AGP Executive Report

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.

UHWI Accountability: Outgoing acting CEO Eric Hosin urged Jamaicans to protect UHWI as his tenure ends, after an Auditor General audit flagged procurement breaches and misuse of the hospital’s tax-exempt status; former UHWI CEO Kevin Allen later said documents bearing his signature being used after his 2022 departure was “unfortunate.” Youth Mental Health: The Government says it’s strengthening mental health support for young people, expanding school mental health programmes and access to psychosocial counselling. Period Poverty Support: In St. Thomas, the SDC launched “It’s a Girl’s Thing,” giving girls menstrual health and oral hygiene sessions plus hygiene packs. Health Workforce Deal: Jamaica and Ghana signed an agreement to deploy 400 Ghanaian nurses to help close staffing gaps, with the first group expected to start soon. Ebola Preparedness: Jamaica’s Health Ministry says the country is free of Ebola cases, with eight travellers placed in quarantine. Public Health & Safety: BOJ Money Quest rolls out an online financial literacy game for grades 4–6, while separate reports highlight serious injuries and deaths from road incidents and assaults, underscoring ongoing community health and safety needs.

Alzheimer’s Testing Access: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics partnered to expand Precivity® blood tests for amyloid pathology linked to Alzheimer’s, with Jamaica among the initial rollout countries. Care & Rehabilitation: An acquired brain injury charity highlights how targeted rehabilitation can change outcomes for people needing long-term support. Older Adults Support: Sandals and Beaches volunteers carried out community health and learning upgrades, including beautifying St Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital spaces. Caregiving Stress: A commentary spotlights the health toll of caregiving and the need for better training and support for those looking after loved ones. Youth Vaping Warning: Caribbean voices urge faster policy action as vaping spreads among teens and threatens mental and physical wellbeing. Hurricane Season Watch: Atlantic hurricane season has begun, with forecasts leaning below-average but still stressing preparedness for families. Food Supply Strain: Scotch bonnet shortages are pushing hot sauce prices higher after hurricanes and crop disease hit Jamaica’s pepper production. Health Workforce Deal: Jamaica and Ghana signed a health workforce mobility agreement to deploy nurses and help close staffing gaps in hospitals. Community Health Education: Bank of Jamaica launched BOJ Money Quest, a financial literacy game for grades 4–6, with cash prizes—supporting wellness through better planning and stability.

Alzheimer’s Testing Access: C2N Diagnostics and SouthGenetics are partnering to expand Precivity® blood tests for amyloid pathology linked to Alzheimer’s, with initial rollout including Jamaica and other Caribbean/Latin American markets. Health Workforce Mobility: Ghana and Jamaica signed a bilateral agreement to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to Jamaica, aiming to plug hospital staffing gaps after a 21-year PJCC pause. Ebola Preparedness: A senior doctor is urging Jamaica to use designated quarantine areas for travellers from Ebola-hit countries, warning that mandatory self-quarantine at home could spread infection if cases are asymptomatic early. Youth Vaping Alarm: Caribbean health voices are pushing faster policy action as youth vaping rises, with concerns that flavours and “nicotine-free” marketing still normalise harmful use. Cancer Screening Push: Cari-Med and Apotex donated $1.5 million to Jamaica Cancer Society to buy 300 prostate screening kits for the 2026 Men’s Health Fair. Hospital Readiness: An MP says water shortages in Appleton Hall must be fixed before the new Western Children and Adolescent Hospital opens, warning the outdated pump can’t handle added demand. Community Care & Rehab: A charity for acquired brain injury is helping transform lives through specialised rehabilitation, while resort volunteers continue upgrading learning and healing spaces after Hurricane Melissa. Road Safety Tragedy: A woman died after a crash involving a bus, tractor and other vehicles on the Rose Hall main road, with multiple injuries reported.

Hurricane Preparedness: With Atlantic hurricane season officially starting June 1, NOAA forecasts a below-normal season but warns families not to relax—plan for 8–14 named storms and possible major hurricanes, and get your household supplies and routes ready. Food Supply & Health: A looming shortage of Caribbean Scotch bonnet peppers is threatening hot pepper sauce production as extreme weather, pests and disease hit key crops, pushing up costs for farmers and manufacturers. Youth Vaping & Tobacco Control: World No Tobacco Day messaging is spotlighting how vapes—nicotine and “0% nicotine” alike—are marketed to young people with flavours and “harmless” claims; PAHO urges stronger action to cut tobacco and nicotine use. Mental Health for Young People: Teen Hub St. Thomas is being praised as a safe space for youth, including support for anxiety and mentorship. Homelessness Response: KSAMC says it’s moving to improve conditions and connect people to services in downtown Kingston after public complaints. Healthcare Workforce Boost: Ghana and Jamaica signed a deal to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to strengthen Jamaica’s health system, alongside broader cooperation. Ebola Monitoring: Jamaica remains Ebola-free, but eight travellers are under mandatory self-quarantine after arriving from Ebola-affected countries. Local Health Infrastructure: An MP is calling for Appleton Hall water issues to be fixed before a new children’s hospital opens, warning the outdated pump can’t handle added demand. Community Safety & Child Wellbeing: A police outreach at Guanaboa Vale highlighted children’s mental health, while a Portmore teen is reported suspected to have died by suicide—renewing calls for support and prevention.

