AGP Executive Report

Maternal & Newborn Care: UHWI’s NICU received three pulse oximeters with neonatal probes plus a reclining chair for parents’ comfort, donated by the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston—aimed at better monitoring oxygen saturation and heart rates. Community Health Support: Children First Agency and UNICEF Jamaica say Hurricane Melissa recovery work reached 6,426 children and caregivers across St Elizabeth, St James and Manchester through child-friendly spaces, parenting sessions, and mobile psychosocial support. Health System & Workforce: The Jamaica Teachers’ Association is urging faster hurricane school repairs, including using foreign contractors and local technical educators, while also highlighting teacher welfare after volunteer work injuries. Public Health & Safety: A woman rescued from a burning home in St James was rushed to hospital after reports she had a slit throat amid allegations of rape; investigations continue. Wellness & Prevention: A Sagicor Foundation Jamaica scholarship push is helping students with tuition support and innovation awards, including a UWI Mona law student receiving renewable funding. Health & Wellness Events: Lu Sierra headlines the Jamaica Beauty, Fashion and Wellness expo at the AC Hotel in Kingston ahead of Miss Universe Jamaica 2026. Food & Nutrition: A consumer guide warns that mould can spread beneath produce surfaces, advising safer handling of fruits and vegetables. Education & Discipline: Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon reiterates that school isn’t a runway as Jamaica moves toward implementing a national student dress and grooming policy.

Health & Care After Disasters: UNICEF Jamaica and Children First Agency say Hurricane Melissa recovery reached 6,426 children and caregivers across St Elizabeth, St James and Manchester through child-friendly spaces, parenting sessions, and mobile psychosocial support. School Health & Student Wellbeing: Jamaica Teachers’ Association president La Sonja Harrison urges the Ministry of Education to speed hurricane-damaged school repairs by using foreign contractors and local technical educators, while also highlighting teachers’ welfare after injuries during volunteer repairs. Maternal & Child Health Milestone: Jamaica’s Voluntary National Review at the UN highlights progress including WHO validation in 2024 for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and congenital syphilis. Food Safety: A consumer health guide warns that mould on produce can spread beneath the surface, advising people to wash fruits and vegetables right before eating or cooking. Community Support & Access: Beecher Foundation awarded 45 scholarships to St Catherine students, backing the primary-to-secondary transition with more than $2 million in support. Public Health & Environment: A feature on marine litter stresses that most Caribbean sea trash comes from land, linking waste control to healthier fisheries and safer coastal livelihoods.

Hurricane recovery mental health: Children First Agency and UNICEF Jamaica say Hurricane Melissa support reached 6,426 parents and children in St Elizabeth, St James and Manchester through child-friendly spaces, parenting sessions and mobile psychosocial care. Cancer screening upgrade: Western Jamaica’s WRHA is rolling out the FIT stool test at the Savanna-la-Mar Health Centre, calling it a “game changer” for earlier colorectal cancer detection. Early childhood development: The Early Childhood Commission is running a nationwide Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Jamaica screening until Sept 4 to catch developmental needs early and link families to support. Disaster housing delivery: The National Housing Trust says 2,500 modular homes under a $3.1b emergency contract are arriving, with 1,500 already on island and the rest expected by September for Hurricane Melissa-displaced families. Health system accountability: A St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital probe is set after the death of a woman reported five days after giving birth. Community health and prevention: Western Jamaica also highlighted a colorectal cancer push, while other local wellness efforts include back-to-school health fairs and screening initiatives.

