AGP Executive Report

Ebola Preparedness: Jamaica says it remains Ebola-free, but the Health Ministry has stepped up port-of-entry surveillance, border coordination, front-line training, and infection prevention checks after the DRC outbreak; nine travellers with recent travel links are under mandatory self-quarantine with no symptoms reported. NHF Cybersecurity: The National Health Fund says services are unaffected after a reported cyber incident; hackers claim access to sensitive beneficiary and medication data, and the matter has been referred to the Office of the Information Commissioner and MOCA while security controls are being reinforced. Caregiver Support: Health Minister Christopher Tufton proposes a national census of unpaid caregivers (about 150,000 not on payroll) to build a database and better support older adults under the CARE agenda. Community Health & Prevention: Tufton also announced “Jamaica Moves Fit Stops” for July 25, a scavenger-style fitness event aimed at tackling NCDs through preventive care and healthy living. Heart Care Milestone: Chain of Hope marks 30 years in Jamaica with a medical mission at Bustamante Hospital for Children, planning open-heart surgeries for 8–10 children. Nutrition After Hurricane Melissa: Golden Krust’s “Feeding Futures” initiative is funding canteen rebuilds and nutrition support for seven schools across western Jamaica. Local Health System Capacity: CDEMA highlights lessons from Hurricane Melissa, including the need for stronger emergency communications and resilient information systems, alongside regional medical support deployments. Digital Health in the Region: Adroit Infosystems spotlighted practical EHR and clinic workflow digitisation at a Caribbean family doctor symposium in Trinidad.

Ebola Preparedness: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says nine travellers with recent travel histories linked to Ebola-affected countries are under mandatory self-quarantine as a precaution; none show symptoms and Jamaica remains disease-free. Child Safety & Digital Health: Tufton also revealed a near-complete study on social media’s impact on Jamaicans, with a national survey planned to inform possible restrictions on social media access for children under 16. Data Privacy in Healthcare: Tufton confirmed hackers have contacted the National Health Fund (NHF) claiming access to clients’ medical information; the NHF has reported the threat to the Office of the Information Commissioner and involved MOCA, while security is being reinforced. Primary Care Recovery: The Catherine Hall Health Centre in St James has reopened after rehabilitation following Hurricane Melissa damage, restoring primary healthcare services for thousands. Community Health Tech: Adroit Infosystems highlighted digital healthcare workflows and EHR adoption at the CCFP Trinidad World Family Doctor Day Symposium, focusing on patient access, billing and care continuity. Diabetes Prevention Expansion (Regional): Northwell Health in New York was named a CDC Umbrella Hub Organization for the National Diabetes Prevention Program, aiming to expand lifestyle-based diabetes prevention services. Food & Health Policy: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched a regional campaign to challenge junk food marketing in schools, targeting healthier environments for children.

Denaturalisation Push: The US Justice Department is seeking to strip citizenship from 17 naturalized people tied to serious crimes, including fraud and sexual offences—among them Caribbean nationals from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti. Primary Care Recovery: Jamaica’s Western Regional Health Authority has reopened the Catherine Hall Health Centre in St James after Hurricane Melissa damage, restoring key primary services for thousands. School Nutrition Advocacy: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition launched “Make it Make Sense” to curb junk food and beverage marketing in schools across 11 territories, urging removal of ultra-processed food promotions. Community Health & Peace: Violence Prevention Alliance and partners held a Grants Pen Peace Park family day with sports, arts, and a health station to support wellness and peacebuilding. Dairy Supply Pressure: A major dairy producer says Jamaica needs faster action on importing higher-quality cattle genetics to reduce reliance on milk powder. Water & Public Health Risk: Opposition and government trade accusations over NWC power resilience after an islandwide blackout, with critics warning of public health impacts. Local Health Outreach: Friends of Porus and Give Back Jamaica delivered literacy support and medical supplies to rural healthcare facilities. CARICOM Fitness Event: CARICOM Road Run/Walk is set for July 5 in Saint Lucia, with categories for elite and community participants, aligned with NCD prevention goals.

