extends its support to various community projects, ranging from disaster management to medical assistance. Their partnership with organisations such as the Child Care Board exemplifies their commitment to holistic community welfare.

Addressing concerns about the sustainability of their health initiatives, Darroux-Francis emphasised collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Wellness and surgical and educational institutions. “We expect the project to continue and to provide support to the community,” she affirmed while highlighting the collaborative effort that underpinned the event’s success. 

Among the organisations taking part were Sagicor Life Inc, Ross University, the Blood Collection Centre of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Bayview Hospital and Laboratory, the Barbados Cancer Society, the Barbados Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Maria Holder Diabetes Center for the Caribbean, and the Diabetes and Hypertension Association, Wibisco and Pelican Produce. (RG)

The post Rotary Club of Barbados hosts successful Health Fair appeared first on Barbados Today.

Santo Domingo.- The president of the Dominican College of Bioanalysts (CODOBIO) has called upon the intervention of the President of the Republic to address a series of grievances aimed at enhancing the conditions of her union.

María Esther Santos made her plea, stating, “We once again urge President Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona to receive us and consider the legitimate demands we have put forth. We seek solutions that will benefit our professional community.” This appeal was made during a meeting at the organization’s headquarters, attended by its Board of Directors.

Santos emphasized several critical demands on behalf of bioanalysts. These included a call for a 100% salary increase for those in the public sector and the provision of health insurance for retirees. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of ensuring adequate pensions with incentives and salary adjustments in the private sector.

Additional measures advocated by Santos encompassed the automatic implementation of incentives, the creation of new positions, and the reclassification of existing roles. Furthermore, she pushed for the application of a 14th salary, acknowledgment of master’s degrees and specialties, and access to suitable housing for professionals in the field.

Highlighting the significance of the role played by clinical laboratory professionals in both public and private settings, Santos expressed confidence that their demands would be given the due attention and diligence they merit.

The comprehensive list of demands presented to President Luis Abinader includes:

• A 100% salary increase for bioanalysts employed in the public sector, decentralized bodies, boards of trustees, and NGOs.
• Salary adjustments and review of retirement benefits for retired bioanalysts, particularly those with monthly incomes ranging between 8,000 and 15,000 pesos, alongside comprehensive medical insurance coverage.
• Ensuring 100% decent pensions with incentives for tenure and the unification of job categories.
• Implementation of salary increases and adjustments for bioanalysts in the private sector.
• Automation of incentive applications for service time, distance, and border postings, ensuring acquired rights are implemented automatically.
• Facilitation of new appointments for bioanalysts.
• Continuation of position reclassification processes and designation changes.
• Implementation of a 14th salary.
• Recognition of master’s degrees and specialties for bioanalysts.
• Inclusion of bioanalysts in housing projects.

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Public Health (MSP), through its Directorate of Epidemiology (Diepi), has issued an epidemiological alert regarding floods, citing the heightened risk of diseases within affected populations.

Public Health authorities are urging the population to implement response and control measures to mitigate the risk of epidemic outbreaks.

The advisory emphasizes the importance of avoiding exposure to contaminated waters and environments during and after heavy rainfall to prevent diseases such as leptospirosis, respiratory infections, cholera, and others that are exacerbated by flooding.

Individuals are encouraged to utilize personal protective measures such as plastic boots and gloves if contact with contaminated environments is unavoidable.

Furthermore, citizens are advised against accumulating garbage and urged to eliminate mosquito breeding sites in homes and surrounding areas to prevent the proliferation of vectors such as rats and mosquitoes.

Additional recommendations include consuming only safe drinking water, either by boiling it for 15 minutes or by adding five drops of 5% bleach to each gallon of water before consumption. It is also advised to consume well-cooked foods and to properly wash fruits and vegetables.

The alert stresses the importance of hand hygiene, particularly after using the bathroom and before meals. Individuals exhibiting symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, general malaise, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, or bone pain are advised to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health center and refrain from self-medication.

Health personnel are instructed to promptly report any health events related to increased rainfall, and Provincial Directorates and Health Areas are tasked with disseminating the epidemiological alert within the local surveillance network, health centers, and other relevant sectors.

