Health – ZJB Radio

The Ministry of Health Raises the Ante in Tackling Diabetes as part of World Diabetes Day 2025

As Montserrat joined the observance of World Diabetes Day on Friday, November 14, the Ministry of Health embarked on an awareness campaign to highlight the health threat posed by diabetes. Established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, the day is used to raise awareness about different types of diabetes, promote prevention, and support those living with the condition. Minister for Health, Dr. The Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, was part of a panel on radio Montserrat Friday morning discussing diabetes, well-being issues, and how these could be addressed. Dr., the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge Each year, the IDF chooses a new theme to focus on a specific aspect of diabetes. Recent themes include “Diabetes and the Workplace” and “Diabetes across life stages.” The day is marked by a wide range of global campaigns, lectures, screenings, and meetings. Activities often involve using the color blue, which is the official color for World Diabetes Day. People can get involved by sharing information, participating in events, and raising the profile of the cause.

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Leading Voice in Diabetes Education Holds Public Outreach Sessions across Montserrat

Community, Health, News

UK-based Diabetes Ambassador and Advocate Tony Kelly is currently on island leading a series of public sessions aimed at raising awareness about the disease, and the need to make healthy lifestyle choices. Mr Kelly, who has been a leading voice for diabetes education across the UK and the Caribbean, is meeting with communities across Montserrat this week to share practical information, and to distribute educational materials on the prevention and management of the disease. Mr Kelly- who has led similar initiatives across the Caribbean and North America, is urging residents to take diabetes prevention and management more seriously, highlighting the growing number of lower limb amputations linked to the disease. Speaking ahead of his public outreach sessions on island, the diabetes ambassador called on Montserratians to attend in large numbers and learn practical ways to care for their health. On Monday, November 3, Mr. Kelly met with members of the Spanish-speaking community at the Davy Hill Community Centre. Upcoming sessions include- Thursday, November 6, at the Emmanuel Apostolic Faith Church in St. John’s for residents of the Haitian community, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM; Friday, November 7, at Julian’s Bar in Salem for residents of Salem and surrounding areas, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. Saturday, November 8 at the New Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in St John’s for the Seventh-Day Adventist community and residents in the surrounding areas; and Monday, November 10, at the Davy Hill Community Centre for the general public, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.

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Local Surgeon Specialist Warns Residents about Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Health, News

Montserrat’s surgeon specialist Dr. Braimah Kassim is warning residents about their lifestyle habits. Dr. Kassim says this is contributing to an increase in complications from non communicable diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. He points out that changing diets can help reverse conditions like Type 2 diabetes, particularly when combined with other lifestyle changes like exercise and weight loss.

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Pink Ribbon President Calls for Action on Mammogram Services in Montserrat

Health, News

Specialist Clinical Sonographer and president of Pink Ribbon Charity Montserrat, Sonia Charles, has questioned why mammogram examinations are not done on island. Her question comes following the procurement, installation and commissioning of a mammogram machine here. Even though the ministry of health, in response, states that they have to fly in staff, that they are one year behind in mammograms, and are working hard to obtain additional staff to correct the extremely worrying problem, Ms Charles counters that much more could be done. Miss Charles recommends actions that could and need to be taken in the interim to help to manage and improve the current situation.

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Second Cohort Successfully Completes the Montserrat Care Certificate Course

Health, News

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 – The Ministry of Health and Social Services is pleased to announce that thirteen (13) caregivers have successfully completed the six-month Montserrat Care Certificate Course. This second cohort of trained caregiver marks another significant step towards strengthening the island’s health and social care workforce. The graduation and pinning ceremony took place on Monday, October 6, 2025, celebrating the achievements of caregivers from Margetson Memorial Home, Golden Years Home, the Lookout Warden Supported Unit, and one private caregiver. In her remarks at the ceremony, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharra Greenaway-Duberry, congratulated the graduates for their dedication and commitment to professional development. She made special mention of the participation of the private caregiver, noting that this demonstrates the inclusiveness of the programme and its relevance across all areas of care. “The expectation is that the additional knowledge and skills gained through this program will greatly improve the quality and delivery of care across Montserrat,” said Dr. Greenaway-Duberry. “Our caregivers are the backbone of community and institutional care, and by investing in their training, we are investing in the well-being of our people.” The Care Certificate Course, introduced by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in March 2023, provides foundational training for individuals already working in healthcare as Community Health Aides, Geriatric Aides, Wardens and Caregivers. The programme is designed to be completed over a six-month period and combines self-study with guided support from local facilitators and course coordinator; Nurse Tutor Naomi Joseph – Foster. Since its introduction, thirty-one (31) caregivers have now been certified. Nine (9) of the previous graduates received additional training and served as Assessors for this 2nd cohort. The Montserrat Care Certificate is built around fifteen (15) key standards, each addressing core areas of professional healthcare practice, including: The main objectives of the Care Certificate are to: The Ministry of Health and Social Services extends its sincere congratulations to all thirteen (13) graduates and expresses gratitude to the course facilitators, assessors and the UK Health Security Agency for their continued support in strengthening the island’s healthcare system.

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Ministry of Health Hosts Community Discussion and Foot Screening

Government, Health, News

The Ministry of Health and Social Services will be hosting a Community Discussion and Foot Screening focused on Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.). The event will take place on Wednesday, 17th September, at 6:30 p.m. at the Davy Hill Community Centre. Peripheral Artery Disease occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. Left untreated, the condition can cause chronic pain, wounds that don’t heal, severe infections, and in extreme cases, amputation. Early detection and proper management are critical in preventing these complications and maintaining mobility. Guest speaker, Minister for Health Dr. the Honourable Ingrid Buffonge, will lead the session, sharing vital information about recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors, and exploring treatment options available for P.A.D. In addition to the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to undergo foot screenings to check for early signs of the disease. The Montserrat Red Cross is providing a free shuttle service, which will depart from Salem at 5:30 p.m.

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The Ministry of Health and Social Services Hosts 3rd Annual Research Day.

Health, News

Slated for Wednesday, September 10, the event will be held virtually, under the theme “Inclusive Health Research: From Clinic Settings to Community Integration.” Research Day serves as a forum for sharing the latest findings from health research conducted in Montserrat and the wider region. The full-day program promises to be an engaging opportunity for health professionals, and members of the community to explore ways to strengthen healthcare delivery and community integration in Montserrat. It will be livestreamed on the Government Information Unit’s YouTube channel and the Ministry of Health and Social Services’ Facebook page.

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Rounders Competition Applauded for Tackling Lifestyle Diseases

Health, News

A medical practitioner here is applauding the Department of Community, Youth and Sports Services (DCYSS) for organizing competitions such as the ongoing rounders tournament. Dr. Kevin Amsterdam says such activity promotes healthy lifestyles and community spirit. He says it is helping to encourage physical activity at a time when a number of persons on Montserrat face non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Radio Montserrat (ZJB) · Dr. Kevin Amsterdam – Benefits of Rounders Tournament

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