Colorectal Cancer Screening: Western Jamaica’s WRHA rolled out the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) at the Savanna-la-Mar Health Centre, calling it a “game changer” for earlier detection of colorectal cancer and other hidden blood-related conditions. Maternal Health Accountability: St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital is preparing an official statement after Kenise Dunn died five days after giving birth; the minister says a preliminary report is complete and follow-up meetings with the Chief Medical Officer are next. Health Fraud in Focus: An upper St Andrew doctor, Chloe Douett, pleaded guilty in a $600m mortgage and real estate fraud scheme involving multiple banks, with court officials detailing charges including forged documents and criminal property. Educators’ Support: Sagicor Life Jamaica launched JTA Protect Plus, a voluntary group insurance plan for Jamaica Teachers’ Association members and dependents, offering critical illness and supplemental life/health coverage. Mental Health Push: A JDF Coast Guard member launched “Mek We Reason JA” to tackle men’s mental health and encourage open conversations after a friend’s suicide. Disaster Housing: The National Housing Trust says 1,500 of 2,500 modular homes under a $3.1b emergency contract are already on island, with the rest due by September for Hurricane Melissa-displaced families. Water & Health Risk: Jamaica is not on track for most UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, with health and wellness among the lagging areas, as drought and recovery pressures mount.

Maternal health crisis: St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital is set to release an official statement after the death of Kenise Dunn, who died five days after giving birth; Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says a preliminary report is complete and administrators will meet the Chief Medical Officer before the hospital’s response. Workforce safety in care delivery: Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) drivers are undergoing a 10-day defensive-driving sensitisation, certification and recertification programme to reduce accidents and protect ambulance service capacity. Back-to-school support with health add-ons: National Education Trust (NET) expanded its Back-to-School Pop-Up Village in St Elizabeth with school supplies, uniforms and medical services for students and families, while Smile Saver Foundation delivered oral-hygiene education and back-to-school packages to 200 students in Dalvey, St Thomas. Nursing-led prevention push: Nurse of the Year 2026 Jervine Richards plans to use her platform to promote wellness and early detection through her GLOW initiative for adolescents and young adults. Road safety and trauma: A Trelawny crash involving a truck and a Suzuki Grand Vitara has raised the death toll to two, with investigations ongoing. Health access in the diaspora spotlight: A Diaspora Health Survey update from Susumber Health Foundation highlights healthcare access as the top concern among respondents, with Jamaica, the US, UK and Canada represented.

Hospital death probe: St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital has launched an internal investigation into the death of Kenise Dunn, who died five days after giving birth, as family members press for answers. Patient safety & access: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says Jamaica must change laws to address “social cases” keeping people in public hospitals after discharge, noting 239 social-case patients islandwide (plus about 400 long-term cases at Bellevue earlier this year). Emergency response & road safety: A Trelawny crash left one dead and another injured after a truck and Suzuki Grand Vitara collided; in St Mary, a fatal Annotto Bay collision claimed a 54-year-old man; and in St Elizabeth, a 22-year-old mechanic died after a crash near Braes River. Care in the community: WRHA drivers are undergoing a 10-day defensive-driving certification programme after accidents reduced ambulance availability. Back-to-school health support: Smile Saver Foundation delivered oral-health education and supplies to 200 students in St Thomas, while NET’s St Elizabeth Pop-Up Village provided school supplies, uniforms and medical services to about 800 students across 20 schools. Sports science & recovery: A sport science professor urges a more holistic, team-based approach to young athletes’ workloads, including fatigue, nutrition and recovery when planning competition schedules.

Road Safety: Police are investigating fatal crashes in St Mary (Annotto Bay) and St Elizabeth (Elim main road near Braes River), where a 54-year-old man and a 22-year-old mechanic died after collisions. Public Health & Hospital Flow: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says Jamaica must change laws to address “social cases” keeping patients in public hospitals after discharge, citing 239 such patients islandwide (excluding Bellevue’s long-term mental health cases). Primary Care Access: A back-to-school health fair in St Andrew South Eastern provided free checks for students and adults, with dental services planned as a follow-up. Workforce & Patient Care: Five medical technologists have sued the Government over alleged unpaid wages and contract issues, seeking damages and a full accounting. Community Support: The New Kingston Revitalisation Plan moves into implementation, with coordinated care for people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance abuse alongside safety and sanitation efforts. Rabies Alert: A rabies-positive bat case is reported as the third on the island since testing began, prompting quarantine and post-exposure precautions for exposed cats.

