The award was presented during the awards ceremony held in London on Wednesday (March 4) evening, recognising the Ministry’s national campaign “Do Your Share: Reducing Mental Health Stigma Through Collective Action.”

The “Do Your Share” campaign was developed as a national call to action encouraging Jamaicans to support mental wellness through empathy, awareness and community responsibility. The initiative promotes open dialogue about mental health, challenges stigma, and empowers individuals to recognise their role in fostering a supportive society.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton CD, MP, described the recognition as an affirmation of Jamaica’s commitment to strengthening mental health awareness and engagement.

“This award represents international recognition of Jamaica’s commitment to addressing mental health stigma and promoting a culture of compassion, understanding and shared responsibility.”

“Mental wellness is a national priority, and initiatives such as ‘Do Your Share’ demonstrate the impact of collective action in advancing healthier communities.”

The campaign is led by the Ministry’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and forms part of a broader strategy to expand mental health awareness, encourage help-seeking behaviour, and integrate mental health considerations into everyday life across communities, workplaces and institutions.

Director of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, noted that the initiative highlights the importance of partnership in tackling mental health stigma.

“Addressing mental health stigma requires sustained public engagement and collaboration across sectors. ‘Do Your Share’ has encouraged Jamaicans to recognise that mental health is a shared responsibility, and that small actions can make a meaningful difference in supporting those who may be struggling.”

The IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across governments and public institutions worldwide, highlighting initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, transformative leadership, and improved public service delivery.

This international recognition underscores Jamaica’s leadership in advancing progressive public health initiatives and reinforces the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ ongoing commitment to safeguarding the mental wellbeing of the Jamaican population.

Delivering the keynote address today (February 9) at a ceremony to mark the occasion, Minister of State, the Hon. Krystal Lee, MP, underscored that the National Strategic Plan is a clear roadmap to achieving epidemic control.

 “Our prevalence rate stands at around 1.1 per cent and an estimated 28,000 people are living with HIV. Our response then must be broader and more impactful than ever before. The vision is for a Jamaica free of new HIV infections and AIDS. This National Strategic Plan is grounded in shared responsibility, human rights, and sustainability,” the State Minister said.

Jamaica has made significant gains in its HIV response, including a 35 per cent reduction in new infections since 2010, high levels of HIV status awareness, and the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis in 2024. At the same time, challenges including high rates of sexual activity among adolescents, and stigma and discrimination continue to fuel gaps in service.       

“We will scale the prevention tools that work: condoms, targeted outreach, HIV testing and self-testing, post‑exposure prophylaxis, and pre‑exposure prophylaxis for those at substantial risk,” the State Minister noted, emphasising the human impact of sustained public health action.

The launch of the National Strategic Plan for HIV (2023–2030) sets the stage for a powerful start to Safer Sex Week, observed February 9 –13, 2026 under the theme, “Tek Charge: Safer Sex with Endless Possibilities!” The Ministry calls on all Jamaicans to “Tek Charge” to make informed choices, protect themselves and their partners, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient nation.           

Individuals are encouraged to use condoms consistently and correctly; know their HIV status through regular testing and reduce the number of sexual partners. Adolescents are further urged to delay sexual debut. Members of the public are advised to seek accurate information from trusted health sources and access prevention, treatment, and counselling services early.   

This announcement was made earlier today at a Press Conference held at the Western Regional Health Authority’s main office. The dome will provide 100 beds of surge capacity, along with medical equipment, emergency supplies, communications and supporting infrastructure. It is designed to ensure continuity of care for residents of St. James, Westmoreland, Hanover and Trelawny, particularly for overcrowding and during hurricanes and other large-scale emergencies.

The initiative is being delivered through the Jamaica Hurricane Resilience Medical Dome Initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Judah 1, the Kennedy Quick Reaction Fund, National Health Fund and Magna Motors/Hyundai.

Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP, said the project directly supports healthcare delivery in the western region:

“This medical dome strengthens emergency response in western Jamaica and ensures that residents continue to have access to critical healthcare services during hurricanes and national emergencies. It is a practical investment in resilience and in protecting lives across the region,” the Minister said during his keynote address.

Judah 1, the world’s first and only Christian NGO airline, is supporting the initiative as part of its disaster response mission.

Everett Aaron, CEO and Founder of Judah 1, said the focus is on serving communities when they are most vulnerable.