After several years of pleading with men to come forward and have their prostates tested, the signs point to a drastic change in behaviour, said Cancer Support Services’ spokesman Antoine Williams as he spoke to reporters at the end of a two-day nurses’ training workshop at Coconut Court Beach Hotel.

“When we do our prostate testing sessions, we are seeing the increases,” he said. “We try to measure it based on the numbers. So, for example, we’ve had 100, 120, 140 [men coming forward]. The numbers are increasing, which is good, and again the age groups are also increasing, so there is that awareness. We are seeing men who are even coming in as groups, whether it’s with the church (or) community groups, so there is that definite increase.”

Williams added that more people are seeking the charity’s financial support, care and counselling services: “I would say that there is definitely an uptake.”

Reverend Anderson Kellman, one of the facilitators of the programme. (SB)

Reverend Anderson Kellman, one of the facilitators of the nurse enrichment programme, said more men are also coming forward to seek counselling to help them cope with their cancer diagnosis.

“There are still more women coming for counselling than men, but I’ve seen a significant number of men come for therapy, and that is a very heartwarming reality,” he said. “We as men sometimes… grin and bear to our own destruction, but yes, we are seeing a lot more men coming now seeking counselling…. I think that is a very good sign.”

Despite the encouraging signs, the lack of human resources available to deal effectively with the demand for services is still a concern, the officials said.

“I think people have said in the sessions that the issue of not having enough manpower that they desire is a major concern. Of course, people are more demanding now in terms of service. Once upon a time, there was a mystique in terms of doctors, the nurses and the medical people, but now people can go online and read stuff and therefore have different kinds of expectations. That also puts pressure in terms of the scarce resources that they have at the QEH.

“We are not going to push a panic button, but all we are simply saying is that the (patients) are more demanding now, therefore the idea of service becomes even more important,” Reverend Kellman said.

Seventeen nurses participated in this year’s enrichment programme which drew nursing officers, registered nurses and nursing assistants from all areas of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, from the Accident and Emergency Department to the antenatal clinic. The nurses were trained in teamwork, emotional intelligence and palliative care. (SB)

The post ‘More men seeking cancer tests’ appeared first on Barbados Today.

View the full post Government hospitals receive bed linen donation on NOW Grenada.

Health officials have noticed an increase in the cases of gastrointestinal illnesses in Barbados.

The uptick in cases in persons older than five years moved from 27 in the week prior to April 27, to 34 cases at the end of that week. Previously, there were only 11 cases recorded. The alert level for this age group, at this time of the year, is less than six cases.

In children under five years old, the number of cases has moved from two to eight, for the week ending April 27.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness reported that for the subset of cases tested, foodborne pathogens had been identified (bacterial and viral) but no single source or event had been linked to the majority of cases.

It therefore urged members of the public to practise good hand hygiene which is the most effective way of reducing the transmission of many bacterial and viral illnesses. This includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser is recommended.

“Persons purchasing items to eat should ensure that sellers conduct appropriate food handling practices, such as protecting food from flies and other vectors; using suitable utensils to touch food; and maintaining hot or cold items at the correct temperatures,” it said.

The ministry also reported a moderate increase in respiratory illnesses has also been noted in persons over five years old, during the week ending April 27.

Health officials have advised that people keep unwashed hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth, and to generally avoid touching these areas as germs can enter the body this way.

(BGIS/BT)

The post Increase in gastrointestinal illnesses appeared first on Barbados Today.

Posted: Tuesday, May 7, 2024. 1:00 pm CST.

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Belize is one of three countries in the Americas to receive certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

Today, the milestone was marked at a commemorative event organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Kingston, Jamaica, with support from UNICEF and UNAIDS and with the participation of health ministers from the three countries.

Jamaica and St. Vincent and Grenadines also received certification.

WHO awards this certification to countries which have brought the mother-to-child HIV transmission rate to under 5%; provided antenatal care and antiretroviral treatment to more than 90% of pregnant women; reported fewer than 50 new cases of congenital syphilis per 100,000 newborns, and achieved an HIV case rate of fewer than 500 per 100,000 live births.

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

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