Community Health Upgrade: Bamboo Community Health Centre in St. Ann reopened after a $68.1M upgrade, with expanded services including antenatal and postnatal clinics, oral health assessments, nutrition services, child health care and home visits. Maternal Health Pathways: UTech, Jamaica’s Caribbean School of Nursing highlights its Bachelor of Science in Midwifery, positioning midwives as key frontline providers for maternal and newborn outcomes. Health & Wellness Business: NUGL and Cannibble Food-Tech have started a Jamaica market evaluation of functional beverage samples via Kaya Pizza and Square Grouper Bars, aiming to test consumer demand and wellness-focused product fit. NCD Prevention Through Movement: CARICOM athletes will gather in St Lucia for the 19th CARICOM Road Run/Walk on July 5, tied to regional commitments to reduce non-communicable diseases. Food Safety & Nutrition Policy: Caribbean non-communicable disease focal points, nutritionists and legal drafters strategised on sodium reduction and policies on industrially produced trans fats. Public Health Infrastructure Pressure: After an islandwide blackout, debate continues over how power resilience affects hospitals and essential services, with calls for stronger renewable and generator support for critical systems.

Primary Care Upgrade: Bamboo Community Health Centre in St. Ann has reopened after a $68.1M upgrade funded by the National Health Fund and the North East Regional Health Authority, adding services like oral health assessments, antenatal and postnatal clinics, nutrition services, child health clinics, curative care and home visits, with a standby generator planned. Water & Public Health Resilience: Minister of Water Matthew Samuda hit back at Opposition claims that NWC is too dependent on JPS, saying resilience work is already underway after a JPS grid shutdown left thousands without water and renewed calls for solar-powered backup. Community Health & Wellness: Rotary Club donated $3M paediatric equipment to Black River Hospital, while a Men of Color Health Summit by Kaiser Permanente and others continued pushing preventive care and health access. Food & Nutrition Focus: Caribbean noncommunicable disease experts and nutritionists strategised on sodium reduction and policies to curb industrially produced trans fats, as Jamaica and the region face ongoing diet-related health burdens. Health in the News Cycle: Heart disease remains among Jamaica’s biggest killers, cardiologists are urging screening and symptom awareness, and coverage also highlighted recurrent vaginal infections and advances in minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery at May Pen Hospital. Safety & Health Impacts: Residents protested after a fatal police shooting in Jones Town, underscoring how violence and trauma ripple into community wellbeing.

Water & Public Health: Opposition says Friday’s islandwide blackout left about 65,000 NWC customers without water, showing the sector’s “dangerously dependent” reliance on the JPS grid; calls are growing for solar/renewables and backup for critical water treatment to prevent health risks during disasters. NCD Prevention: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters across eight Caribbean countries in Barbados to push sodium reduction targets and eliminate industrially produced trans fats, warning most sodium comes from processed foods. Maternal Health Support: Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation received a $4.5M boost from the Run for Mom 5K to strengthen services for adolescent mothers, supporting education and care for children living with HIV and severe disabilities. Paediatric Care Boost: Rotary Club of St. Andrew North donated $3M in paediatric equipment to Black River Hospital, including an infant incubator and phototherapy lamp. Food Safety: St. Thomas veterinary public health officials urged consumers to buy meat only from approved, inspected sources with government stamps. Local Health & Safety: Heart disease remains a major killer, while reports also highlight injuries and deaths from accidents and violence across parishes.

Adolescent Mothers Get Boost: The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation received a $4.5M donation from the Run for Mom 5K proceeds, backed by the Heart and Vascular Centre and partners, to strengthen support for pregnant adolescents and adolescent mothers—helping them stay in education while caring for their children. Paediatric Care Upgrade: Rotary Club of St. Andrew North donated $3M in paediatric equipment to Black River Hospital, including an infant incubator, phototherapy lamp and infusion pumps, to improve outcomes for young patients. Heart Health Warning: Interventional cardiologist Dr Victor Elliott says heart disease remains a major killer in Jamaica, urging routine check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, healthier diets and exercise to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Women’s Health Focus: A gynaecology piece highlights recurrent vaginal infections and the need to restore healthy vaginal flora balance, with attention to probiotics as part of modern care. Food Safety Reminder: A veterinary public health inspector urged consumers to buy meat and animal by-products only from reputable, government-inspected sources with the required stamp. Water & Public Health Risk: After an islandwide blackout, NWC restored major water systems but tens of thousands still faced outages; opposition leaders are pushing for solar-powered resilience to protect water services during disasters.