Hospital Discharge Reform: Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says Jamaica must change laws to tackle “social cases” keeping patients in public hospitals long after they’re medically discharged, noting 239 such patients islandwide (excluding Bellevue’s reported long-term mental health cases). Mental Health Access & Privacy: Bellevue Hospital’s emergency room is turning away some psychiatric crisis patients while cramped, low-privacy spaces worsen distress and disrupt care. Labour Rights in Health: Five medical technologists sue the Government over alleged unpaid wages and broken promises tied to reclassification pay. Cardiac Emergency Preparedness: The Heart Foundation of Jamaica urges faster action during CPR Week (Aug 17–23), stressing chest compressions and calling for help immediately. Cancer Care Concerns: A cancer support group alleges stigma at Cornwall Regional Hospital leads to patients being dismissed or delayed in emergency care; the hospital disputes the claims. Mobile Wellness Service: DRIP Mobile IV Hydration brings IV therapy directly to clients for recovery and wellness. Community Health Fundraiser: A healthcare outing/golf event on Aug 22 will raise funds for Morant Bay and Yallahs high schools. Public Health Snapshot: NHF reports common covered conditions in 2025 include hypertension, diabetes, vascular diseases and arthritis, with expanded coverage and growing online prescription services.

Back-to-School Support: Trelawny Justice of the Peace leaders say a back-to-school fair in Wakefield drew more than 200 students, aiming to cut the cost burden on families. Police Accountability: INDECOM and Manchester Police are probing an alleged drive-by shooting between two cops on Spur Tree main road, where a corporal was grazed and both sides gave conflicting accounts. Homelessness Snapshot: A PIOJ/Board of Supervision survey reports 2,442 street people in Jamaica in 2025, with Kingston and St Andrew holding 48.5% of cases. Mental Health Access Pressure: Bellevue Hospital’s emergency room is described as cramped and privacy-poor, with psychiatric crisis patients turned away amid demand. Cancer Care Concerns: Montego Bay Cancer Support Group alleges cancer stigma at Cornwall Regional Hospital leads to dismissals and delays; WRHA/CRH responses are disputed. Cardiac First Aid: Heart Foundation of Jamaica urges fast action during cardiac emergencies, highlighting CPR Week and the “Don’t Wait – Resuscitate” message. NCD Coverage Update: National Health Fund data shows common claims in 2025 for hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and vascular diseases, with online prescription tools seeing increased use. Mobile Wellness Service: DRIP Mobile IV Hydration is bringing IV hydration directly to clients for recovery and wellness. School Health Screening: VCB Foundation returns to Vere Technical High School for free screenings (BMI, BP, blood sugar, cholesterol, vision and ear checks) and health talks.

Mental Health & Patient Safety: Bellevue Hospital’s emergency room is struggling with cramped conditions and poor privacy, with psychiatric patients in crisis reportedly overheard and sometimes unable to control their volume—highlighting demand pressures and the need for better care spaces. Cancer Care & Stigma: The Montego Bay Cancer Support Group alleges Cornwall Regional Hospital is dismissing and delaying cancer patients due to stigma, including claims of being turned away from emergency care; CRH/WRHA rejects the accusations. Cardiac Preparedness: The Heart Foundation of Jamaica urges the public to act fast during cardiac emergencies—call for help and start chest compressions—during CPR Week under “Don’t Wait – Resuscitate.” Chronic Disease Coverage: Jamaica’s National Health Fund reports 2025’s most common covered conditions were hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, vascular diseases and arthritis, with expanded coverage to include epilepsy and attention deficit disorder. Wellness Access Innovation: DRIP Mobile IV Hydration is bringing IV therapy directly to clients for recovery and wellness, aiming to remove the hassle of clinic visits. Maternal Health Disruption: A pregnant Winnipeg woman says a WestJet cancellation left her stranded in Jamaica, forcing costly rerouting and hospital care while nearing delivery. Community Health Screening: The VCB Foundation returns to Vere Technical High School for a back-to-school fair with free screenings and health talks for students and families. AI Governance Push: A Jamaican-developed AI platform, OpenJM, launches as Jamaica prepares public consultations on its first AI policy framework.

