In 2025, the health system expanded Universal Health Coverage, improved health facilities, managed many health programs, health conditions ranging from infectious diseases, chronic non-communicable diseases and international, regional and local collaborations and Medical Missions. From the summary of the health status of the country, some of the health data analyzed are below:

• The Total Fertility rate (TFR) per woman of child bearing age is 1.06 compared to 1.54 in 2016.
• The Ministry of Health noted a continued reduction in COVID-19 cases from 3.4 per 10, 000 in 2024 to 2.0 per 10, 000 in 2025.
• A total of 276 cases of gastroenteritis were registered by the sentinel surveillance system. This represents an 85% decrease in cases from the previous year (2024).
• In 2025, 26 new cases of HIV were diagnosed. However, it represents a 2.6% decrease from 2024.
• The Ministry of Health noted a significant 91% decrease in Dengue Fever in 2025 as compared to 2024, where 432 cases were recorded.
• Saint Lucia recorded 16 new cases of Leprosy which was eight times as many cases seen in the previous year 2024. The observed increase in cases was as a result of targeted active case finding, carried out during a skin camp aimed at detecting previously unidentified leprosy cases.
• Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases continue to be a significant source of mortality in Saint Lucia accounting for over 80% of all deaths, with cancers, cerebrovascular disease/stroke, heart disease and Diabetes Mellitus dominating as the top 4 causes of death respectively for the last 10 years.

In the headlines: The Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival boosts local talent, and; cruise tourism numbers trend toward a record-breaking year.

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

In the headlines: A Saudi delegation applauds the completion of the St.Jude Hospital and Saint Lucia observes World Leprosy Day.

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

In the headlines: Major infrastructure work continues in Gros Islet, and the New Beginnings Transit Home celebrates its 15th anniversary.

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

Senior leadership within the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation has begun a critical two-day strategic exercise aimed at sharpening direction, strengthening coordination, and repositioning education in Saint Lucia for the demands of a rapidly changing world.

The Heads of Department Strategic Planning Meetings, which opened this morning, brings together technical leaders across the Ministry to align priorities and set the tone for the year ahead.

World Leprosy Day is observed annually on the last Sunday of January and will be marked this year on January 25, as Saint Lucia joins the global community in raising awareness about leprosy. The observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the significant progress made in combating the disease while acknowledging the challenges that remain. Under the theme “Leprosy is Curable; the Real Challenge is Stigma,” World Leprosy Day 2026 aims to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, address discrimination faced by those affected, and encourage collective action toward the elimination of leprosy.