PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 2 June 2025: The Ministry of Health wishes to inform the public that it is closely monitoring the recently identified SARS-CoV-2 variant NB.1.8.1, which has been designated as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This classification calls for enhanced monitoring and surveillance, though current evidence indicates that the public health risk remains low.

Through regular testing of respiratory illnesses by the National Public Health Laboratory and genomic surveillance conducted in collaboration with the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and its Medical Microbiology Laboratory (CMML), the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to actively monitor for COVID-19 variants, including NB.1.8.1. These measures help ensure timely detection and response to any potential developments.

Protecting Your Health and Our Community

The Ministry reminds all residents and visitors of the importance of maintaining general infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, especially in areas where respiratory illnesses are circulating. These include:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser when on the go
• Wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• Practising respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes
• Staying home when feeling unwell and avoiding close contact with others
• Ensure vaccination is up to date, particularly for COVID-19 and influenza. Influenza vaccinations are available at Primary Health Care Clinics across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone in your care experiences:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Confusion or difficulty waking up
• Persistent fever or other severe symptoms

Protecting Vulnerable Groups

Extra care should be taken to protect those at higher risk of severe illness, including:

• Older adults (60+ years)
• People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma
• Pregnant women
• Individuals who are immunocompromised

Caregivers and family members are encouraged to ensure that vulnerable individuals are up to date with vaccinations and are supported in minimising exposure to illness.

The Ministry of Health will continue to keep the public informed as more data becomes available and reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

For further updates, please visit our Facebook page on https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Friday, 6 June 2025 – On Tuesday, 27th May 2025, the Ministry of Health and Human Services performed a “Handing Over” of essential Respiratory equipment to the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital (TCI)/InterHealth Canada Ltd in a brief but meaningful ceremony.

Present for the handing over were Ms. Tamera Howell-Robinson, Permanent Secretary of Innovation, Technology and Information and Acting Permanent Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Jackurlyn Sutton, Chief Nursing Officer and National Infection Prevention and Control Focal Point, Mrs. Surbrena Pedican, Infection Control Nurse, TCI Hospital, Mrs. Cheryl Ann Foreman, other Ministry officials, and members of the local media.

The donation, which included five (5) Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) and related consumables, was made possible through the generous support of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Acute Trust. The initiative was facilitated by Mrs. Janice Toplass, Infection Prevention and Control Specialist through the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) programme.

During the event, Mrs. Jackurlyn Sutton expressed heartfelt appreciation for the donation. She acknowledged the instrumental role played by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) who supported the logistics and ensured timely delivery of the equipment as well as the ambulances from the West Midlands Ambulance Service to the Islands.

Chief Nurse Sutton explained “these powered Respirators are a part of a wider respiratory protection programme which commenced in the TCI during the COVID 19 Pandemic. This equipment can be used by staff caring for specific patients who cannot be fit tested to the usual tight-fitting face masks (respirators) such as N95s, thus ensuring all staff have access to respiratory protection where needed.”

She also noted “the respirators are a part of the ongoing impact of the first two-day national training workshop conducted by the Ministry of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the UKHSA in January 2023. The Workshop facilitated the Training of Trainers in mask fit testing for twelve (12) health care professionals from both the public and private sectors”.

Nurse Surbrena Pedican, in her response, also expressed gratitude to the NHS and UKHSA for these powered Air Purifying Respirators to support the Respiratory Protection Programme within the TCI. “This equipment is an important additional layer to our personal protective equipment (PPE), which will serve to protect both staff and patients from airborne respiratory illnesses.”

Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister for Health and Human Services, although not present for the exercise due to prior commitments, stated, “I am pleased by this kind gesture of donated Respiratory Equipment from the UK NHS Acute Trust, facilitated by the IPC Specialists from the UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) Programme. The UKHSA has, over the past four (4) years, greatly assisted the TCI Ministry of Health and Human Services to build capacity not only within the area of Infection Prevention and Control but also in other key areas. We value this partnership and the various initiatives undertaken in collaboration with the programme lead, such as IPC Specialists, Mrs. Janice Toplass. We remain committed to strengthening our readiness and resilience in public health. May God continue to bless and keep us as a nation”.

The Ministry of Health and Human Services looks forward to continued collaboration with external partners such as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as we work to strengthen the knowledge and skills of our healthcare professionals to meet the evolving needs of our population. As part of this ongoing partnership, virtual training sessions will soon be provided by UKHSA to support the effective integration of the new equipment into the Turks and Caicos Islands’ broader respiratory protection strategy.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands  –  Tuesday, 3 June 2025: June is recognised nationally as Men’s Health Awareness Month, and the Ministry of Health and Human Services is proud to take part in this important movement by launching a series of community-wide initiatives aimed at raising awareness, promoting preventive care, and improving health outcomes for men and boys across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Despite medical advances, men continue to experience poorer health outcomes than women in many areas. On average, men die nearly five years earlier than women and are more likely to suffer from heart disease, liver disease, and certain cancers. Mental health challenges such as depression and suicide are also under-diagnosed and often untreated among men, largely due to stigma and societal pressure to “tough it out.” Studies show that men are more likely than women to suffer from mental illness, and they face a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. Men in routine and manual jobs are more prone to smoking and chronic health problems. Moreover, diagnoses of both prostate and testicular cancer have been on the rise since the early 1990s.

Compounding these health risks is the fact that men are often slower to recognize symptoms and less likely to consult a healthcare provider when they do. This tendency to delay care contributes to poorer health outcomes and missed opportunities for early intervention.

The good news is that men can take control of their health—starting with a few simple, practical steps:

• Schedule a yearly check-up with your healthcare provider to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and overall wellness.
• Get screened for prostate cancer, colon cancer, and other conditions based on your age and risk factors.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week—whether it’s walking, cycling, playing football, or even dancing at home.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables and reduce intake of salt, sugar, and processed foods.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol—resources and support are available through health clinics.
• Check in on your mental health—talk to someone you trust or seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
• Talk to your doctor about sexual and reproductive health.
• Get enough sleep—aim for 7–8 hours a night, as poor sleep affects everything from mood to heart health.

“This month is not just about statistics—it’s about starting real conversations. Men’s Health Month is not just about awareness, it’s about action,” said the Honourable Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services. “We want to encourage men to prioritise their health and to remove the barriers—cultural, emotional, and systemic—that often prevent them from seeking help. It’s time to break the silence. Let’s talk, check in, and take care of ourselves—for our families, our communities, and our future.”

Throughout the month of June, the Ministry of Health and Human Services will be engaging the public through weekly radio programs, island-wide panel discussions, a Men’s Health Symposium in Providenciales, and a national walk/run aimed at promoting physical activity and unity. These events are designed to educate, inspire, and support men in living healthier lives.

In addition, the Ministry is encouraging everyone to wear blue every Friday throughout the month as a show of solidarity and a way to spark conversations around men’s health. Participants are invited to share their photos and messages of support on social media using #MensHealthMonth and tag @tciministryofhealth on Facebook.

Whether it’s scheduling a checkup, opening up about mental health, attending a community event, or making healthier lifestyle choices, every step makes a difference. The Ministry of Health and Human Services is here to support all men in taking charge of their health and well-being.