Press Releases
Health Experts will meet to Advise on Support Needed for Children Born with Birth Defects Associated with Zika
The Ministry of Health has identified an Expert Group to look at recommendations to address the support that will be required for children born with birth defects associated with Zika. The Expert Group consists of a Neuro Psychologist, Paediatirc Psychologist, Child Psychiatrist, Paediatric Neurologist, Behavioral Paediatrician, Paediatrician and an Early Childhood Education Specialist. The group will… Read More
August 19th, 2016Ministry of Health continues Drive to Strengthen Zika Community Intervention
The Ministry of Health will continue its drive to strengthen its community intervention as part of its Phase Two response to Zika, with the next scheduled community meeting to take place Friday August 19, 2016 at the Country Pride Supermarket Parking Lot in St. Ann at 4p.m. The meetings, which… Read More
August 12th, 2016Zika Update as at August 05, 2016
Background On February 1, 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This designation is reserved for public health crises which will have global reach. The first case of zika virus in Jamaica was confirmed on January 29, 2016. Cases of zika… Read More
August 8th, 2016Ministry of Health is Reminding Persons to Get Vaccinated Before Travelling to Yellow Fever Affected Areas
Persons planning to travel to Brazil or other areas affected by Yellow Fever are being reminded to get vaccinated. It is advised that the vaccine be administered at least ten (10) days prior to travel. The yellow fever vaccination can be accessed at specific health facilities on various days. Yellow Fever vaccinations… Read More
August 5th, 2016Persons are being Urged to Look for Potential Mosquito Breeding Sites Following Recent Heavy Rains
The Ministry of Health is urging persons to be extra vigilant and search for potential mosquito breeding sites in light of the recent heavy rains. Persons are being asked to look around their homes, schools, workplaces and churches for any container or areas that may have been filled with water… Read More
August 5th, 2016Systems Put in Place to Monitor and Track Pregnant Women in Light of Possible Birth Defects Associated with Zika
The Ministry of Health has put systems in place to track and monitor all pregnant women who have tested positive and those who are suspected to have had Zika. Minister of Healh, Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton says this will be done through the existing Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission Programme… Read More
August 5th, 2016Government Spends Over $100 Million So Far to Treat Patients with Acute Flaccid Paralysis Including Guillain Barre Syndrome
The Government has so far spent over one hundred million dollars ($100M) to treat patients with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) under which Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) falls. Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton explains that it costs the Government $1.5 million to treat with each case of Acute Flaccid Paralysis… Read More
August 2nd, 2016Ministry Advises Pregnant Women & Persons with NCDs to Seek Shelter Near a Hospital
The Ministry of Health is appealing to pregnant women and all persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma, who may live in flood prone or low lying areas that may be cut off due to heavy rainfall to seek shelter close to a… Read More
August 1st, 2016Ministry Stockpiles Medication and Improves Clinical Capacity to Treat Guillain Barre Syndrome
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye says in addition to its public education efforts, the Ministry of Health has been increasing clinical capacity including through training of healthcare professionals, infrastructure upgrades, increased human resources and acquisition of equipment, supplies and medication to deal with zika and its associated… Read More
August 1st, 2016Zika update of as at July 22, 2016
Background On February 1, 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This designation is reserved for public health crises which will have global reach. The first case of zika virus in Jamaica was confirmed on January 29, 2016. Cases of… Read More
July 28th, 2016