Health

Health personnel get respiratory training

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2023

Editor

By Ministry of Health & Social Development

(PRESS RELEASE) — Nine persons are now trained as Fit Testers as part of a respiratory protection programme for healthcare workers.

Chief Nursing Officer, Ms. Jascinth Hannibal said Fit-testing is one part of a comprehensive respiratory protection programme geared towards managing respiratory hazards in healthcare facilities for the benefit of healthcare workers and patients.

Ms. Hannibal said healthcare workers are exposed to many hazards daily including bacteria, viruses, fungi, chemicals, ergonomic hazards, and radiation that can cause injuries and ill health to themselves and their patients.

According to The Chief Nursing Officer, when these hazards are respiratory in nature, healthcare workers must use controls such as respirators to reduce or eliminate the transmission for disease.

Ms. Hannibal further stated that air-purifying respirators such as the N-95 masks are a main type of control used. “These masks help to protect the respiratory system of healthcare workers as they care for patients.” She added, “Sometimes these masks are not the right fit for that particular health worker which leads to gaps in their protection and exposes the worker to infection.”

Ms. Hannibal further explained that the training equipped persons within the health services with the skills to fit-test workers as Fit-testing helps to ensure that the mask they are wearing is providing them with the best possible protection.”

Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the BVI Health Services Authority attended the training facilitated by Infection Prevention and Control Specialist in the UK Health Security Agency Ms. Janice Toplass.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is committed to improving the health of the people of the Virgin Islands.

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Health

Mosquito Awareness Week: Virgin Islands Residents Urged to Combat Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Published

2 weeks ago

May 13, 2025

Editor

As Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week kicks off from May 12 to 16, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on residents to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Shamelle Thomas said this year’s campaign, themed “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” aims to empower communities to combat the spread of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

“The message is clear,” Thomas emphasized. “While the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health.”

Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, a critical breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities,” Thomas added, noting that even small amounts of water can become mosquito nurseries.

However, inconsistent community participation has been a persistent challenge. “People are not maintaining their properties or properly managing stored water, partly due to the intermittent water supply,” Thomas said. “We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared community effort.”

To mark the week, the Environmental Health Division will host a series of public outreach activities, including an art and poetry competition for students, school visits, and an expo aimed at encouraging behavior change.

Residents are also encouraged to inspect and clean water containers weekly, properly dispose of waste that can collect water, use screens on windows and doors, and wear protective clothing or mosquito repellents when necessary.

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the connection between mosquitoes and the potentially severe illnesses they transmit, underscoring the importance of community action in reducing these risks.

Health

Virgin Islands Centenarian Receives First $10,000 Grant Under New Government Program

Published

2 weeks ago

May 8, 2025

Editor

Mrs. Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt has become the first Virgin Islander to receive the newly enhanced Centenarian Grant of $10,000, introduced by the Government of the Virgin Islands to honor residents who reach the milestone age of 100.

This significant update to the Centenarian Grant, which doubles the previous amount of $5,000, reflects the Territory’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of its senior citizens. The grant increase was recently approved by the Cabinet as part of broader efforts to support the aging population.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, praised Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt for reaching this remarkable milestone, emphasizing the impact of her life and the legacy of her generation.

“Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt, like many of our centenarians, has played a vital role in shaping the Virgin Islands through her wisdom, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community and family,” Minister Wheatley said.

He further commended the Social Development Department for its efforts to honor seniors, adding, “As people live longer, it is essential that they also live better — with dignity, a sense of purpose, and the full support of their families and communities.”

The Virgin Islands is currently home to seven other centenarians:

Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years
Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years
Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years
Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years
Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years
Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years
Mrs. Christeen Hodge, 101 years

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions to the Territory.

Health

Virgin Islands Health Officials Urge Nurseries to Strengthen Hand Hygiene Amid Disease Concerns

Published

3 months ago

February 18, 2025

Editor

As the flu season takes hold, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on early childhood facilities to enforce strict hand hygiene measures to curb the spread of common childhood illnesses.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Henrietta Alexander, has warned that contagious diseases such as influenza, the common cold, chickenpox, and hand, foot, and mouth disease tend to peak between November and March, posing a heightened risk in nurseries where young children are in close contact.

“Many of these illnesses spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing,” Ms Alexander said. “Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission.”

Authorities are advising nurseries to ensure frequent handwashing among staff and children, particularly before meals, after using the toilet, and after handling shared toys or objects. They are also stressing the importance of regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, including tables, door handles, and bathroom facilities. Additionally, parents are being urged to keep unwell children at home until they have fully recovered.

The Environmental Health Division has pledged to continue providing guidance and support to early childhood facilities, helping to implement hygiene and sanitation measures aimed at reducing potential outbreaks.

For further information or assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110.