Heart Health Watch: Interventional cardiologist Dr Victor Elliott warns that heart disease and stroke remain major killers in Jamaica, urging annual check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol control, and healthier diets and exercise. Cardiac Recovery Spotlight: Deputy Prime Minister Dr Horace Chang reflects on bypass surgery after routine exams found three blocked arteries—no symptoms at first—highlighting how early detection can save lives. Women’s Health: A gynaecology piece tackles recurrent vaginal infections, stressing the need to rebalance vaginal flora and rethink “one-size-fits-all” treatment for persistent cases. Hospital Innovation: May Pen Hospital is advancing minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery, supported by training and equipment upgrades to expand safer, less invasive care. Cancer Support Push: Jamaica Cancer Society’s Relay For Life drive aims to fund a new mammography machine, underlining the role of early screening and stronger support services. Community Wellness: DBJ hosts a staff wellness fair with health checks and a cook-off to encourage better food choices. Public Health in Action: Jamaica Motorcyclists Association and JCF stage a Bikers’ Blood Drive at the National Chest Hospital, aiming to top last year’s blood collection. Energy & Health Risk: After an islandwide blackout, the OUR requests a report from JPS on the cause and corrective steps, while opposition calls for transparency—important for healthcare continuity.

Women’s Health: A new ob/gyn explainer urges women with recurrent vaginal discharge to look beyond repeated antibiotics and antifungals, focusing instead on restoring healthy vaginal bacterial balance (pH and flora) and using probiotics more thoughtfully. Surgical Care: Spanish Town Hospital’s urology unit marks five years and nearly 1,500 procedures, including prostate cancer surgeries and expanded minimally invasive kidney stone treatment after acquiring a laser machine. Women’s Health (Hospital Capacity): May Pen Hospital is restarting and growing minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery, supported by training and upgraded equipment. Community Wellness: DBJ’s wellness fair blends health checks, fitness and a staff cook-off to promote better eating habits. Food Safety: Jamaica marks World Food Safety Day with reminders that safe handwashing, storage and thorough cooking help prevent illness. Health Workforce & Partnerships: Jamaica and Ghana renew cooperation with a health agreement aimed at recruiting Ghanaian healthcare workers and expanding hospital management, specialised care, telemedicine and emergency preparedness. Disaster Readiness: St. Elizabeth rolls out a recovery readiness roadmap with UNDRR support after Hurricane Melissa. Public Health Through Action: A Bikers’ Blood Drive targets 100 units at the National Chest Hospital. Health & Wellness Infrastructure: Montego Bay’s “The Hive” $700M sports complex is designed to serve athletes and the wider community. Food & Nutrition Pressure: Scotch bonnet shortages are driving up hot sauce and jerk-seasoning costs, with farmers and producers citing hurricane damage and pests.

Food Safety Push: Jamaica is urging people to take responsibility for safe food ahead of World Food Safety Day (June 7), with the Ministry highlighting simple steps like handwashing, safe storage and thorough cooking—especially for animal-source foods. Community Health & Giving: The Guardian Group SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk 2026 raised over $30 million for Kingston Public Hospital, Falmouth Public General Hospital and Project STAR, with 100% of proceeds earmarked for equipment and support programmes. Specialist Care Milestone: Spanish Town Hospital’s urology unit marked five years and nearly 1,500 surgeries, including prostate cancer procedures and expanded minimally invasive kidney stone surgery after acquiring a laser machine. Blood Donation Drive: The Jamaica Motorcyclists Association and JCF will host a Bikers’ Blood Drive at the National Chest Hospital on Saturday, aiming to collect 100 units. Regional Health Research: A UWI researcher contributed to a major Lancet series warning chronic kidney disease is one of the world’s fastest-growing health crises. Healthy Food Policy (Caribbean): Regional leaders and health experts called for faster, evidence-based healthy food policies to tackle the Caribbean’s non-communicable disease crisis. Disaster Readiness: St. Elizabeth is strengthening recovery readiness after Hurricane Melissa through a UNDRR-supported workshop and roadmap for future resilience planning. Nutrition & Supply Pressure: Jamaican Scotch bonnet pepper shortages are driving up prices, squeezing jerk and hot sauce supplies.

