For the second consecutive year, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth partnered with Medical Ministry International (MMI) as they returned to Dominica for an impactful mission centered on training, mentorship, and sustainable healthcare development. In two weeks, over 60 cataract eye surgeries were completed. This year's mission placed a strong emphasis on capacity building and skill enhancement. During the first week, three local surgeons worked alongside the MMI surgical team led

The National Laboratory of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services is pleased to announce the successful implementation of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for leptospirosis. This significant advancement strengthens the country's diagnostic capabilities and enhances the ability of health authorities to respond rapidly to cases of this potentially serious infectious disease. The introduction of leptospirosis PCR testing enables real-time diagnosis, allowing

The Rotary Club of Dominica officially handed over water fountains to the Roseau Primary School and the Trafalgar Primary School during ceremonies held on Monday, June 15, 2026, as part of its ongoing Childhood Obesity Programme. The installation of the water fountains forms a key component of the Club’s efforts to promote healthier lifestyles among children by encouraging increased water consumption and reducing the intake of sugary beverages. The initiative supports the bro

SickleConnect goes live today on World Sickle Cell Day — free for all patients at app.sicklecellcares.org The Sickle Cell Cares Foundation Inc. (SCCF) today launches SickleConnect — the first digital health platform in the Caribbean built specifically for people living with Sickle Cell Disease. The app is free to download and available immediately at app.sicklecellcares.org. SickleConnect puts powerful health management tools directly in the hands of SCD patients. From a smar

Roseau, Dominica (June 15, 2026)- The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services has received a donation of twenty (20) computer units from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), comprising fifteen (15) laptops and five (5) desktop computers, to support disease surveillance, data management, and the strengthening of primary health care services across Dominica. The donation forms part of PAHO’s ongoing support to the Ministry’s health information and surveillance

We need to get ahead of this Ebola outbreak. Today, I am allocating up to $60 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund to accelerate the response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider region. The humanitarian community is fully mobilised. As in previous outbreaks, Dr. Tedros and his colleagues at the World Heath Organization are leading, with courage and expertise. The epidemiological context is challenging: there are not yet licensed

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services continues to monitor hantavirus and other rodent-borne diseases through ongoing national surveillance, epidemiological assessment, and collaboration with regional and international public health partners. At present, there are no confirmed cases of hantavirus disease in Dominica. Local risk assessments conducted through the national surveillance system indicate that the current public health risk remains low. However, the M

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, has officially taken the decision to rename the Castle Bruce Health Centre as the Nurse Hyacinth Thomas Health and Wellness Centre, in recognition of her exceptional contribution to healthcare in the district. This decision reflects the Government’s continued commitment to honouring individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to national developmen

Relay-style experience to combine sports and culinary arts while supporting education, agriculture, tourism, health and sports initiatives – The Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay was officially launched on Sunday, April 12, in Delices, introducing a new relay-style experience set for August 1, 2026. The event blends running and baking while supporting initiatives in education, agriculture, tourism, health and sports. The relay will open with the White River Leg in Delices, wh

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services is calling on all citizens, particularly parents and caregivers, to take decisive action to protect the nation’s children as Dominica joins countries across the region in observing Vaccination Week of the Americas 2026. This year marks the 24th celebration of Vaccination Week of the Americas and the 15th World Immunization Week, an initiative led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to promote equitable access to

The Rotary Club of Dominica is pleased to announce the hosting of the 31st VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) Mission to Dominica scheduled to take place from May 11 to May 14, 2026. The clinics will be conducted at the following venues: • Portsmouth Hospital - Monday, May 11 • St. Joseph Health Centre - Tuesday, May 12 • Goodwill Parish Hall (Wednesday, May 13 – serving communities from Grand Bay to Pointe Michel) • Goodwill Parish Hall (Thursday, May 14 - serv

Cabinet, at its meeting on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, approved the appointment of the Medical Laboratories Council in accordance with the provisions of the recently enacted Medical Laboratories Act 2024. The council aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for medical laboratory services in Dominica and ensure the highest standards of quality, safety and professionalism in the sector. The Medical Laboratories Council comprises representatives from key stakeholder institution

Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Cassani Laville , led debate on the new Medical Profession Act, Nurses and Midwives Act, and Food Safety Act, describing the measures as critical to modernizing standards within the sector. The Medical Profession Act places greater emphasis on professional accountability and regulatory oversight, ensuring that medical practitioners operate within clearly defined ethical and professional guidelines. The legislation is expected

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has officially signed the PAHO/WHO Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031 for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, marking a significant milestone in regional health collaboration and reaffirming Dominica’s commitment to strengthening its health system through solidarity, equity, and resilience. The MCCS 2026–2031 provides a medium-term strategic framework for advancing health and development across Antigua and Barbud

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, last week, marked the official handover of essential laboratory equipment and supplies to the National Laboratory, procured through the Pandemic Fund and the Fleming Fund, further strengthening Dominica’s capacity for disease surveillance, diagnosis, and emergency response. The donated items, valued at approximately eighty-five thousand dollars (US$85,000), were procured by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health

Cabinet, at its meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, approved the creation of thirty-four (34) established positions of Public Health Aide within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, classified at Level II, as part of Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen primary and community-based health services. Cabinet further approved annual financing of $702,836.10 under Primary Health Care and the transition of all temporary and contracted Public Health Aides

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, in collaboration with IsraAID, successfully concluded a comprehensive two days of First Aid and CPR certification training for primary and secondary school teachers. The initiative equipped 47 teachers from across the island with essential life-saving skills, ensuring a safer environment for students and the wider community. Participants underwent rigorous training in First Aid, C

The RayAsta Foundation is launching a health promotion campaign aimed at educating students, teachers, and parents about the dangers of stroke, its warning signs, and the importance of early response. This initiative seeks to build awareness across school communities so that the Dominican community is able to recognize stroke symptoms quickly and take life-saving action. Through interactive school presentations, the campaign will highlight: • common signs and symptoms of stro

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), is strengthening national efforts to create healthier food environments in Dominican schools. The initiative forms part of a regional response to the alarming rise in childhood overweight and obesity- now affecting o

Executive Member of the Dominica Diabetes Association and Young Leader for Diabetes in Dominica, and Pharmacy Technician, Ms. Royette Charles, is on a mission to inspire hope among individuals living with diabetes. She is also calling on the wider Dominican public to make proactive lifestyle changes that can help prevent the onset of the illness. Ms. Charles emphasizes the importance of viewing diabetes as a serious health issue that requires consistent effort and discipline.