Ministry of Health & Wellness Commemorates World Mental Health Day 2022 October 6, 2022 / Ministry of Health & Wellness Commemorates World Mental Health Day 2022 October 6, 2022

On October 10, 2022, the world will commemorate World Mental Health Day under the theme "Make mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority." The theme was chosen to address the inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact globally on people's mental health.

Ministry of Health and Wellness Annual Report 2020-2021

This publication gives an overview of the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the year 2020-2021. It details vision, mission, strategic goals and objectives, results-based management framework, Executive direction and administration programme, health sector regulation programme. It also gives a special report on COVID-19 management response and financial report for the period

Vitals: A quarterly report of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Jamaica April 2022

This document looks at dengue statistics for the period January 2018 to December 2021. It focuses on symptoms and signs, history, suspected and confirmed cases and mapping of cases in each parish for the period January 2018 to December 2019.

Key initiatives highlights 2020-2021

This document highlights the major achievement of the Ministry of Health for the period 2020-2021. Contains information about Health System Strengthening Programme (HSSP), mental health, National HIV/STI Programme, Integrated Vector Management Programme, non-communicable diseases, Jamaica Moves, Programme for the Reduction Of Matenal and Child Mortality and Enhancing Healthcare Services Delivery Project.

Natural Bioactive Polypeptides: A Study towards the Clinical Application in The Bahamas and Trinidad & Tobago

Synthetic medication is being overprescribed, resulting in adverse complications linked to major public health issues such as antimicrobial resistance, drug dependency, and the current opioid crisis. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, this global burden of overuse of synthetic accounts for the heaviest burden of disease attributable to drug use disorders. In 2015, with almost 12 million disability-adjusted life year (DALYs), or 70% of the global burden of disease attributable to opioid addiction. With suitable alternatives available, peptide-based drugs will help to reduce the global burden, appease the patient preference of naturally derived medication and ensure safer patient usage.

Design of a Cost-Effective Geographic Information System for Surveillance of Yellow Fever Virus on an Island State

Nationals of Trinidad and Tobago are required to provide evidence that they are vaccinated against Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) before they can enter several countries. In order to ensure that any YFV outbreaks are rapidly identified and mitigated, the Veterinary Public Health Unit (VPHU) of the Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago routinely conducts surveillance in Trinidaf and Tobago. The surveillance efforts of the VPHU can be bolstered with the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mobile application technology.

Physical Activity Bible

This publication looks at the involvement of physical activity in the church. It gives recommendations and benefits, church base physical activity programme, physical activity messages from church, attitude of the movements, endorsements messages from pastors and scriptures on physical activity and overeating

Vitals: A quarterly report of the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Jamaica 2019

This document looks at health trends and statistics in Jamaica. This issue focuses on data collected on child and adolescent health from birth to 19 years old and basic health indicators for children for the year 2019.

Prevalence of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in pigs and workers at abattoirs in Trinidad and Tobago

Introduction: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a major cause of zoonotic infections, has emerged globally in livestock, particularly pigs. People with occupational contact with food producing animals are at high risk of colonization. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MRSA in pigs and abattoir workers throughout Trinidad and Tobago as well as their resistance to other antimicrobial agents. Methodology: Nasal and skin behind the ear swabs from pigs and nasal swabs from humans were enriched in Mueller Hinton broth with 6.5% sodium chloride, followed by phenol red mannitol broth with 75 mg/L aztreonam and 5 mg/L ceftizoxime. The enriched sample was then plated on both CHROMagar MRSA and Brilliance MRSA. All incubation was at 37ºC for approximately 24 h. Suspect MRSA isolates were confirmed as MRSA using the Penicillin-Binding Protein (PBP2a) test kit and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the mecA gene. Resistance of the S. aureus and MRSA isolates to 16 antimicrobial agents was determined using the disc diffusion method. Results: Of the 929 pigs and 44 humans sampled, MRSA strains were isolated at a frequency of 0.9% (8/929) and 2.3% (1/44) respectively. All isolates exhibited resistance to one or more of the 16 antimicrobial agents. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that pigs and workers at slaughter houses in Trinidad and Tobago harbour multidrug resistance S. aureus and MRSA. This is of public health significance as occupational exposure of humans can lead to an increased risk of infection and therapeutic failure.

