[Reprinted: Miami Herald, 5-4-2020] As Jamaica recorded a double-digit spike in new coronavirus cases in less than 24 hours last month, the government told the nation that there were indications that all who had fallen ill were linked to a call center in the parish of St. Catherine. Alorica, a major employer in the country’s lucrative Business Process Outsourcing call-center sector, had been … [Read more...]
PAHO director calls for protection of health workers in the Caribbean
Dr. Carissa F. Eitienne, PAHO Director The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has urged countries in the region to protect health care workers by ensuring that they have access to personal protective equipment and supplies needed to care for patients affected by COVID-19. The plea was made by PAHO’s Dominican born Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne who was speaking during a press briefing on … [Read more...]
Cuba sends health manpower to help its Caribbean neighbors fight Covid-19 pandemic
[Reprinted: Jamaica Observer 4-3-2020] AS Cuba's “army of white coats” makes headlines around the world with countries reeling from the onslaught of COVID-19 calling in reinforcements, Jamaica readies to allow 140 of the Spanish-speaking island's health care professionals to engage with the public health system this weekend. Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton, during a … [Read more...]
Coronavirus update: Some of the measures taken by Latin American, Caribbean nations
[Reprinted: Miami Herald, 3-24-2020 Edited] This article was edited to reflect the measures taken only by Caribbean nations. Also, it is assumed that since this article was published the numbers of infected persons have increased throughout the region. As the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise, Latin American and Caribbean nations are enacting a number of drastic measures … [Read more...]
PAHO: Caribbean Men and Masculinity
In a new report the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said the life expectancy for men in the Caribbean is 5.8 years below that of women, partly because societal expectations contribute to risk-seeking behaviours. The report titled “Masculinities and Health in the Region of the Americas” was launched on the eve of International Men’s Day. The report notes that societal … [Read more...]