Cardiac Response: The Heart Foundation of Jamaica is urging people to act fast during cardiac emergencies ahead of CPR Week (Aug 17–23), stressing quick recognition, calling for help, and starting chest compressions—“Don’t Wait – Resuscitate.” Chronic Disease Coverage: The National Health Fund says the most commonly covered conditions in 2025 included hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, vascular diseases and arthritis, with online services like glucometer requests and Quick Prescript seeing higher use. Maternal Health Stress: A pregnant Winnipeg woman says WestJet’s cancellation left her stranded in Jamaica, forcing her to book costly alternative flights and giving birth weeks early after complications. Child Safety Tragedy: A four-year-old boy died after a suspected drowning at Puerto Seco Beach in St Ann; CPR was administered before he was rushed to hospital. Community Wellness Fair: The VCB Foundation returns to Vere Technical High School for a Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair with free screenings (BMI, cholesterol, BP, blood sugar, vision) and health talks. Neonatal Care Fundraiser: Sandals Foundation’s Island Challenge Jamaica 2026 (Oct 2–5) will raise £100,000 for neonatal and paediatric healthcare along Jamaica’s northern corridor. Water Crisis Measures: Jamaica’s Drought Management Committee will help enforce NWC water prohibition orders starting Aug 17, with penalties for contraventions. Authentic Food & Health: A Jamaica gardener’s “food forest” highlights how home growing can cut grocery costs and support physical and mental wellbeing. Public Health Tech/Access: NHF reports expanded coverage to 24 conditions (including epilepsy and attention deficit disorder) and improved prescription processing at Drug Serv pharmacies. Health Governance Watch: INDECOM is probing an alleged drive-by shooting in Manchester involving police, with a corporal treated after being grazed.

Cancer Reality Check: A 36-year-old Jamaican woman, Kayleigh Ewan, says her terminal breast cancer prognosis of just three to five years hasn’t stopped her from pushing forward after years of treatment—another reminder to take breast changes seriously. Local Health & Wellness: Hanover residents got a free four-day health clinic with paediatrics, psychiatry, radiology and ultrasonography, showing how community outreach can spot problems early. Maternal Health & Access: A pregnant Winnipeg woman stranded in Jamaica after a WestJet cancellation ended up seeking hospital care in Florida—highlighting how travel disruptions can quickly become health risks. Food & Nutrition Culture: Jamaica Fest in Silver Spring drew thousands with jerk, patties and local vendors, reinforcing wellness through food, community and movement. Public Health in Action: Jamaica’s drought response includes water prohibition enforcement with penalties, and the Ministry of Health is among the agencies monitoring compliance. Health Through Inclusion: The CHASE Fund is backing health screening for athletes at the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay, supporting access to care for people with intellectual disabilities. Beekeeping & Food Security: After Hurricane Melissa, beekeepers are being urged to rear queen bees to speed up recovery of Jamaica’s apiculture sector and protect local honey supply.

Water & Health Access: With water prohibition orders set to begin Aug. 17, Minister Matthew Samuda is urging Jamaicans to conserve now so supplies hold for schools, hospitals and essential services amid low rainfall and El Niño heat. Maternal & Child Health Funding: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett backed a shift in corporate social responsibility as the Sandals Foundation launched Island Challenge Jamaica 2026, targeting £100,000 for neonatal and paediatric healthcare. Community Health Services: Hanover residents benefited from a free four-day health clinic offering paediatrics, psychiatry, radiology and ultrasonography, while incorporating prayer as part of a holistic approach. Special Olympics Screening: The CHASE Fund committed J$945,725 to health screening for athletes at the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay. Public Health Infrastructure: The National Education Trust is checking hurricane-damaged schools in western Jamaica, supporting repairs so students can return to safer learning spaces. Safety & Violence: Prosecutors say a teen’s injuries from a Zimi Seh Beach brawl could be permanent, with further medical checks scheduled. Regulation & Care: Bank of Jamaica’s Richard Byles says Jamaica’s “Twin Peaks” financial regulation overhaul will take years longer than planned, affecting timelines for broader system reforms.

