Minister Welcomes PAHO’s Sepsis Strategy and Action Plan
Government Commits to Implementation
- Makes progress on implementation
Jamaica Praises PAHO’s Sepsis Strategy and Action Plan
Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, praised the Pan-American Health Organisation’s (PAHO’s) development of a Strategy and Action Plan to decrease the burden of sepsis for the period 2025-2029.
“Sepsis is a major cause of concern in Jamaica as it is the final common pathway to death for severe infectious disease that may arise out of different pathologies. All age groups are affected. Neonatal sepsis contributes to the high neonatal mortality rate and impedes us reaching the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals target,” said the Minister, speaking at the 61st PAHO Directing Council Meeting in Washington DC.
He emphasized the importance of prevention in reducing the burden of the disease, and the need to strengthen health systems to prevent sepsis.
Jamaica has already started working on three strategies that emphasize increasing awareness, reducing infections through vaccination, and improving infection prevention and control measures. These strategies are in addition to improving access to timely diagnosis and ensuring quality, safe, and comprehensive care.
“This strategic plan will serve to harmonize and coordinate these efforts to accelerate better outcomes,” said the Minister.
The Minister noted that Jamaica has introduced the birth dose Hepatitis B and will expand the immunization schedule to include the Pneumococcal vaccine to all children.
Ongoing Efforts to Reduce Sepsis Burden
The government has recommitted efforts to develop a National Strategic Plan for Infection Prevention and Control. In addition, it is engaging in a WASH Project with UNICEF to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene services in healthcare facilities, schools, and shelters for disasters.
“We have revitalized a joint ministerial committee with Agriculture and Industry to draft the National Action Plan for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR),” said the Minister.
Jamaica is committed to implementing the PAHO’s Strategy and Action Plan and looks forward to the organization’s continued support.
Conclusion
The Jamaican government recognizes the importance of reducing the burden of sepsis and welcomes PAHO’s Strategy and Action Plan to achieve this goal. With ongoing efforts to strengthen health systems, prevent sepsis, and improve diagnosis and care, Jamaica is committed to implementing this plan and looks forward to working with PAHO to reduce the sepsis burden.
FAQs
* What is sepsis, and why is it a major cause of concern in Jamaica?
Sepsis is a major cause of concern in Jamaica as it is the final common pathway to death for severe infectious disease that may arise out of different pathologies.
* What strategies is Jamaica using to prevent sepsis and reduce its burden?
Jamaica is using strategies such as increasing awareness, reducing infections through vaccination, improving infection prevention and control measures, improving access to timely diagnosis, and ensuring quality, safe, and comprehensive care.
* What initiatives is the government undertaking to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
The government has recommitted efforts to develop a National Strategic Plan for Infection Prevention and Control, and has revitalized a joint ministerial committee with Agriculture and Industry to draft the National Action Plan for AMR.
* How does the Jamaican government plan to support the PAHO’s Strategy and Action Plan to decrease the burden of sepsis?
The government has committed to implementing the plan and looks forward to continued support from PAHO in all areas.