AGP Executive Report

Health Research Funding: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health & Wellness awarded close to $48 million for five health research projects, targeting mental health, breast cancer, air pollution, and wellness for people living with noncommunicable diseases and key risk factors like tobacco, inactivity, alcohol misuse, unhealthy diets, and air pollution. Workforce Strengthening: The Ministry also handed out 141 Dr. Barry Wint Memorial Scholarships (up to $1 million annually for up to five years) to boost training in health-related fields and address ongoing shortages. Public Health & Safety: Police in St Mary investigated a fatal stabbing after a dispute over a phone charger; a 24-year-old man died at Port Maria Hospital. Community Dental Access: North Bronx and Friends Mission Group returned to West Kingston for a four-day dental mission with partners including Good Samaritan Inn, citing high local demand. Pediatric Care Push: Couples Resorts’ 24th annual charity golf tournament raised $2.8 million for the Issa Trust Foundation and the planned Mary Issa Pediatric Health Center in St Ann. TB Treatment Security: A report highlighted renewed concern after two TB patients escaped from treatment at the General Hospital, raising questions about laws and hospital security. Climate & Health Risks: Coverage warned El Niño-driven extreme heat could harm crops, livestock, and agricultural workers’ health, while Tropical Storm Dolly threatened heavy rain and flash flooding across parts of the Eastern Caribbean. Disaster Recovery & School Health: Several schools in Portland raced to complete hurricane repairs and replace damaged learning materials ahead of September 7, affecting safe learning conditions.

Health Research Funding: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health & Wellness has awarded nearly $48 million to five projects under its Research for Wellness Fund, targeting mental health, breast cancer, air pollution, and wellness for people living with noncommunicable diseases and risk factors like tobacco, inactivity, alcohol misuse, unhealthy diets, and pollution. Workforce Development: The Ministry also presented 141 Dr. Barry Wint Memorial Scholarships (up to $1 million annually for up to five years) to help grow Jamaica’s health workforce and ease shortages driven by migration. Back-to-School Health Support: A St Andrew South West MP is pushing for a 50% jump in Constituency Development Fund allocations to better cover school costs, while a Clarendon health fair reached 250 students with check-ups, dental services, screenings—and free Pap smears for women via the National Health Fund and Jamaica Cancer Society. Community Dental Care: North Bronx and Friends Mission Group returned to West Kingston for a four-day dental programme with meals and counselling support through Good Samaritan Inn. Education Access After Storms: Schools in Portland are racing to repair hurricane damage and replace lost materials ahead of September 7, as families also face uniform rush and fewer tailors taking individual orders. Public Health Safety: Jamaica’s health sector is again reminded of the need for stronger TB patient controls after reports of patients escaping treatment, raising questions about gaps in legislation. Local Wellness in Action: Urban Circle Newport opened “Urban Grows,” a community garden aimed at wellbeing, skills, and healthy budget meals, drawing inspiration from regenerative growing and medicinal herbs.

Health Funding Push: St Andrew South West MP Dr Angela Brown Burke is calling for a 50% jump in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to about $40 million, saying current allocations can’t keep up with rising back-to-school costs and other resident needs. Pediatric Care Boost: Couples Resorts’ 24th annual Charity Golf Tournament raised $2.8 million JMD for the Issa Trust Foundation, backing the Mary Issa Pediatric Health Center planned for St Ann. Scholarships for Health Workers: The Ministry of Health & Wellness awarded nearly $48 million for five Research for Wellness Fund projects, while also presenting 141 Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarships to expand Jamaica’s health workforce and research capacity. Fire Safety & Community Impact: Jamaica Fire Brigade reports more than 80 firefighters contained the Hagley Park Road blaze that gutted Superior Auto Parts; cause remains under investigation, with drought-related water shortages and stored lubricants/parts cited as complicating factors. Public Health Access: Free Town Foundation’s Back-to-School Giveaway and Health Fair reached 250+ students, offering check-ups, dental services, screenings, and free Pap smears via partners. Clinical Workforce Stress: Jamaica Medical Doctors Association says doctors are still awaiting resolution on a long-running overtime pay dispute before the Industrial Disputes Tribunal.

