News

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment on Tuesday 19th July, held a news conference at the Ministry's conference room to update members of the media on government's position on the control and management of mosquito borne diseases. 

 
Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Hon. Robert T. L.V. Browne, explained that the World Health Organisation (WHO), has recently published a revised Zika strategic response plan; noting that it is an important reference document which highlights the WHO's focus on preventing and managing the Zika virus. Minister Browne also explained that this approach is also being adopted locally.

He further reported that there has been an increase in the transmission of the Zika virus since the onset of the rainy season and noted, however that, to date, just under 40 persons have been infected with the virus including 2 pregnant women, who are also being monitored closely for other complications associated with the virus.

According to the Minister, provisions are being made for the prevention of transmission of the Zika virus, in particular, pregnant women. Some of these measures include: the distribution of medicated nets provided by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), fogging, and other vector control strategies.

The Health Minister noted that 300 to 500 young Public Health Volunteers will be sought and trained in Public Health Education to bolster public health work on the island.

Health officials have put steps in place for the reduction of transmission of yellow fever, which is now re-emerging across the globe.

According to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Simone Keizer-Beache, an individual traveling to zones that are prone to yellow fever are required to be immunized, while persons returning from such high risk areas, such as Suriname, are also required to show certificates of immunization upon entry into this country.

SOURCE:  API