The economic and social burden of insulin in a period of economic recession

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global public health crisis that threatens the economies of all nations, particularly developing countries. The growing demand for insulin therapy has created an economic burden thus impacting on equality. Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the impact of the removal of Glargine U100 insulin (GI) due to an economic recession among patients with T2D attending a primary care in North Trinidad. Design and Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Chronic Disease Clinics across the Arima Cluster of the North Central Regional Health Authority. All patients who were T2 diabetics on insulin therapy were eligible for entry. Patients were selected using systematic sampling to fulfill a sample size of 250. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from there medical records. Results: The major finding of the study was 75% of patients who started insulin therapy with GI while it was freely available elected to convert to premixed insulin (PMI) 70/30 by 2017. An important finding included a disproportionate number of women (72%) compared to men (28%) who advanced to insulin therapy. Conclusion: We provide evidence on the burden of a subgroup of patients with T2D as well as generating opportunities for debate on the rational allocation of resources.

A point prevalence survey of health associated infections and antimicrobial use in a public health institution in Trinidad

Objective: The point prevalence survey is a validated tool for measuring the quality of prescribing in the hospital setting. The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of hospital acquired infections, to assess the antimicrobial agent prescribed and determine if prescribers followed existing evidence-based antimicrobial policies subsequent to diagnosis of infection in patients. Design and Methodology: Day-of-survey records of patients in the intensive care unit and medical/surgical wards were examined at the institution, retrospectively. The extracted clinical data were recorded on the standardized data collection instruments (hospital, ward and patient forms) and analysed. Results: Of the 130 patients surveyed, 30 had an infection which occurred within 48 hours of admission. The most commonly reported infection type was urinary tract infections, evident in 9 (30.0%) patients, caused by Escherichia coli in 7 patients and Klebsiella pneumonia in 2 patients. Out of the 30 patients, 10 (33.3%) were awaiting laboratory reports at the time of the survey. Resistance was noted for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, both of which were seen in 2 patients and Enterococcus spp. in 1 patient. The antimicrobial agent selected to treat these microorganisms should have been queried. Conclusions: Results of this survey imply that public health surveillance and prevention activities should be implemented to address appropriate treatment of hospital acquired infections. Recommendations to minimize the risk of resistance include: improving the availability of alcohol-based hand rub, the provision of single room and isolation capacity, antimicrobial guidelines for treatment of infection, judicious prescribing and proper surveillance of prescribed antimicrobials.

Escherichia coli contamination of lettuce sold at markets in Trinidad: A preliminary study

Objective: Historically most foodborne disease outbreaks have been attributed to animal products but recently the number of cases associated with vegetable produce has been increasing. Most of these microbial foodborne pathogens are also part of the resident gut flora of many animals and can be shed asymptomatically in the environment. Leafy greens contamination with these pathogens are of particular concern since they are consumed uncooked. Using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as an indicator of faecal contamination, we evaluated lettuce as a potential source of foodborne disease. Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out targeting six retail markets in Trinidad. At each market, a total of 15 lettuce samples were purchased from five retailers. The E. coli colony forming units per gram (CFU/g) of lettuce were then assessed using standard laboratory techniques. Results: All farmers surveyed reported using pipe-borne water as their primary source of irrigation water. E. coli was present in all samples. Overall, the E. coli counts ranged from 0.8 to 80,000 CFU/gram. The lettuce E. coli counts varied with location (p=0.01) and was highest in San Fernando (3.4 ± 1.1 Log10CFU/g) and lowest in Marabella (1.5 ± 0.65 Log10 CFU/g). Interestingly, lettuce farms using manure had lower E. coli counts than those not using manure (2.88 ± 1.3 Log10 CFU/g vs 2.27±1.23 Log10 CFU/g; p=0.07.) Conclusion: These high E.coli counts are indicative of either preharvest or post-harvest faecal contamination of lettuce. The high level of E. coli contamination of lettuce being sold at market should be of serious concern since this a potential risk to public health.

Vector control budget 2018-2019

This summary of expenditures and estimates of personal emoluments (PE) relates to "Established Staff", viz.: the Chief of Operations and the Vector Control Technician as well as "Unestablished Staff", viz.: Spraymen who are employed in Vector Control. Sub-totals for social security and salaries are presented for each category of staff. The PE total for the current year 2018/2019 as well as estimates for the years 2019/2020 and 2020/2021, are stated respectively as: $138,271.50; $139,680.50; and $141,089.50.