Healthcare Research & Workforce: Jamaica is investing $50m in healthcare research and says it spends about $500m annually to train healthcare workers, with scholarships presented for studies ranging from breast cancer and sickle cell disease to air pollution and chemical exposure. Community Health Access: Over 250 students got backpacks and health services at the Free Town Foundation’s Back-to-School Health Fair in Clarendon, including check-ups, dental screening, and free Pap smears via partners. Public Health & Prevention: Jamaica’s National Road Safety Planning Meeting was convened to keep the country on track to cut road deaths in half by 2030, after fatalities spiked again. Mental Health & Support Systems: New Kingston’s Renewal Initiative is moving into implementation with a focus on homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse support alongside safety and sanitation improvements. Health Sector Labour: Doctors are still awaiting a ruling in an overtime pay dispute before the Industrial Disputes Tribunal, after the JMDA says allowances were denied. Disaster Readiness: Jamaica reaffirmed plans to strengthen multi-hazard early warning systems using the Common Alerting Protocol to improve timely, trusted alerts across the region. Local Health Recognition: Jamaican psychologist Dr. Joan Muir was featured on a Times Square billboard after Marquis Who’s Who recognition. Health & Wellness Events: The first-ever Urban Forest Run drew 750+ participants to support forest and mangrove restoration linked to Hurricane Melissa recovery.

Disaster Preparedness: Jamaica is strengthening disaster early warning capacity through a Common Alerting Protocol workshop, with officials stressing that delayed or misunderstood alerts can cost lives. Public Health Pressure: Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Western Regional Health Authority say “social cases” are still clogging beds, with 91 patients needing care they say should not be in hospital settings. Drought Response: Government is intensifying water trucking as rainfall stays far below average, prioritising hospitals, health centres, schools and places of safety. Community Health & Safety: A massive Hagley Park Road fire in St Andrew left at least two firefighters injured and disrupted response efforts amid drought-related water restrictions. Mosquito-Borne Risk: A third West Nile virus case in Massachusetts was reported, with positive mosquito samples found across multiple neighbourhoods including Jamaica Plain. Mental Health After Childbirth: A case discussion highlights post-partum psychosis as a psychiatric emergency, underscoring the need for rapid medical support and family care. Dental Care Access: Supreme Ventures Foundation’s back-to-school dental clinic provided free care and support for 120 children in state care. Early Childhood Support: St Catherine North Western held a certification fair to help early childhood educators meet legal requirements and reduce paperwork barriers. Health Sector Education: May Pen welcomed the opening of the Global University of Medical Sciences, positioning it as a boost for advanced medical and dental training. Homelessness & Substance Support: New Kingston’s Business District Renewal Initiative moves into implementation with a coordinated response to homelessness, mental health and substance abuse alongside safety and sanitation upgrades. Child Nutrition Concern: Jamaica reports a rise in student obesity to 15.3%, adding urgency to healthier school and lifestyle support.

Drought & water access: Jamaica is intensifying drought response with more water trucking as forecasts show little rainfall ahead of back-to-school demand; priority is set for hospitals, health centres, schools and places of safety, with delivery requests urged in advance. Hospital pressure from “social cases”: Western Jamaica health facilities report 91 social cases still on their books, including children abandoned for over a year, adding major cost and strain on already stretched services. Back-to-school health support: Supreme Ventures Foundation’s annual Back-to-School Dental Clinic provided free dental care and school prep for 120 children in State care across southern parishes. Dental education boost: May Pen’s Global University of Medical Sciences opened with local and international dental leaders, with officials calling it a major step for advanced training and services. Community health fairs: Sandals Foundation and partners held a large Ocho Rios back-to-school health fair with expanded dental services plus medical checks and immunisations. Early childhood focus: The Early Childhood Commission says the 2026/27 year will prioritise the Zero to Three strategy, integrating health, nutrition and early intervention through Brain Builder Centres. Public health & safety risks: NEPA cited illegal sand and limestone mining and unregulated wastewater systems in Manchester, warning the breaches can harm health and livelihoods. Fire response & health impacts: A major Hagley Park Road fire at Superior Auto Parts left at least two firefighters injured; officials noted drought-related water limits affected response, while the blaze was contained. Illicit trade & safety: JCF and partners destroyed counterfeit goods worth millions, citing health and safety hazards from fake cigarettes and poorly made clothing.

