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Turks & Caicos Updates Migrant Health Policy

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Dana Malcolm

Staff writer

 

#TurksandCaicos, August 25, 2022 – Residents from a host of Middle Eastern, African, Asian, and Caribbean countries will have to be vaccinated and tested for various infectious diseases and get their health work-ups done at pre-approved locations before arriving in the Turks and Caicos Islands for work.

This is because they have been determined to be high risk for infectious diseases by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government. The Migrant Health process became much more stringent after the government updated them in an effort to stop the copious amounts of falsified health documents circulating.

Citizens of several African and Asian countries including Benin, Cape Verde, Macau, and others will have to go to another country altogether to visit medical institutions pre-approved by the TCIG

In addition, the cost for a medical certificate has increased to $50 per person and applicants from all countries must have their diphtheria, tetanus, measles, and polio vaccines

The government had explained that it divided the process for high and low-risk countries. Individuals seeking to work on the islands who are from low-risk countries will be able to get their health checks done in the Turks and Caicos when they arrive.

The changes were deemed necessary when the Health Ministry realized they could not authenticate a number of the health certificates being used on the islands and fake certificates were becoming increasingly common.

Health

Polio Milestone remembered as region increases vaccine coverage

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

 

 

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the certification of the eradication of wild polio virus transmission in the Region of the Americas.

In 1975, the region reported nearly 6,000 cases of polio.

However, thanks to child vaccination and sustained surveillance implemented by Governments with the support of PAHO and partners, the last case of wild polio virus was detected in September 1991 in Peru.

In 1994, the region was certified as free of this disease.

“Achieving a milestone like this is not easy. It involves a lot of work, commitment, and tenacity from thousands of health workers, researchers, partners, and all the people responsible for vaccinating their children,” PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa said.

However, Dr Barbosa warned about the persistence of poliovirus in other parts of the world. “Until we eradicate the poliovirus globally, we must maintain high vaccination coverage and adequate surveillance to detect any imported cases,” he emphasised.

Polio is a highly contagious disease that affects the central nervous system, causing acute flaccid paralysis. Although most infections are asymptomatic, in 1 in 200 cases, the virus can cause permanent paralysis in the legs or arms. Globally, polio cases have declined by more than 99 per cent since 1988, when an estimated 350,000 cases were reported in more than 125 endemic countries.

There are now just two endemic countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, the poliovirus does not respect borders and can find groups of unvaccinated or under-immunized children, which could lead to outbreaks. Dr Barbosa highlighted the impact of immunisation programmes in controlling and eliminating vaccine-preventable diseases and emphasised the continued support of governments and partners, such as Rotary International and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Despite the progress, the PAHO Director mentioned that misinformation and distrust, along with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, “continue to affect vaccination coverage in some areas and populations” in the region.

In 2023, 87 per cent of children in the Americas had received the third dose of the polio vaccine necessary for full immunization, a recovery from 83 per cent in 2022, but still below the recommended coverage rate. To prevent the reintroduction of the virus, “it is essential to continue working to achieve sustained coverage of more than 95 per cent uniformly in each country,” Dr Barbosa remarked.

On rare occasions, in under-immunised populations, the live attenuated virus originally contained in the oral polio vaccine can mutate and become a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. This virus, as it replicates in the gastrointestinal tract, can spread through faeces and sewage, circulating in the environment, and exposing unvaccinated individuals, who are susceptible to contracting polio.

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InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital Enhances Patient Advocacy Programme

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(Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Friday, October 25th, 2024): The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is excited to announce enhancements to its Patient Advocacy Programme at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre and Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. This initiative is part of the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital’s continuous commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centred care for the community’s diverse needs.

In recognition of the unique challenges faced by seniors 65 years and older, individuals with disabilities, and patients from the family islands, InterHealth Canada – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is introducing a dedicated priority line for these groups. This development underscores our commitment to ensuring equitable access to our services.

As part of this initiative, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital will deploy certified Patient Advocates to both medical centres. These advocates, clad in purple vests, will be available to assist patients in navigating the healthcare system, understanding their rights, and accessing essential resources. Each advocate has undergone specialized training, empowering them to handle various patient inquiries, from appointment scheduling to clarifying medical procedures.