Tobacco & Vaping Warning: PAHO marked World No Tobacco Day by urging Caribbean countries to move faster to cut tobacco use and tackle youth-targeted nicotine products, warning that flavours and “nicotine-free” marketing can still lure teens into addiction. Youth Mental Health & Safety: A youth advocate says vaping is spreading through easy shop and online access across the region, while Jamaica’s Child Month outreach at Guanaboa Vale Police Station highlighted the need to prioritise children’s mental health. Ebola Update: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health confirmed the country is free of Ebola cases, with eight travellers placed under mandatory self-quarantine after port-of-entry screening and none showing symptoms. Workforce Boost: Ghana and Jamaica signed a bilateral agreement to deploy about 400 Ghanaian nurses to strengthen Jamaica’s healthcare delivery, following the revival of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation after 21 years. Older Adults Wellness: The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the Park Walker Initiative for Older Adults, encouraging seniors to be more active and adopt healthier lifestyles. Local Health Outreach: A medical mission health fair in St Elizabeth provided free consultations, screenings, dental care, and psychosocial support to nearly 700 residents. Community Homelessness Response: KSAMC says it’s taking steps to address homelessness in downtown Kingston, including Justice Square, with a multi-agency approach involving medical and mental health partners. Suicide Risk Alert: Police reported a suspected suicide of a 14-year-old student in Portmore, with helplines shared for mental health and suicide prevention support.

Health Workforce Boost: Ghana has agreed to deploy about 400 nurses to Jamaica under a renewed bilateral deal after a 21-year break, with talks also covering defence, tourism and education exchanges. Ebola Update: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health & Wellness says there are no Ebola cases, but eight recent travellers linked to affected countries are in voluntary self-quarantine and being monitored after enhanced port surveillance. Healthy Ageing Push: The Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the Park Walker Initiative for older adults in St James, encouraging regular walking and healthier lifestyles to help prevent and manage non-communicable diseases. Air Quality Warning: With Saharan dust affecting the island, the health ministry urges people—especially those with asthma or other respiratory issues—to stay indoors, wear masks, and protect eyes and skin while also treating and storing water properly. Community Wellness Outreach: AdventHealth and Andrews Memorial Hospital ran a five-day medical mission health fair in St Elizabeth, providing consultations, screenings, dental care and prescription medication to nearly 700 residents. Local Health & Safety: Police reported an arm-severing truck crash on Spur Tree Hill in Manchester that sent two men to hospital, one in critical condition.

Health & Safety: A third victim of the South Camp Road explosion at Beryllium/Guardsman has been airlifted to Atlanta for specialised care, with burns reported as severe and family praising the speed of response. Mental Health & Violence: In New York, an on-duty FDNY firefighter arrested after punching an NYPD officer at Queens Hospital Center, with police saying he appeared to be in a mental health episode. Community Wellness: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health launched the Park Walker Initiative for Older Adults in St James, encouraging seniors to stay active through inclusive group walks and healthier lifestyles. Public Health Watch: A Caribbean climatologist warned the Atlantic hurricane season may be quieter but still risky, with higher chances of intense rainfall, flash flooding, and extreme heat affecting vulnerable groups. Workforce & Care Access: Jamaica and Ghana signed/advanced cooperation to expand the medical workforce, including plans for Ghanaian health professionals to deploy to Jamaica in June. Child Protection: Justices of the peace were urged to volunteer as mentors in Jamaica’s National Child Diversion Programme to help rehabilitate children diverted from the criminal justice system. Local Health System Support: NCB Foundation delivered upgrades to Kingston Public Hospital’s Eye Clinic, aiming to improve eye care services. Health Risks: Imported honey is flagged as a hidden risk to local bees, raising concerns for food and ecosystem health.

Park Walker for Older Adults: Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness launched the Park Walker Initiative in St James, bringing hundreds of seniors together for group walks and a push toward more active, healthier ageing. Burn care overseas: A third victim of the South Camp Road explosion, Fabian Brown, was airlifted to Atlanta, Georgia for specialised treatment, with his spouse vowing to stay by his side. Hurricane health warning: Caribbean climatologist Dr. Cédric Van Meerbeeck says the 2026 season may be quieter but still risky, with El Niño-linked heat and unstable weather raising health concerns for the elderly and young children. Workforce health cooperation: Jamaica and Ghana signed/renewed agreements to expand medical workforce cooperation, including plans for Ghanaian health professionals to deploy to Jamaica in June. Food safety focus: World Food Safety Day coverage highlights preventing foodborne illness as a key public health priority. Local wellness through tourism: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett urged Jamaica to grow “health and wellness” tourism as part of Tourism 3.0, linking wellness offerings to broader national development. Public health via environment: NSWMA long-service awards spotlight sanitation workers’ role in protecting public health after Hurricane Melissa. Community safety and violence: Police reported multiple stabbing/assault incidents involving hospital visits, underscoring ongoing community safety and trauma-care needs. Fraud and medical impersonation: Two men, including a current and decommissioned JP, were charged after allegedly purporting to be medical doctors and signing driver’s licence application forms at the Island Traffic Authority depot in Mandeville.

