WHO launches plan to rein in ‘alarming’ dengue spread
Health & Wellness

WHO launches plan to rein in ‘alarming’ dengue spread

GENEVA, Switzerland (AFP)— The World Health Organization (WHO) announced Thursday a global plan to battle dengue and other diseases carried by mosquitoes as they spread faster and further amid climate change.

“The rapid spread of dengue and other arboviral diseases in recent years is an alarming trend that demands a coordinated response across sectors and across borders,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.

The UN health agency said the number of reported dengue cases has approximately doubled each year since 2021, with over 12.3 million cases, including more than 7,900 deaths, reported in just the first eight months of 2024.

That is already almost double the 6.5 million cases reported throughout the whole of 2023.

Dengue can cause high fever and body aches, but most people have no symptoms, and the WHO estimates that there are between 100 million and 400 million infections each year.

The disease is caused by an arbovirus carried by Aedes aegypti mosquitos, whose territory has spread as the planet warms.

Factors like unplanned urbanisation and poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices, as well as international travel, have also facilitated the rapid spread of the disease, which is now endemic in over 130 countries, WHO said.
 

Currently, an estimated four billion people worldwide are at risk of contracting dengue and other arboviruses, including chikungunya and zika, with that number estimated to swell to five billion by 2050, it warned.

WHO’s plan is aimed at fostering a coordinated global response, including through disease surveillance, laboratory activities, vector control and research and development of improved treatments and effective vaccines.

The agency said it would require $55 million in funding to implement the plan over the next year.

“From maintaining clean environments to supporting vector control and seeking and providing timely medical care, everyone has a role to play in the fight against dengue,” Tedros said.

“This plan is a roadmap to turn the tide against this disease and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases, protect vulnerable populations and pave the way for a healthier future.”

Jamaica strategises for climate-resilient health sector
Health & Wellness

Jamaica strategises for climate-resilient health sector

Jamaica is implementing robust strategies to tackle the growing public health concerns sparked by climate change.

Health Sector Action on Climate Change has intensified over the last five years with the introduction of the country’s climate change policy framework in 2015. Since then, more critical actions continue to take shape.

“In 2021, we conducted a vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) exercise for three hazards for the Health Sector. We are now in the process for the adoption of tools for enhanced air-quality monitoring commencing with healthcare facilities.  We have reached the final stages of developing a Climate-Smart Policy for the public health system based on the Smart Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project model policy for low carbon operations of health facilities,” explained Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness.

The Minister was speaking at the 76th Session of the Regional Committee of World Health Organisation in Washington D.C. on Monday, September 30.

The Smart Health Care Facilities in the Caribbean Project, implemented with the oversight of the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), saw the modernising of health facilities to reduce vulnerability in disasters and to lessen their environmental impact.
                                                        
Among the plans detailed by the Minister are also efforts to implement a heat-health warning system for the Caribbean. Jamaica, with the support of the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), is also advanced in finalising its Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP) to mitigate climate impacts through health system resilience.

The H-NAP, which follows a consultation process with assessment of vulnerabilities and monitoring framework, will provide key recommendations to guide Jamaica in building a sustainable, climate-resilient health system.

Jamaica formalised its commitment to health sector action on climate change in 2019 at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC COP) to attain climate-resilient health systems. The island is also a signatory to the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate Change and Health (ATACH).

Jamaicans urged to utilise mental health services to prevent suicides
Health & Wellness

Jamaicans urged to utilise mental health services to prevent suicides

Jamaicans are being urged to make use of the mental health services in the public health system to reduce the risk of suicides.

The call comes from Senior Clinical Psychologist at the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), Dr Georgia Rose, as the country marks World Suicide Prevention Day 2024 on Tuesday, September 10.

The annual observance is a global call to action to raise awareness and foster commitment to prevent suicides around the world.

Suicide rates in Jamaica reflect an average annual incidence of two per 100,000 people over a five to 10-year period.

Dr Rose pointed out that while persons diagnosed with mental illnesses are considered to be more prone to committing suicide, there are “many factors that contribute to why an individual might believe that suicide is a solution for the problems that they may be struggling with”.

“People can feel very overwhelmed or believe that they do not have the internal capacities to cope with whatever is stressing them at that moment in time,” she said.

She noted that Jamaica has a “very robust” mental health and wellness system that is available and accessible across the island to provide counselling support and help persons to cope.
 

Major hospitals and some clinics are equipped with active mental health teams and units, including professionals such as psychologists, counsellors, mental health nurse specialists, psychiatric nursing aides, and psychiatrists.

“Each member of the team is trained and versed in providing psychological and mental health and wellness support,” Dr Rose said.

She noted that the Ministry of Health’s efforts extend to schools through partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth’s guidance and counselling unit to raise awareness about mental wellness and preventing suicidal thoughts.

“We use this as an opportunity to go into our schools and speak with our students. We also act as a source of resources for the guidance and counselling units and the resource personnel who operate within our schools,” Dr Rose explained.

“The ministry goes a little bit further by going out and having speaking engagements with our churches or community groups like our senior citizens groups or Rotaract, Kiwanis, Lions Clubs or whatever opportunities that present themselves,” she added.

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