“Our patient advocacy initiative aims to provide essential support to those who may feel overwhelmed during their healthcare journey,” stated Chief of Medical Services Dr. Dawn Perry-Ewing. “By introducing certified advocates, we strive to reduce logistical burdens on patients while equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed healthcare decisions. The healthcare landscape can be daunting, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities. However, by providing advocates to guide these patients, we aim to create an atmosphere of empowerment and understanding so that they can access care easily”, added Dr Perry-Ewing.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital is committed to continuous improvement, guided by community feedback. With the launch of the enhanced Patient Advocacy Programme at Cockburn Town Medical Centre and Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, the Hospital is set to create a more accessible and supportive healthcare experience.

For more information about the Patient Advocacy Programme, please get in touch with the Hospital at info@tcihospital.tc.

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The Ministry of Health and Human Services hosted the 2nd Women’s Health Symposium under the theme “Advocate, Educate, Celebrate – Women’s Health Matters” 

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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Thursday, 10 October 2024: On October 5, 2024, Beaches Resort was the venue for an impactful Women’s Health Symposium hosted under the theme: Advocate, Educate, Celebrate: Women’s Health Matters. The symposium, organised by the Ministry of Health and Human Services’ Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, attracted women from across the Turks and Caicos Islands to engage in crucial discussions on topics affecting their well-being.

The event brought together presenters from a range of distinguished medical professionals and thought leaders to explore topics designed to educate and empower women to prioritise their health and wellness.

The event began with an opening prayer by Mrs. Anansa Jervis and an introduction by the Mistress of Ceremony, Mrs. Cheryl Ann Foreman, setting the tone for a day of inspiration and enlightenment. This was followed by a warm welcome from the Director of Health Promotion and Advocacy unit, Dr Camelia Clarke and opening remarks delivered by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Ms. Renessa Williams. Both leaders emphasised the importance of women’s health and the need for continued advocacy and education in the field.

The Minister of Health and Human Services, Honorable Shaun D Malcolm, commented, “Women’s health isn’t just another priority; it’s at the heart of our families, our communities, and our nation’s overall well-being. Everyday, we are working to ensure that women’s health is not just talked about but truly protected and promoted. By coming together—healthcare professionals, advocates, and all of you here—we can make a lasting impact.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospitals, who inspired participants to advocate for their health. Dr Braithwaite-Tennant emphasised the importance of taking charge of one’s well-being while highlighting the progress made in women’s health initiatives in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This symposium was a vital reminder that women’s health matters,” said Dr. Braithwaite-Tennant in her keynote speech. “By advocating for ourselves, educating ourselves, and celebrating our collective achievements, we can create healthier futures for ourselves and the generations to come.”

The other sessions included:

  • Anti-Ageing: A Dermatologist’s Perspective – Led by Dr Marsha Barnett, this session provided insights into maintaining youthful skin and overall health as women age.
  • Chronic Diseases and Women’s Health – Presented by Dr Samantha Barrett- Palmer, this session examined the impact of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension on women, emphasising the importance of prevention and management.
  • Understanding and Prioritizing Gynaecological Health – Delivered by Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Dawn Perry- Ewing, this deep dive into reproductive health focused on preventive care and the importance of regular screenings.
  • Breaking Barriers in Breast Cancer Awareness and Care – Led by General Surgeon and former Premier, Dr the Honourable Rufus Ewing, this session highlighted the significance of early detection, cutting-edge treatments, and breaking the stigma around breast cancer.
  • Navigating Mental Wellness: Strategies for Women’s Health – This session was presented by Dr Anya Malcolm, who focused on the mental health challenges faced by women, offering strategies for self-care, resilience, and mental wellness.

The symposium also featured a compelling panel discussion titled Empowering Women Leaders: Balancing Innovation, Technology, and Well-Being, with insights from a diverse panel of influential women leaders. Panellists included Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Mrs Cathrice Williams (Director of Information Technology at the TCI Financial Services Commission) and Mrs Rachell Salao Roulett (Vice president, Fortis). The discussion emphasised the need to balance leadership roles with personal health and wellness while leveraging technology and innovation to support women’s health journeys.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services extends its gratitude to the speakers, panellists, and attendees for making the second women’s health symposium a resounding success. The event was a testament to the power of collective action in advancing women’s health and leadership.

For more information regarding the event, please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

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