Specialised Urology Care: Spanish Town Hospital’s urology unit marked five years since launch (May 3, 2021), completing nearly 1,500 surgeries and expanding prostate cancer and minimally invasive kidney stone treatment. Neonatal Support: Preemie Foundation of Jamaica donated a $1.7M incubator to the Mandeville Regional Hospital NICU, boosting care for premature and critically ill newborns. Food Safety & Public Health: Jamaica is urging residents to take responsibility for food safety ahead of World Food Safety Day (June 7), with emphasis on safe handling, cooking, and animal-source foods. Healthy Food Policy Push: Caribbean leaders and public health experts called for urgent action on healthy food policy to tackle the region’s non-communicable disease crisis. NCD Research Spotlight: UWI researcher Dr. Lori-Ann Fisher contributed to a major Lancet series highlighting the global kidney disease burden and the need for prevention and early detection. Disaster Readiness: St. Elizabeth stepped up recovery readiness planning with a UNDRR-supported workshop, while Jamaica’s PM urged faster Hurricane Melissa claim settlements to speed recovery. Bilateral Health Cooperation: Jamaica and Ghana renewed cooperation after 21 years, signing health agreements that include recruitment of Ghanaian healthcare workers and support for telemedicine and emergency preparedness. Community Safety & Health Links: JCF held Mt. Sinai walk-throughs in St. Thomas with agencies including CPFSA, SDC, NCDA, and restorative justice partners. Environmental Health Alert: Scientists warned Saharan dust can affect Jamaica’s air quality, urging vulnerable people to limit exposure.

Neonatal Care Boost: The Preemie Foundation of Jamaica donated a $1.7M incubator to Mandeville Regional Hospital’s NICU, strengthening temperature-controlled care for premature and critically ill newborns. Hospital Support in Hanover: Philanthropist Myrna Gordon-Radway donated over $1M in patient care items to Noel Holmes Hospital and the Lucea Infirmary, including PPE and sanitisers. Health Workforce Ties: Jamaica and Ghana renewed cooperation after 20+ years, signing MoUs on health and defence that include recruitment of Ghanaian healthcare professionals and knowledge-sharing. Marine Health Warning: A new report warns offshore oil and gas exploration in Jamaica’s Walton-Morant block could threaten south-coast coral reefs, seagrass and key fishing grounds, with risks to livelihoods and seafood. Saharan Dust Alert: Scientists warn more dust could reach the Caribbean, urging vulnerable people to limit exposure as air quality worsens. Mental Health in Justice: Illinois mental health courts aim to divert people from prison into treatment, but results are mixed—highlighting what works and what doesn’t. Wellness for Grief: “Grief travel” is rising, with more retreats and structured programs offering emotional recovery support, including psychedelic-assisted wellness experiences in Jamaica. Prostate Cancer Awareness: Former England and Liverpool star John Barnes says he had prostate surgery and urges men to get tested and break stigma.

Neonatal Care Boost: The Preemie Foundation of Jamaica donated a $1.7M incubator to Mandeville Regional Hospital’s NICU, strengthening temperature-controlled support for premature and critically ill newborns. Local Philanthropy for Health: Hanover philanthropist Myrna Gordon-Radway donated over $1M in patient care items to Noel Holmes Hospital and the Lucea Infirmary, including PPE and sanitisation supplies. Cancer Screening Push: Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes shared his prostate cancer diagnosis and surgery, urging men to overcome stigma and get checked. Cervical Cancer Focus: A new cervical cancer elimination compendium highlights prevention and screening gaps; Jamaica’s case is flagged as a major need, with many women reportedly never screened. Food Safety Reminder: WHO and FAO’s “Safe Food Everywhere” campaign spotlights safer handling at home—washing hands, separating raw/cooked, cooking thoroughly, safe storage, and safe water. Marine Health Warning: Earth Insight and JET warn offshore oil exploration in the Walton-Morant block could threaten Jamaica’s south coast coral reefs, seagrass and key fishing grounds. Homelessness Support: Government announced a $35M renovation for the Marie Atkins Night Shelter to expand services for Kingston’s homeless population.