Court Ruling on Visas: A US federal court struck down a Department of State policy suspending immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including Jamaica, after finding the blanket approach unlawful. Hospital Strain from “Social Cases”: Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Western Regional Health Authority say abandoned and long-staying patients are still a major burden, with 91 social cases reported across the region. Drought Response: Jamaica is intensifying water trucking as rainfall stays far below average, with priority deliveries to hospitals, health centres, schools and places of safety; officials warn emergency costs could rise sharply. Back-to-School Health Support: Sandals Foundation and partners held major free medical and dental fairs, while MP Juliet Holness’ Mavis Bank event offered check-ups, eye and blood testing, dental care and medicine. Early Childhood Focus: The Early Childhood Commission says 2026/27 will prioritise the Zero to Three strategy, including Brain Builder Centres with health, nutrition and stimulation support. Radiation Safety Training: Over 40 responders and trainees took part in hands-on exercises at UWI Mona to improve incident response for radioactive materials. Breastfeeding Push: A renewed call is made to make breastfeeding possible for mothers, not just encourage it. Pharmacy Digital Prescribing: Jamaica plans a supporting framework for secure electronic prescribing and dispensing, building on existing legal permission for electronic transmission. Blood Donation Drive: New York Blood Center is seeking donors of all blood types, with multiple drives listed in Queens and nearby areas.

Electronic Health Records: St Jago Park Health Centre in St Catherine will close temporarily Aug 27–31 to relocate its network infrastructure and Electronic Health Record system, with routine services redirected to nearby centres and urgent cases to Spanish Town Hospital. Public Health Policy: Government says it will establish standards and a supporting framework for secure, widespread electronic prescribing and dispensing, building on existing rules that allow electronic transmission of prescriptions. Breast Cancer Fundraising: Jamaica Reach to Recovery’s Pink Run returns Oct 25 at Emancipation Park, targeting J$30 million and 20,000 participants to boost breast cancer awareness and mammography access. Drought & Water: Water Minister Matthew Samuda urges conservation as El Niño-driven dry conditions persist, with water demand rising ahead of back-to-school. Oral Health Leadership: Western Jamaica-based dental leaders Dr Delroy Fray and Dr Christopher Ogunsalu receive fellowships from the International College of Dentists. Student Nutrition Alarm: NCDA’s Global School-based Health Survey finds obesity rising to 15.3% and overweight to 31.7%, alongside less activity and low sleep. Regional Health Security: CARPHA-backed talks see CAR, DRC, Uganda, Congo and South Sudan strengthen cross-border preparedness to curb Bundibugyo Ebola spread. Access to Care via Missions: MP Juliet Holness partners on a Mavis Bank back-to-school medical and dental fair offering check-ups, eye and blood testing, prescriptions and free dental treatment. Water Infrastructure: The $91.6m Bunkers Hill Water Supply Project, including solar pumping, is commissioned for about 1,000 residents in Northern Clarendon.

Electronic Prescribing Push: Jamaica will set standards and systems to support secure, widespread electronic prescribing and dispensing, with Minister Audrey Marks saying pharmacy regulations already allow electronic transmission but a fuller framework is needed. Health Facility Upgrade Watch: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says an audit of public health facilities—triggered by medical interns’ protests—confirms multiple sites need renovation, with details to follow after review by the chief medical officer and talks with the JMDA. Oral Health Access: Great Shape! Inc’s “1000 Smiles” dental project continues in Jamaica, with volunteers highlighting that 80–90% of common mouth diseases can be prevented through early care and good habits. School Nutrition Alarm: A NCDA Global School-based Health Survey reports student obesity rising to 15.3% in 2026 and overweight to 31.7%, alongside less activity and low sleep—raising risks for chronic disease and mental health. Community Health Services Disruption: St Jago Park Health Centre in St Catherine will temporarily close Aug 27–31 for relocation of network infrastructure and its EHR system, with routine patients redirected to nearby centres and urgent cases to Spanish Town Hospital. Water Security for Public Health: The $91.6m Bunkers Hill Water Supply Project, including solar pumping, is commissioned to improve potable water access for about 1,000 residents in Northern Clarendon amid drought conditions. Pharma Sector Reform: At the PSJ/CAP conference, Marks also signalled a review of long-standing pharmacy legislation to modernise how the sector operates.