“Western Jamaica has faced real challenges following Hurricane Melissa. Supporting this medical dome is about standing with the people of this region, strengthening healthcare resilience, and working together to ensure care is available when it matters most,” Aaron said.

Private-sector support has also been critical.Mr. Clayton Clarke, Head of Corporate and Pre-Owned Sales at Hyundai Jamaica, highlighted the regional impact that this initiative supports recovery efforts in the county of Cornwall and the wider western areas of the island, where timely access to resilient healthcare infrastructure remains essential.

The medical dome will enhance Cornwall Regional Hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies and support healthcare delivery across western Jamaica during periods of increased demand.

High winds mean that there may be flying objects and debris that can cause injury. Persons are asked as best as possible to limit outdoor activity and to exercise caution when conducting repairs or clearing debris.

At the same time, the Ministry is reminding the public that cooler temperatures may have adverse effects on vulnerable populations, including the elderly and persons with sickle cell disease, even as the country continues in the Influenza (Flu) season. Persons are asked to wear appropriate clothing that will regulate body temperature while also safeguarding against viral illnesses. The flu vaccine is also available free of cost at health centres across the island.

Use of Generators

High winds may cause loss of some utilities, including power supply and persons using a generator during those times are reminded of the precautions to take. Generators are not to be used indoors or in enclosed areas; generators should be kept at a safe distance from structures because of engine heat and persons should avoid using appliances that have a heating element, for example toaster or hair dryer while on generator power. Additionally, persons should select the outlet that uses the correct voltage, as some generators can produce 115/120 volts or 220 volts.

Members of the public, who may become ill or injured are asked to visit the nearest health centre or private doctor.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness acknowledges the importance of sound corporate governance accountability systems to ensure transparency and efficiency in the public health sector.  The Ministry further acknowledges the fundamental principles of transparency, value for money, competition and integrity which underpin the GOJ Public Procurement System. 

The UHWI is a key institution in the public health sector, being one of the three Type A hospitals and which is a final referral hospital offering highly specialized services, not only to Jamaicans but Caribbean nationals. Importantly, the UHWI is the main training institution for medical doctors and other health professionals.

The Minster of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP, has taken immediate steps to address the governance and accountability gaps highlighted by the Audit Report through the appointment of an Institutional Review Committee.

The members of the committee are:

• Howard Mitchell – Past President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ) – Chairman
• Joseph Taffe – Retired Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GraceKennedy Financial Group
• Tomlin Paul – Deputy Principal, UWI Mona
• Angella Robertson – Attorney at Law
• Professor Alvin Wint – Emeritus Professor of International Business, UWI Mona
• Kadian Birch – Chief Programme Officer, Ministry of Health and Wellness

The six-member Committee has been tasked with:

1. Reviewing and identifying gaps and/or weaknesses in:
2. • UHWI’s Corporate Governance and Management structures
   • Financial, Public Procurement and Administrative Management systems
   • Corporate Risk Management Systems
3. Providing recommendations on possible changes or adjustments that might be necessary to mitigate, manage or eliminate the risks associated with the findings of the audit and strengthen governance and accountability.
4. Providing recommendations on mechanisms to implement the Auditor General’s recommendations

The Committee is to present a report to the Minister within four months with its recommendation for the institutional strengthening of the UHWI.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness remains committed to the principles of good corporate governance, public procurement and the efficient and prudent stewardship of public resources.

According to Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher, CD, MP, “The Wellness Agenda of the Ministry recognizes the importance of working in key settings which are likely to reach most of the population and involve important stakeholders within the community. The Ministry remains committed to using research evidence, to guide its policies in improving the wellness of persons within society.”

Researchers are encouraged to view all the details on the 2025 grant online at https://www.moh.gov.jm/rfwf-submit/ and submit proposals by Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

“The wellness areas of focus for the Ministry include wellness in workplaces, schools, homes, communities and among persons living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors as well as Mental health and Maternal health, added Dr Tufton.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Research for Wellness Fund of J$50 million financed by the National Health Fund (NHF) was launched by the Health & Wellness Minister in 2019 during his sectoral presentation. The Fund will cover applied research based on competitive proposals.

Interested members of the public can contact the ENHRC Secretariat at ENHRC@moh.gov.jm or call 876-633-8157 / 8189 for additional information.