Saint Lucia joins the world in observing World Cancer Day on February 4th every year. This observance is an opportunity for us to continue to raise awareness, improve education and drive much needed action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The theme for this year's World Cancer Day is “United by Unique,” which places focus on recognizing every individual as a unique person with a unique experience with cancer and highlights the need for a holistic and people - centred approach towards cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Information at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition indicates in 2023, 248 lives were lost to cancer. During 2024, there were 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed. The top three cancers diagnosed during this period were Prostate, Breast and Cervical cancer respectively. Of the 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2024, 102 deaths have occurred. In an effort to fight against cancer, the Ministry of Health has undertaken a number of initiatives, continues to strengthen access to quality health care within the various wellness centres and health institutions on the island, engaged the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and overseas hospitals to ensure affordable and consistent cancer diagnosis and treatment for cancer and ensure education and community engagement.

Saint Lucia joins the world in observing World Cancer Day on February 4th every year. This observance is an opportunity for us to continue to raise awareness, improve education and drive much needed action to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. The theme for this year's World Cancer Day is “United by Unique,” which places focus on recognizing every individual as a unique person with a unique experience with cancer and highlights the need for a holistic and people - centred approach towards cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment. Information at the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition indicates in 2023, 248 lives were lost to cancer. During 2024, there were 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed. The top three cancers diagnosed during this period were Prostate, Breast and Cervical cancer respectively. Of the 388 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2024, 102 deaths have occurred. In an effort to fight against cancer, the Ministry of Health has undertaken a number of initiatives, continues to strengthen access to quality health care within the various wellness centres and health institutions on the island, engaged the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and overseas hospitals to ensure affordable and consistent cancer diagnosis and treatment for cancer and ensure education and community engagement.

Farmers in Choiseul are now better equipped to improve soil health, increase productivity, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts following a hands-on agricultural machinery training conducted under the Building Resilience for Adaptation to Climate Change and Climate Variability in Agriculture in Saint Lucia (BRACCCVAS) Project. The initiative delivered immediate, practical benefits by introducing farmers to appropriate technology while building local capacity for shared access and long-term sustainability.

The training focused on demonstrating modern tillage equipment and strengthening farmers’ understanding of how improved soil preparation directly supports crop growth, water retention, and nutrient uptake.

In the headlines: The Environmental Health Division hosts a cleanup campaign aimed at eliminating vector breeding sites and; Saint Lucia's Independence Calendar of Activities has been launched.

For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

In the headlines: The National Independence Baton Relay launches, and; the Minister for Equity undertakes a familiarization tour of community organizations.

For details on these stories and more, visit www.govt.lc

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition will officially implement the Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) system on island, which will assist with the collection and investigation of reports regarding unusual health events from healthcare workers and the community in a timely manner. This system will help the ministry to be more proactive in detecting and responding to emerging health risks. Effective February 2nd, a community member can report a public health threat or unusual event by calling 311, from Monday to Friday 7am to 7pm. This service is free and all information will be kept confidential.

The Environmental Health Division of the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition has partnered with residents of Anse La Raye to conduct an intensive source reduction and community cleanup campaign aimed at eliminating mosquito and rodent breeding sites. This initiative was undertaken in response to growing concerns over an increase in mosquito and vector breeding sites identified throughout the community and forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce vector-borne disease risks and promote a healthier environment.