Press Releases
Empathy, partnership, data: Essential for effective crisis management
Since declaring the dengue outbreak on January 3, I have interacted with hundreds of Jamaicans, all of whom are anxious over the disease while being bombarded with news of an increasing number of cases, including the deaths of some of our children. I understand and empathise with that anxiety and… Read More
January 11th, 2019MOH Advises of Continued Caution Against Viral Illnesses
Kingston, Jamaica. 27 December 2018: The Ministry of Health has been informed that over the Christmas period, the Bustamante Hospital for Children continues to see an increase in the number of cases of viral illnesses, including cases of suspected dengue. There has also been an increase in the number of… Read More
January 4th, 2019Health Ministry moves to stem the tide of dengue infections
The extension of the Enhanced Vector Control (EVC) Programme is among the raft of measures being taken by the Ministry of Health in response to a more active dengue season. “Each suspected and/or confirmed case of dengue is concerning to the Ministry of Health and every effort is being made… Read More
December 21st, 2018Jamaica launches National Cancer Registry
The Ministry of Health on Tuesday (December 11, 2018) launched the National Cancer Registry, an important step in the fight to beat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and, in particular, cancer. “This registry, frankly speaking, could mean the difference between life and death for Jamaicans diagnosed with cancer and/or who are at… Read More
December 13th, 2018Health Insurance – A Key Piece of Armour in Fight Against NCDs
Jamaicans are woefully under-insured, representing a serious chink in our armour in the fight to preserve public health against the onslaught of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes and cancers. Seven out of every 10 Jamaicans die from a NCD. In 2015, 24 per cent of those deaths were premature,… Read More
December 8th, 2018Public Health Intervention on Vessel from Nicaragua
The Coast Guard on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, notified the Ministry of Health through the Port Health Team of a Vessel from Nicaragua that was intercepted in Jamaican waters, with several persons on board. On arrival at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard Headquarters, there were 93 males on… Read More
November 8th, 2018Town Hall For HPV Vaccine Cervical Cancer Prevention – Oct. 31, 2018
Do you have questions about the human papillomavirus (HPV)? Do you want to know more about the HPV vaccine being used to treat young girls and boys before exposure to the disease? The Ministry of Health is creating an opportunity for persons to pose their queries, openly air their misgivings… Read More
October 24th, 2018Health Ministry to Boost Mental Health Services
The Ministry of Health is, by the end of the month, to establish its new toll free Mental Health/Suicide Prevention Hotline, as part of efforts to shore up mental health services for Jamaicans. “Globally, close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year. For every suicide, there are many… Read More
October 10th, 20189th Annual National Health Research Conference, 2018
Registration open for National Health Research Conference Interested persons are invited to the Ministry of Health’s 9th Annual National Health Research Conference which will be held November 22-23, 2018 at the Jamaica Conference Centre under the theme “Don’t Wish for It, Work for It!”. Abstracts on Oral Health, Intentional and… Read More
October 9th, 2018Care With Compassion- Health Ministry Aims to Improve Customer Experience
Despite the challenges in the public health sector, Health Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton believes the sector has been responding well. Minister Tufton shared that in 2017, 1.8 million persons visited the health centres across the island, while 1.2 million persons accessed services at hospitals, with 185,000 spending an average of… Read More
September 24th, 2018