Water & Health Security: With water prohibition orders set to take effect Aug. 17, Minister Matthew Samuda is urging Jamaicans to cut non-essential use now to protect supplies for schools, hospitals and other essentials amid low rainfall and El Niño heat. Community Health Access: Hanover residents benefited from a free four-day health clinic in eastern Hanover, offering paediatrics, psychiatry, radiology and ultrasonography through a partnership of Hanover Charities and Hands for a Cause. Inclusion Through Care: CHASE Fund committed about J$945,725 to support health screening for athletes at the Special Olympics Caribbean Beach Games in Montego Bay (Nov. 18–22). Violence Prevention & Support: Safe Space Advocate JA is pushing for 14 high-security shelters islandwide by end-2027, arguing women need protection based on patterns of coercive control, not just visible injuries. Health System Capacity: Cornwall Regional Hospital is operating with a neurosurgeon shortage, with patients being referred to UHWI and KPH as access to specialist care expands. Public Health & Policy: Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles says Jamaica’s “Twin Peaks” financial regulation overhaul will take years longer than planned, extending uncertainty for the reform timeline.

Water & Health Security: Jamaica’s National Water Commission announces a strict nationwide water lockdown across seven parishes starting Aug. 17, citing critical reservoir levels amid drought, with non-essential use banned and enforcement including fines or jail—aimed at protecting supplies for schools and healthcare. Maternal Care After Storms: UNFPA hands reproductive health and specialised midwifery kits to facilities in six Hurricane Melissa-affected parishes (St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover, Manchester, St. James) to keep safe childbirth and emergency obstetric services running. Specialist Shortage: Cornwall Regional Hospital is operating with only one of three approved consultant neurosurgeon posts, with WRHA saying referrals to UHWI/KPH are used when neurosurgical care can’t be provided locally. School Recovery: NET continues post-Hurricane Melissa rebuilding visits to western schools, focusing on restoring roofs, classrooms, canteens and labs so students can return to safer learning spaces. Food Safety Watch: WHO reports it hopes to reverse the DRC Ebola spread within three months, warning the outbreak won’t be over by then and that surveillance must continue to prevent resurgence. Public Health & Wellness Support: Heart Foundation promotes “Chain of Survival” during CPR Week 2026, reinforcing community readiness for emergencies.

Water & Health Security: Jamaica is moving toward a strict nationwide water lockdown across seven parishes starting Aug. 17 as reservoirs hit critical levels after prolonged El Niño drought, with non-essential use banned and penalties for violators—aimed at protecting supplies for schools and healthcare facilities. Maternal Care Support: UNFPA has delivered reproductive health and specialised midwifery kits to hurricane-affected facilities in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover, Manchester and St. James to keep safe childbirth and emergency maternal/newborn services running. Specialist Care Gap: Cornwall Regional Hospital is operating with only one of three approved consultant neurosurgeon posts, and patients needing neurosurgery not available locally are being referred to UHWI or KPH depending on needs. CPR Week Focus: The Heart Foundation of Jamaica is rolling out CPR Week 2026 under “Don’t Wait – Resuscitate,” including an Emergency Cardiac Care Symposium on Aug. 19 and public training tied to the Chain of Survival. Public Health & Safety: WHO says it aims to reverse DRC’s Ebola spread within three months, but warns surveillance must continue to prevent resurgence. Community Health Access: Hurricane Melissa-impacted health facilities also received specialised midwifery support, while broader drought and road-crash risks continue to strain health systems.