Child Health & Nutrition: Jamaica’s Global School-based Health Survey flags a sharp rise in obesity and overweight among students, with obesity jumping to 15.3% and overweight to 31.7% (from 6% and 21.7% in 2010), alongside lower physical activity and reduced sleep. Public Health Facilities: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says an audit confirming public health facilities need renovation will be reviewed by the Chief Medical Officer and discussed with the JMDA, after medical interns protested in June. Health Sector Accountability: Opposition health spokesman Dr Alfred Dawes says he’ll step down if meaningful healthcare improvements, transparency, and accountability don’t follow public outcry. Oral Health Access: Great Shape! Inc’s “1000 Smiles” dental mission in Ocho Rios provided free care, with a volunteer stressing that 80–90% of mouth diseases can be prevented. Pharma Sector Reform: Efficiency Minister Audrey Marks says outdated, long-standing legislation governing Jamaica’s pharmacy sector needs review, as the Pharmaceutical Society and pharmacists push for modernization. Education & Support: Parliament says all public schools reopen Sept 7, with rotating schedules for schools still under repair and psychosocial support services for affected communities. Community Wellness & Prevention: GHN expands its Beyond the Backpack scholarships to 48 students, adding US$19,000 to support uniforms, nutrition, transport, tutoring, and mentorship. Climate & Health Risk: Caribbean leaders are urged to prepare for worsening drought and extreme heat linked to strengthening El Niño, with impacts expected across agriculture, water, health, energy, and tourism.

Teen Alcohol/Drug Trends: Jamaica’s NCDA says fewer students are drinking or using ganja, with alcohol use in grades 7–11 falling to 38.8% (from 52.5% in 2010) and ganja use down to 15.7% (from 21.5% in 2017), though underage exposure and influence remain a concern. Breastfeeding Support: World Breastfeeding Week coverage highlights the “golden hour” and calls out barriers that can stop mothers from early initiation and skin-to-skin feeding. Hospital Care & Child Protection: St Catherine’s Spanish Town Hospital says four abandoned children have spent years at the facility, with CEO warning that long stays disrupt stability and development. Diaspora Healthcare Aid: Right Now For Jamaica and Percy Junor Hospital report over US$60m in medical supplies, including a US$400,000 handover, to strengthen patient care after Hurricane Melissa. Mental Wellness Tech: Two Jamaican friends launch Choobi, an AI mental wellness companion aimed at reducing stigma and cost barriers while urging it doesn’t replace professional care. Climate & Food Security: CIMH and UWI Mona warn El Niño could intensify heat and drought across the region, while Jamaica also gets major organic seed support for small farmers rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa. Community Health & Cleanups: A Westmoreland cleanup in Savanna-la-Mar targets bulky waste blamed for a growing rat problem, with residents and health officials racing to finish the job.

Hurricane recovery support: Ayesha Curry, Back to the Roots and the American Friends of Jamaica announced a record organic seed donation worth about JMD $120 million, to be distributed by RADA to help small farmers rebuild food security after Hurricane Melissa. Youth health trends: Jamaica’s NCDA reports fewer students are drinking or using ganja, but alcohol exposure and underage use remain high enough to keep prevention, enforcement and parent/school engagement a priority. Hospital care and child welfare: Spanish Town Hospital says four abandoned children have spent their entire lives there, with one still there 11 months after discharge—highlighting gaps in stability and long-term placement. Diaspora medical aid: Right Now For Jamaica (RNFJ) and Percy Junor Hospital received over US$60 million in medical supplies and equipment, including a US$400,000 handover, aimed at boosting paediatric, trauma and outpatient capacity. Public health and sanitation: A Westmoreland community cleanup in Savanna-la-Mar is racing to clear bulky waste blamed for a growing rat problem, with residents and health officials seeking about $92,000 to finish the job. Mental wellness innovation: Two Jamaican friends created Choobi, an AI mental wellness companion designed to reduce stigma and cost barriers while steering users toward professional care when needed. Road safety: A fatal head-on crash in St Mary left one man dead and two children hospitalised, as police investigate the cause. Training and capacity building: UWI named seven new professors across areas including cancer care, blood safety, and climate resilience, strengthening regional health and research expertise. Radiation safety: UWI’s ICENS is training radiation protection professionals across CARICOM through a new postgraduate programme, using its research reactor and other facilities. Health-sector debate: A letter to the editor criticises Dr Christopher Tufton’s public comments on masturbation, arguing the health ministry should focus more on hospital shortages and service pressures.

