PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Trinidad and Tobago health authorities Friday said the country has recorded more than 200 cases of dengue since the start of the year, but downplayed suggestions of an outbreak of the virus here.

WASHINGTON, DC – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says Latin America and the Caribbean (LC) has reported 9.3 million cases of dengue so far this year, twice the number of cases reported in all of 2023.

CAYMAN ISLANDS – The Radiation Oncology Centre at Health City Camana Bay in the Cayman Islands has announced the introduction of Brachytherapy (BT) for cervical cancer treatment, providing a cutting-edge option for women affected by this prevalent gynecological cancer.

Washington, D.C. - Residents in six Jamaican parishes are to get free screenings for heart disease, cancer, prostate disease, mental health issues, diabetes and sexually-transmitted disease, thanks to a volunteer corps of doctors and nurses from Help Jamaica Medical Mission.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The Antigua and Barbuda government says it has reached a deal with United States-based company for the sale of the Cancer Center Eastern Caribbean (CCEC).

GEORGETOWN, Guyana - The first pediatric liver resection was performed here on Thursday, May 23, on an 18-month-old female patient who was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive pediatric liver cancer known as hepatoblastoma.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Health says institutions across the island are resuming normal operations, following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana - The Ministry of Health has signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with a number of healthcare providers to ramp up Cervical Cancer testing and promote eye care among the vulnerable.

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Lloyd Bent, a 77-year-old patient at Broward Health, reflected on his recent battle with skin cancer. The seasoned insurance professional was eager to share his story about the importance of being prepared for life’s unexpected challenges.

UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations says its Pan-American Health Organization’s (PAHO) representative in Haiti, Dr. Oscar Barreneche, has warned that the health system in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince is “on the brink” and “crippled by escalating violence”.

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands – Health officials in the British Virgin Islands say they are taking proactive steps to avoid a measles outbreak in the territory.

Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University