Vitals: A quarterly report of the Ministry of Health, Jamaica 2018

This document looks at health trends and statistics in Jamaica. This issue focuses on data collected in the September 2016 to August 2017 quarter along with annual comparisons. Data, utilization of the health sector complaints for the period January to December 2017

Ministry of Health Malaria Program Suriname: Annual report 2017: Towards malaria elimination -- Test, treat and track

Suriname was responsible for the highest concentration of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in the Americas prior to 2006. Since 2006 the country experienced a significant decrease in malaria incidence, reaching near elimination levels by 2009. The country is currently listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) among the countries with the potential to eliminate malaria by 2020. The 2017 Annual Report of the Ministry of Health Malaria Program of Suriname outlines the ongoing, nationally adopted strategies aimed at achieving the elimination of Malaria by the target date, especially in light of diminishing funding from international aid organizations

National communicable diseases digest: Epidemiological week 16

This communicable diseases digest offers a summary of incidence rates for the Ministry of Health's epidemiological week 16. It draws on weekly data retrieved through the Belize Health Information System (BHIS) which seeks to improve individual health outcomes and public health performance as well as to optimize resource utilization. Using graphics, national, seasonal and weekly trends are compared for the following: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), a leading cause of death among children under the age of five; Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARIs), which have the potential for large scale epidemics; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Vector Borne Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); and Other Communicable Diseases/Outbreaks/Public Health related incidents.

National communicable diseases digest: Epidemiological week 17

This communicable diseases digest offers a summary of incidence rates for the Ministry of Health's epidemiological week 17. It draws on weekly data retrieved through the Belize Health Information System (BHIS) which seeks to improve individual health outcomes and public health performance as well as to optimize resource utilization. Using graphics, national, seasonal and weekly trends are compared for the following: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), a leading cause of death among children under the age of five; Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARIs), which have the potential for large scale epidemics; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Vector Borne Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); and Other Communicable Diseases/Outbreaks/Public Health related incidents.

National communicable diseases digest: Epidemiological week 19

This communicable diseases digest offers a summary of incidence rates for the Ministry of Health's epidemiological week 19. It draws on weekly data retrieved through the Belize Health Information System (BHIS) which seeks to improve individual health outcomes and public health performance as well as to optimize resource utilization. Using graphics, national, seasonal and weekly trends are compared for the following: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), a leading cause of death among children under the age of five; Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARIs), which have the potential for large scale epidemics; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Vector Borne Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); and other Communicable Diseases/Outbreaks/Public Health related incidents.

National communicable diseases digest: Epidemiological week 20

This communicable diseases digest offers a summary of incidence rates for the Ministry of Health's epidemiological week 20. It draws on weekly data retrieved through the Belize Health Information System (BHIS) which seeks to improve individual health outcomes and public health performance as well as to optimize resource utilization. Using graphics, national, seasonal and weekly trends are compared for the following: Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs), a leading cause of death among children under the age of five; Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARIs), which have the potential for large scale epidemics; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Vector Borne Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs); and other Communicable Diseases/Outbreaks/Public Health related incidents.

Patient related factors associated with glycaemic control in type II diabetic patients within the North Central Regional Health Authority, Trinidad

Background and Objectives: Preventative healthcare practices continues to be the basis for prevention of diabetes related complications. Established guidelines are likely to decrease the incidence of diabetes complications, however, patient related factors either perceived or real, prevent the utilization of medical services resulting in poorer health outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify the patient related factors leading to elevated HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetic patients at the health centres within the Northcentral Regional Health Authority, Trinidad and to determine the association between patient related factors and optimal glycaemic control as measured by HbA1c levels. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling of participants who were type II diabetics, over the age of 18 years, attending the chronic disease clinic for their usual appointment within selected health centres of the Northcentral Regional Health Authority during the period January 2018 to March 2018. After receiving ethical approvals and informed consent, a de novo, pretested self-administered and researcher-assisted survey was administered. Patients' barriers were determined by using the Independent Samples T test and Analysis of Variance in 2 groups of patients. Results: 254 subjects participated in this study with a response was 87.6% There were 7 patient related factors associated with glycaemic control identified based on the analysis of 200 patients with recorded HbA1c in this survey. The mean HbA1c was 8.360 with SD 2.062. Age (55-64years age group), use of insulin, emotional problems and anxiety were associated with higher mean HbA1c. Use of oral hypoglycaemic agents, personal responsibility for diabetes care and being retired were also associated with lower mean HbA1c. Conclusion: This study identified several patient related predictors of glycaemic control based on the mean HbA1c in the public health system in parts of North and Central Trinidad. Implementation of relevant interventional programs are needed to remove these factors and improve patient outcomes.