Food Safety Focus: Jamaica’s food safety push gets a spotlight ahead of World “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” with WHO/FAO urging safer handling, storage, and sourcing to protect public health, tourism, and food security. Cancer Prevention: A cervical cancer elimination compendium highlights the urgency for Jamaica, where most deaths occur among women who have never been screened—renewing calls for vaccination, screening, and treatment access. Health Workforce: Jamaica and Ghana move to strengthen care delivery with recruitment of Ghanaian doctors and nurses for deployment, including specialist roles in critical areas like oncology, neonatology, emergency, and peri-operative care. Marine Health & Risk: A new report warns offshore oil and gas exploration in Jamaica’s Walton-Morant block could threaten coral reefs, seagrass beds, and key fishing grounds—raising stakes for coastal livelihoods and tourism. Public Health Advocacy: Healthy Caribbean Coalition youth and partners launch “Hope for the Future 3.0,” calling for bans on ultra-processed food marketing around schools to curb early unhealthy eating and future NCD risk. Disaster Resilience: After Hurricane Melissa, government signals a new building code this year aimed at Category 5 hurricane resistance, with stricter enforcement and checks to reduce future harm.

Workforce & Care Access: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health has opened recruitment for Ghanaian doctors, nurses and midwives for deployment to Jamaica, targeting specialist nursing roles (neonatology, oncology, critical care, nephrology, emergency, peri-operative) and fellowship-level physicians (general surgery, internal medicine, anaesthesiology, pathology, nephrology, cardiology), with applications running June 1–5. Public Health Policy: The Scientific Research Council (SRC) Act will be reviewed to modernise Jamaica’s science governance, including digitalisation plans and expanded programmes for MSMEs and public science engagement. Disaster Recovery & Housing: Government says it will introduce a new building code this year after Hurricane Melissa, with stricter enforcement and Category 5 resilience standards, while also strengthening national disaster response capabilities through ODPEM’s evolution into a National Resilience Organisation. Community Health Support: A Documentation Recovery Fair in St. Elizabeth is helping Hurricane Melissa-affected residents reclaim lost civil records like birth certificates, TRNs, passports and voter IDs. Child Nutrition Advocacy: Caribbean youth and civil society are pushing for a ban on ultra-processed food marketing around schools through the “Hope for the Future 3.0” campaign across multiple islands, including Jamaica. Health & Safety Awareness: NEPA’s National Environmental Awareness Week (June 1–8) focuses on recovering stronger and greener after Melissa, linking ecosystem recovery to public wellbeing.

Health Workforce Push: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health has opened recruitment for Ghanaian doctors, nurses and midwives for deployment, targeting specialist nursing roles (neonatology, oncology, critical care, nephrology, emergency, peri-operative) and fellowship-level physicians (general surgery, internal medicine, anaesthesiology, pathology, nephrology, cardiology), with applications running June 1–5. Air Quality Warning: NEPA says Saharan dust has worsened air quality in parts of Kingston and St Andrew, with an uptick in PM2.5 readings that could aggravate respiratory conditions, urging vulnerable people to limit exposure. Men’s Health Screening: Jamaica Cancer Society’s St Ann–St Mary branch reports improved turnout at a Men’s Health Fair in Ocho Rios, with free PSA/DRE plus checks for blood sugar, blood pressure, HIV and cholesterol. Food & Health Advocacy: Caribbean youth and civil society are calling for urgent bans on ultra-processed food marketing in and around schools, warning it undermines healthy eating and raises childhood NCD risk. UHWI Governance Scrutiny: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee heard acting UHWI management say no board records were found to support claims of CEO appointment interference, while earlier auditor findings continue to drive scrutiny of procurement and controls. Disaster Response & Recovery: PM Holness outlined steps to strengthen ODPEM into a National Resilience Organisation, and Jamaicans are being invited to volunteer for Diaspora Day of Service projects, including healthcare support in hurricane-affected areas.