Health

BAJAN FUH EVA GIVES BACK

Bajan Fuh Eva, a Miami-based carnival company, has began the process of donating approximately $100,000 in medical supplies to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).

Roslyn Sealy, president of Bajan Fuh Eva, told media people during a brief handover ceremony at the healthcare center on Monday that, aside from Carnival-related activities, the organization has placed a major emphasis on giving back to the island since its beginning in 2010.

“The organisation’s other objectives include representing Barbados in a positive way and encouraging and engaging the youth in community projects. This year, we are excited to make a donation to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados that consists of admission kits, hospital gowns and socks.

“This donation is the beginning of an extension partnership with the hospital,” she said.

Dr Christine Greenidge, Chief Operations Officer at QEH, also thanked Sealy for the donation, which is the first of many scheduled for the next year. She further said that collaborations between the island and other Barbadian communities across the world, are critical to assisting the nation in a number of spaces.

“As part of our philanthropy objectives, we want to partner more with our CGs [Consuls General] throughout the United States, as well as those in the UK, as well as in Canada. Coming from New York myself a year and a half ago to the QEH, I can attest that there are many associations, Barbadian-based, that are willing to partner and help out the QEH as well as other industries here in Barbados by giving back.

“I know this team is a small example of what I know exists in our communities internationally, that can come and help us in terms of some of the things that we need.”

Health

Health Ministry Confirms Oropouche Virus Cases In Barbados

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed two adult cases of the Oropouche virus disease (OROV) in Barbados.

OROV, which circulates in Central and South America and the Caribbean, can be transmitted to humans through bites from midges (commonly known as sand flies) and certain Culex mosquitoes, both commonly found in bushy areas and stagnant water.

Symptoms of the Oropouche virus disease are similar to other mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue. They may begin four to eight days after being bitten by an infected insect and include sudden onset of fever, headache, chills, joint pain and stiffness, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.

While most individuals recover within seven days, some may remain ill for weeks. There is no specific treatment for OROV, but infected persons can be treated for their symptoms. Pregnant women are advised to take extra precautions.

The Ministry advises the public to adopt protective measures against mosquito and insect bites to prevent contracting OROV. These measures include:

Using insect screens and repellents.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially from dusk to dawn when the vectors are most active.
Eliminating areas of stagnant water around properties to prevent mosquito breeding.

Particularly during periods of heavy rain, the public is urged to search their homes and discard any stagnant water that may accumulate in empty containers.

The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding public health and will continue to monitor the situation closely. (PR/GIS)

Health

WORLD AIDS DAY – TODAY DECEMBER 1

Today December 1st is World AIDS Day. Under the Theme ‘Take the right path: My health my right’ the World Health Organisation, (WHO) calls for and reminds the global community that the world can end AIDS if everyone’s rights are protected.

Join the movement to address the inequalities that hinder progress in the fight.