Violence & Emergency Care: A 33-year-old man, Jose Scott, was stabbed multiple times in Laurelton, Queens, and rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he died; police say the motive is unknown and no arrests were made. Fire Safety & Access to Care: Another Jamaica, Queens resident jumped from a third-floor window to escape a fire and was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries; FDNY is investigating the cause. Healthcare Workforce & Research: UWI named seven new professors across climate resilience, cancer care, blood safety, and diagnostic capacity—highlighting regional work on non-communicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance. Radiation Safety Training: ICENS (UWI Mona) is training 12 radiation-protection professionals from seven CARICOM states, using its research reactor and gamma irradiator to build practical safety skills. Pharmacy Modernisation: The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica is appealing for legislation to enable electronic prescribing and dispensing, saying the current system is outdated. Maternal & Community Support: Hanover midwife Remona Wilson-Grant received a Governor-General’s Achievement Award for service and academic excellence, including support for pregnant women. Hospital Resourcing: Percy Junor Hospital in Clarendon received US$400,000 in supplies from a US-based diaspora group, plus plans to digitise patient records. Domestic Violence Services: Jamaica’s government has completed a third state-run shelter for women facing domestic abuse, adding up to 70 safe spaces islandwide after Sept. 1. Scholarships for Health Workers: 131 people will receive Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarships to plug healthcare gaps, with major allocations in specialist nursing and midwifery. Immigration Policy (Health Impacts): Caribbean immigration advocates welcomed a US court ruling striking down a blanket 75-country immigrant visa suspension that included Jamaica, restoring case-by-case processing. Wellness & Prevention: A Jamaica-based pharmacy and wellness push also appears in community health initiatives and awareness events, including cancer-focused runs and mental-health access efforts.

Healthcare Recognition: Hanover midwife Remona Wilson-Grant received the 2026 Governor-General’s Achievement Award for service and academic excellence, reflecting years of work from Noel Holmes Hospital to community health support for pregnant women. Workforce & Training: The Ministry of Health says 131 people will receive Dr Barry Wint Memorial Scholarships this year, with awards across specialist nursing and midwifery, medicine, mental health, speech and language therapy, and more—aimed at filling healthcare gaps. Hospital Support: Percy Junor Hospital in Clarendon received about US$400,000 in new supplies from the diaspora-led Right Now For Jamaica, adding beds, resuscitation equipment, IV poles, tablets and other patient-care items. Pharmacy Digital Shift: The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica is urging legislation to allow electronic prescribing and dispensing so pharmacists can modernize medication workflows. Public Health & Safety: St Mary police are seeking a man wanted after an alleged attempted murder of his 51-year-old common-law wife, who was treated for severe head and facial injuries and burns. Chronic Disease Awareness: Jardiance’s campaign featuring Usain Bolt says online searches for the CKD drug have jumped, as the brand pushes messages on slowing chronic kidney disease progression.

Pharmacy Push for Digital Care: The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica is urging the government to pass legislation that allows electronic prescribing and dispensing, saying the current system is outdated and needs to match “first world” standards. Diaspora Health Support: Percy Junor Hospital in Clarendon received about US$400,000 in supplies from US-based Right Now For Jamaica, adding beds, resuscitation gear, IV poles, tablets and patient-care items after Hurricane Melissa. Maternal & Child Health Access: A St Mary police search follows an alleged attack on a 51-year-old woman, who was admitted in serious condition with severe head and facial injuries and burns. Chronic Disease Awareness in Marketing: Jardiance’s campaign featuring Usain Bolt is credited with a spike in online searches, as the drug is promoted for slowing chronic kidney disease progression. Mental Health & Public Talk: A minister argues sexual health discussions belong in public health too, saying health starts at home and communities. Rare Disease Spotlight: A Clarendon mother describes the daily strain of caring for her six-year-old son with congenital hyperinsulinism, including frequent glucose monitoring and major schooling challenges. AI for Health & Learning: The UN says AI is being used in Jamaica to convert textbooks into interactive formats for children with learning difficulties, supporting wider access to education and care.

CKD Awareness Push: Jardiance’s new campaign featuring Usain Bolt is driving a reported 50% spike in searches for the chronic kidney disease drug, as the brand leans into “slow” messaging to highlight slowing CKD progression. Rare Disease Spotlight: A Portmore mother describes the daily strain of caring for her 6-year-old son with congenital hyperinsulinism, including frequent glucose checks, seizures history, and pressure to secure schooling and medication. Maternal Health & Cancer Support: Breast cancer organisers in Montego Bay are gearing up for a Kiwanis 5K in October, aiming for 7,000 participants and raising over $20m to back screening and care; meanwhile, calls for more compassion for cancer patients continue to surface. Health, Safety & Community: Veterinary officials warn Jamaica needs more animal shelters after a badly injured cow case, urging owners to stop abandoning roaming livestock; and a JDF–Kingston Wharves cricket camp includes a health fair for surrounding communities. Health in the News Cycle: A St Catherine school placement dispute involving “problem” students raises concerns about access to supportive care and safe learning environments. Regional Health Context: Cuba says US sanctions are blocking its economic opening, while the wider week also included reports of medical supplies stranded in Jamaica-linked shipping routes.