Tag: World Health Organization

Mixed COVID-19 signals? Omicron BA.2 variant is in Jamaica, and there are questions about timing

April 22, 2022

I had asked whether we are “over” COVID-19 in Jamaica, since as of April 15 all remaining restrictions related to the pandemic have lapsed – including travel restrictions and mandatory mask wearing indoors. Well, we are not quite over it, after all. I think we could have seen this one coming. Or did we know … More Mixed COVID-19 signals? Omicron BA.2 variant is in Jamaica, and there are questions about timing

Jamaica needs to step up its inclusion of persons with disabilities in 2022

December 5, 2021

Yesterday (December 3) was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and I am glad my friend and blogger Wayne Campbell wrote about it. You can find his post here. It took Jamaica seven years to bring the Disabilities Act into force after it was passed by Parliament in 2014; this will finally happen in … More Jamaica needs to step up its inclusion of persons with disabilities in 2022

Jamaica’s COVID-19 vaccination program gets a shot in the arm (and a note on testing)

December 5, 2021

Firstly, the good news: the U.S. Government has provided more support for the COVID-19 vaccine efforts in Jamaica… The United States government, through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Caribbean Regional Office and its COVID-19 International Vaccine Implementation and Evaluation Program is supporting Jamaica’s Rapid COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Program with $190K USD, approximately … More Jamaica’s COVID-19 vaccination program gets a shot in the arm (and a note on testing)

Immuno-compromised Jamaicans can now obtain an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccines

November 7, 2021

Here’s an important bit of news from the Ministry of Health and Wellness… November 6, 2021 Following the publication of an interim guidance on vaccination for immunocompromised individuals by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Health & Wellness has advised that it will effective immediately implement the recommendation and administer an additional dose … More Immuno-compromised Jamaicans can now obtain an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccines

A Caribbean woman causes a stir at the United Nations

September 26, 2021

Caribbean people love speeches. I have sat through so many speeches in Jamaica; most have been at least ten minutes too long. I have even written quite a few myself. Yes, Caribbean people know how to “talk the hind leg off a donkey,” as the saying goes. Some political leaders have been famous for it. … More A Caribbean woman causes a stir at the United Nations

September 21, 2021 in Jamaica: The car that broke down, the toast that burnt, and the polls that flopped

September 22, 2021

With tropical storms pottering around in the Atlantic (two are called Peter and Rose, the names of our nephew and niece, respectively), it has been warm and muggy in Kingston. Clouds appear and do not bring rain. It has been a week of surprising developments – not least that of the toast to “No Movement … More September 21, 2021 in Jamaica: The car that broke down, the toast that burnt, and the polls that flopped

Jamaica to lead PAHO Directing Council meeting

September 19, 2021

Our Ministry of Health and Wellness team, headed by Minister Christopher Tufton, has been selected to head an important meeting of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a branch of the World Health Organization. This is impressive (but, I suspect, a lot more work for Minister Tufton & Co., as if they didn’t have enough … More Jamaica to lead PAHO Directing Council meeting

Jamaica Economy Panel discusses vaccine hesitancy and the need for strong information campaigns

August 8, 2021

It has been disconcerting, frustrating and at times quite depressing to discuss vaccine hesitancy in Jamaica and elsewhere on social media. My heart sinks further when I read reports today about protests in St. Vincent (where the 75-year-old Prime Minister was injured during a demonstration, and is apparently not quite recovered) and in Barbados and … More Jamaica Economy Panel discusses vaccine hesitancy and the need for strong information campaigns

A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

July 27, 2021

I have to confess I am not good at numbers. So I made an error in yesterday’s account of the Ministry of Health and Wellness briefing on COVID-19. Let me set it straight. I noted yesterday: “Over 300,000 have received their first dose. This includes 122,000 who have received their second.” Incorrect! (I have removed … More A clarification/correction on Jamaica’s vaccination numbers; and new COVID restrictions start tomorrow

Jamaica needs vaccines!

July 26, 2021

I feel our little island of Jamaica is in an extremely vulnerable place at the moment. We need more vaccines. Vaccine inequity, which he of the furrowed brow – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO) – has spoken about so many times, is real. For many developing countries, including … More Jamaica needs vaccines!