Government of Saint Lucia

In alignment with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs successfully hosted the Breast Cancer Education Event, "BRA MELE," on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Bay Gardens Hotel. The event, themed “Big or Small, Check Those Lemons,” underscored the importance of regular breast checks for everyone, stressing early detection and comprehensive breast care.

This impactful gathering offered clinical breast screenings, nutrition assessments, and bra fitting consultations to help participants understand the benefits of wearing the correct bra. Event highlights included a seminar on breast cancer awareness and personal testimonials from survivors, designed to educate and empower attendees.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs will embark on a nationwide initiative in November to assess the presence of schistosomiasis (bilharzia) among primary school children aged 8 to 11. This initiative aims to detect and address potential cases of this waterborne disease, which is transmitted through contact with contaminated water in rivers, streams, and ponds, where specific snails release the disease-causing eggs.

The survey will involve a random sample of students from public primary schools across Saint Lucia. Parents will receive information packages and consent forms with full details about the survey process, and participation is entirely voluntary. To minimize any disruption to academic activities, the survey will be conducted during school hours.

By undertaking this initiative, the Ministry aims to take a significant step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of Saint Lucia's youth, ensuring a healthier future for all.

In the headlines: The Department of Sustainable Development implement action to meet with the country's climate agreement obligations and; The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and the Fire Service receive new vehicles.

For details on these developments and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The Ministry of Education moves to strengthen educational outcomes for students and; Saint Lucia's capital Castries is named the "Best Emerging Culinary City 2024".

For details on these developments and more, visit www.govt.lc

Ministry officials convened in the southern region of the island to address the ongoing challenges at the St. Jude Hospital. In response to the unprecedented surge in Emergency Department (ED) admissions, hospital leadership, in close collaboration with Ministry officials, engaged in strategic discussions aimed at mobilizing a comprehensive plan to manage patient care and alleviate the strain on hospital resources.

The coordinated response introduced the addition of six more nurses and three new physicians, along with the procurement of 20 new beds and supplementary support from primary care facilities, all aimed at alleviating the overcrowding in the Emergency Department.

St. Jude Hospital urges the public to reserve the Emergency Department for true emergencies and to seek care from primary care providers or wellness centers for non-urgent issues. Despite the current challenges, the hospital remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering safe, timely, and high-quality care to all patients.

Recognizing the critical importance of food safety during the upcoming Jounen Kweyol festivities, the Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs is committed to preventing foodborne illnesses and safeguarding public health through strict food safety protocols. The Ministry has outlined clear guidelines for food vendors and handlers, emphasizing proper temperature control, separation of raw and cooked foods, and rigorous hygiene practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.

As the public prepares to enjoy Jounen Kweyol, the Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs calls for continuous adherence to these guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy celebration for all. The Ministry will continue its collaboration with local organizing committees to monitor food safety practices during the festivities.

In the headlines: The Ministry of Equity has launched Social Protection week and ; Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority's Walk for Miles spotlights cancer awareness.

For details on these developments and more, visit www.govt.lc

In response to the closure of the Vieux Fort Wellness Centre for rehabilitation works, a team from the Environmental Health Department of the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs conducted a site visit to assess the situation and plan the restoration of the facility. The visit focused on evaluating the centre’s condition and ensuring comprehensive plans are in place for necessary repairs. The Ministry is working diligently to minimize the disruption of services. In the interim, alternative arrangements for healthcare have been made to ensure that residents continue to receive the care they need.

An OECS project which supports the success of every learner within the education system of Saint Lucia and the rest of the sub-region got its local launching recently at the Bel Jou Hotel. Known as the Full Potential Programme, the initiative ensures both boys and girls receive the full support of the system to achieve academically. Chris Satney reports

In the headlines: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has deployed additional medical staff to Saint Lucia's healthcare institutions to ensure that quality care is provided efficiently; and the Department of Sustainable Development has launched 2 projects in preparation for submission of the country's fourth National Communication and Biennial Transparency Report.

For details on these developments and more, visit www.govt.lc