Viral hepatitis is an emerging global public health problem where more than one million people die each year from hepatitis and 57% and 78% of global cirrhosis and liver cancer are caused by the disease respectively. In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) more than 125,000 deaths each year are are linked to viral hepatitis, 99% of them due to hepatitis B and C. Data from the Pan American … [Read more...]
Developing Countries Are Being Ripped Off By Big Pharma
Developing countries with small to medium-sized economies pay far more money for less effective drugs, according to a new report released by the Washington-based Center for Global Development (CGD) shows that generic drugs, like omeprazole (used to treat heartburn), can cost 20-30 times more in low and middle-income countries than in high-income countries. Also, in countries such as Zambia, … [Read more...]
Nursing Shortage Impacting St. Lucia’s Healthcare System
The English-speaking Caribbean is in the midst of a crisis of shortages of nurses with an average vacancy rate of 42 percent. Low pay, poor career prospects, and lack of education opportunities are among the reasons nurses resign. Many of these nurses look outside the region for job opportunities in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and other countries. It is estimated that 21,500 … [Read more...]
The Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change
The Caribbean islands are among the world’s most vulnerable when it comes to the effects of climate change. With increasing frequency of more powerful and intense hurricanes, flooding, wind damage and rising sea levels are all predicted to intensify. Medical facilities, power plants, freshwater sources, roads, houses and schools are also facing increasing threats. It is essential that islands … [Read more...]
WHO Honors Jamaican Doctor for Public Health Leadership
Jamaican doctor and professor, Peter Figueroa, has been recognised at the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a health leader for his contribution to public health locally and internationally over the last four decades. … [Read more...]