Tobacco Control Push: PAHO marks World No Tobacco Day (May 31) warning that new tobacco and nicotine products are targeting young people, while pointing to gains like Jamaica’s cigarette tax increases and stronger smoke-free rules across the region. Burn Care & Emergency Response: Kingston’s Beryllium-adjacent garage explosion left one contractor dead and three others injured; two were airlifted to the US for specialised burn treatment, underscoring how fast care can affect outcomes. Public Health & Safety: Police are investigating the discovery of a woman’s decomposed body in St Catherine’s Hartlands, with a post-mortem underway as authorities work to determine the cause. Workforce & Health Cooperation: Jamaica and Ghana signed/renewed agreements to expand medical workforce cooperation, including plans for Ghanaian health professionals to deploy to Jamaica in June. Hurricane Preparedness: Jamaica’s Prime Minister urged hurricane readiness as regional forecasts call for a quieter but unpredictable Atlantic season, with risks of intense rain and heat. Education Pipeline: UTech leadership warned that only about 20% of students reach the minimum CSEC passes for tertiary entry, a concern for future health and science training capacity. Community Health Access: Fontana Ltd reports profit recovery after Hurricane Melissa, driven by rising pharmacy demand and expanded store coverage.

Workforce & health cooperation: Ghana and Jamaica move to strengthen healthcare staffing as Ghana signs a labour exchange pact to deploy the first batch of health professionals to Jamaica in June 2026, aiming to fill workforce gaps and support skills exchange. Medical education under strain: Jamaican medical students in Cuba say their training is being disrupted by Cuba’s fuel and infrastructure crisis; Jamaica’s foreign ministry says students who remain do so by “own volition” while offering return pathways and possible one-way airlifts. Public health & safety: Beryllium Limited confirms one of four men seriously injured in a Kingston garage explosion has died; two victims were airlifted to the US for burn treatment and another remains in local care, with counselling support arranged. Disaster preparedness: Prime Minister Holness urges Jamaicans to boost hurricane readiness ahead of the season, stressing preparedness across households, clinics, schools, and key utility and telecom operations. Health & wellness research: A global diabetes report highlights a neglected form—malnutrition-related “Type 5 Diabetes”—calling for new guidelines and better recognition of underdiagnosed patients. Community health access: NCB Foundation delivers upgrades to the Kingston Public Hospital Eye Clinic, supporting improved eye care services.

Disaster Preparedness: Prime Minister Andrew Holness urged Jamaicans to step up hurricane readiness now, saying “a list in someone’s head is not a disaster plan,” and calling for community drill exercises ahead of the Atlantic season. Regional Weather Watch: Caribbean forecasters say 2026 may be quieter but “erratic,” with fewer storms yet higher risks of intense rainfall, flash flooding, and prolonged heat—plus warnings to improve water storage and drought planning. Workforce Health: Jamaica and Ghana signed new health cooperation deals, including a labour exchange agreement for Ghanaian health professionals to deploy to Jamaica in June, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and workforce capacity. Medical Training Under Strain: Jamaican medical students in Cuba say fuel shortages are disrupting classes and clinical training, while the Foreign Ministry says students remaining there do so by “own volition” and that return pathways are available. Food Safety Focus: Jamaica will observe World Food Safety Day on June 7 with parish activities and a push to prevent foodborne illness. Health Tourism Push: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is positioning to capture a bigger share of the global medical and dental tourism market, linking procedures with wellness travel. Workplace Safety Incident: Two technicians were treated after an explosion at a downtown Kingston KFC, with no life-threatening injuries reported.

Health Workforce Deal: Jamaica and Ghana signed a four-year health MOU to strengthen healthcare delivery and workforce development, with a structured, ethical deployment of Ghanaian nurses and doctors to Jamaica starting June 2026, overseen by a joint monitoring committee. Paediatric Care Milestone: The Western Child and Adolescent Hospital in St James is set to be named in honour of Portia Simpson Miller, a 220-bed specialist facility expected to become the English-speaking Caribbean’s first dedicated paediatric/adolescent hospital. Food Safety Push: Jamaica marks World Food Safety Day (June 7) with a focus on preventing foodborne illness, using parish-level activities, webinars and public awareness to shift from reacting to outbreaks to prevention. Medical Tourism Drive: Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says Jamaica is targeting a share of the global medical and dental tourism market, highlighting growth projections and the country’s opportunity to blend treatment with vacation experiences. Crisis on the Ground: A Jamaican medical student in Cuba describes severe hardship from fuel shortages, including long power outages, internet blackouts and disrupted learning. Workplace Safety Incident: Explosions at Kingston’s KFC and at Beryllium/nearby garage facilities sent workers to hospital with burns and injuries; investigations continue. Public Health & Climate Readiness: A regional climate outlook forum stressed using climate information for planning across public health, water, food security and disaster management.