Government of Saint Lucia

In the headlines: The National Enrichmentr and Learning Unit launches the Generation of Emplyment Programme and; The Blood Bank and Gentech Analytica team up for a genetic programme for students.

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

Saint Lucia Moves is excited to announce a new partnership with Le Club Volleyball to bring the exhilarating sport of volleyball to communities across the island. This collaboration is designed to provide Saint Lucians with the opportunity to engage in a popular and dynamic sporting discipline while also benefiting from a range of health-related activities aimed at enhancing overall well-being. The initiative will feature a series of indoor and beach volleyball tournaments, catering to both competitive and recreational players. These tournaments will take place in four strategically chosen communities across Saint Lucia, ensuring that the benefits of this engaging sport are accessible to a wide audience. Participants and spectators alike can look forward to a vibrant schedule of events that not only highlight the excitement and skill of volleyball but also promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the tournaments, there will be health screenings and health education sessions offering practical tips and resources for maintaining physical and mental well-being.

In the headlines: Julien Alfred secures Saint Lucia's first two Olympic Medals and; Dennery Hospital and the Health Ministry hosts a transformative health fair.

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

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually from the 1st to the 7th of August, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for both mothers and their babies. In 2024, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs is extending the celebration throughout the entire month of August, under the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.” Breastfeeding support can manifest in many ways, including from local communities, healthcare professionals, employers, healthcare institutions, families, and society at large.

At the national level, government support plays a crucial role in providing maternity protection to safeguard the health and rights of women and their babies. This comprehensive support network is essential in ensuring that breastfeeding mothers receive the encouragement and assistance they need to successfully breastfeed. This month-long initiative is a celebration of breastfeeding mothers and their unique journeys. It also serves as a platform to highlight and promote various ways to support breastfeeding, emphasizing that everyone can play a part in this vital aspect of public health.

- In alignment with the global observance of World Breastfeeding Week from August 1st to 7th, Saint Lucia is extending its celebration throughout the entire month of August. To mark this important observance, the Ministry has organized a series of educational sessions and workshops at Wellness Centres Island wide.

This year’s theme, “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All,” underscores the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs' steadfast commitment to promoting and supporting breastfeeding across the island.

Chief Nutritionist, Lisa Hunt, highlights the essential role of healthcare professionals in providing personalized support and information to breastfeeding mothers, “The doctor can provide help and advice to mothers on how to feed their babies. They can educate them on how breastfeeding can protect them and their babies from some health risks. Doctors can also inform pregnant women about what to expect and encourage them to seek assistance as needed. Nutritionists and dietitians can support breastfeeding by advising mothers on healthy food choices to help fuel milk production, while the nurse can provide information, guidance and support the mother during her breastfeeding journey. ”

The events aim to empower breastfeeding mothers and spotlight the extensive support systems available to them, from healthcare professionals to community support groups.

The Ministry encourages community members to support breastfeeding mothers. Whether through words of encouragement, providing a comfortable space for breastfeeding, or sharing educational resources, every effort counts in making Saint Lucia a supportive environment for breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding has profound benefits, not only nurturing the bond between mother and child but also enhancing the health of both. It reduces the risk of several diseases in children and mothers alike and has been proven to be associated with higher intelligence scores in children.

In the headlines: Health Stakeholders address St. Lucians’ concerns accessing Health care in Martinique, and: The Environmental Health Division seeking ways to combat Mosquito borne diseases.

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

In an inspiring display of community collaboration and dedication to public health, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, alongside the Dennery Hospital and Faces of Development, organized a comprehensive health initiative at the Clendon Mason Memorial Secondary School. This initiative was seamlessly integrated into the STEAM Summer Program, offering young participants and local residents access to essential health information and services.

The event featured a variety of departments from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, each contributing to the cause by setting up informative booths and demonstration areas. These stations were designed to engage attendees through interactive question-and-answer sessions, providing an immersive educational experience. Young participants were particularly encouraged to delve deeper into health and wellness topics, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of these vital issues.

In the headlines: Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred's historic Olympic win continues to inspire and; a new Minimum Wage for Saint Lucia to roll out on October 2024.

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

In the headlines: The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia attends the Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of (CARICOM) and; Vector Awareness Week Is observed.

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

As part of a continuous initiative to monitor and address insecticide resistance, the Vector Control Unit of the Environmental Health Division carried out a detailed review and evaluation during a follow-up visit. This effort is vital for identifying and resolving operational challenges encountered in implementing insecticide resistance testing. The follow-up involved thorough discussions with the Vector Control Team to pinpoint and overcome obstacles, with the goal of refining strategies and enhancing the effectiveness of testing protocols to improve control of vector-borne diseases.