Health

CHANGES TO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

The Ministry of Health will soon roll out a number of changes to the island’s primary healthcare system, in order to drastically address the high numbers of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) seen among the Barbadian population.
This announcement was made by Senior Minister of Health and Wellness, the Most Honourable Dr. Jerome Walcott, as he presented a token of appreciation to Dr. Trevor Hassell in recognition of his outstanding efforts in educating Barbadians on the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases NCDs.
Walcott said, “I have a personal mandate that we should try to reduce the premature adult mortality from NCDs by a third. It is not impossible, it can be done, and in the course of the next few weeks, you will gradually see a roll out of parts of this process.”

He stressed “You will see the plans for primary healthcare; everybody is focused on QEH and tertiary healthcare, but the fundamentals of healthcare have to do with primary healthcare. The ability of early prevention, detection to get better health outcomes. We are looking at that in a project to be discussed soon.”
The Health Minister also revealed that additional screening for a variety of NCDs and cancers will also be made available.
“Within the ministry we are looking at a number of screening processes. We are looking to roll out before the end of this month a colonic screening process initially in two polyclinics, and thereafter we expand. We are looking at a cervical cancer screening process; we are looking at providing mammography services within the QEH again as was previously done up until 2008 where persons can have access to mammograms again for early detection and treatment for cancers.

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.