AGP Executive Report

World Alzheimer’s Day: Dominica State House lights up purple (18–21 Sept) with the Dominica Dementia Foundation and the Office of the President, urging early detection, caregiver support, and less stigma. Men’s Health: A Men’s Health Fair 2026 (Sun, Sept 20; Grand Bay Health Centre) will offer consultations and screening info, with special focus on prostate cancer awareness. Health & Climate: The Ministry of Health released the third Dominica Health‑Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging flash‑flood risk, heat impacts, and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Care Access & Dignity: A letter to the editor alleges ward aide misconduct at Dominica China Friendship Hospital, calling for accountability and basic patient care. Food Security & Farming: A National Seminar (Sept 22–23) prepares poultry and pig farmers for expanded abattoir operations, covering biosecurity, nutrition, and production planning. Youth & Wellness: CARICOM youth ambassadors push for practical action on mental and physical well-being during Wellness Month. Climate Risk for Children: Regional research warns there may be “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children as multiple climate hazards intensify.

Road Safety & Access: A landslide on the O’Delices Road in Dominica’s South East has disrupted travel, with officials saying clearing restored driving conditions and rerouting about 10 tourists; residents are again calling for repairs to the long-damaged Petite Savanne–Delices link. Climate & Child Health: Dominica’s Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov) flags below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, plus heat impacts and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Men’s Health: A Men’s Health Fair 2026 at Grand Bay Health Centre (Sept 20) will offer consultations and screening info, with special focus on prostate cancer awareness. Dementia Awareness: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers. Youth Wellness: CARICOM youth ambassadors urge practical action on mental and physical well-being, calling for more accessible mental health services. Diabetes Intimacy Research: New CGM-based research presented at EASD suggests sex is safe for people with type 1 diabetes, addressing fear of hypoglycaemia during intimacy. Food & Farming: Farmers are adopting higher-value crop techniques like fertigation and ground cover, while a nurse leader urges healthier eating to curb NCD and cancer risk.

Men’s Health: Dominica’s Ministry of Health is hosting a Men’s Health Fair 2026 on Sept 20 (9am–12pm) at the Grand Bay Health Centre, with specialist consultations and prostate cancer awareness under “Engage, Empower, Elevate.” Alzheimer’s Awareness: The State House will glow purple from Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers. Health-Climate Preparedness: The Ministry released the third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer-than-usual temperatures, and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Youth Wellness: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are calling for stronger focus on young people’s mental and physical well-being, urging practical action and better access to mental health services. Diabetes & Intimacy: New research using continuous glucose monitoring suggests sex is safe for people with type 1 diabetes, addressing fear of hypoglycaemia during intimacy. Climate Risks to Children: UNICEF-backed research warns there may be “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with most exposed to multiple climate hazards by mid-century—raising urgency for child-focused resilience planning.

Men’s Health & Prostate Awareness: Dominica’s Men’s Health Fair 2026 runs Sunday, Sept 20, 9am–12pm at the Grand Bay Health Centre, with specialist consultations and screening support to encourage earlier care and healthier habits. Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, backing people living with dementia and their caregivers and marking the Dominica Dementia Foundation’s 10th anniversary. Climate-Health Preparedness: The Ministry of Health released the third Dominica Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer-than-usual temperatures, and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Youth Wellness Push: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are calling for stronger focus on young people’s physical and mental well-being, urging early action and reduced stigma around mental illness. Diabetes & Intimacy: A new study presented at EASD reports sex is safe for people with type 1 diabetes when using continuous glucose monitoring, addressing fear of hypoglycaemia during intimacy. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF-backed research warns that in the Eastern Caribbean there may be “no safe zone” for children, with more than 9 in 10 projected to face multiple climate hazards by mid-century.

Health-Climate Watch: Dominica’s Ministry of Health released the third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging below-average rainfall but an extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer-than-usual temperatures, and ongoing dengue (121 suspected, 3 lab-confirmed) plus leptospirosis (4 suspected, 2 lab-confirmed). Men’s Health: The Grand Bay Health Team and China Medical Team will host a Men’s Health Fair 2026 on Sept 20 (9am–12pm) at the Grand Bay Health Centre, with specialist consultations and prostate cancer awareness during Wellness Month. Dementia Awareness: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, supporting people living with dementia and their caregivers. Youth Wellness: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are urging practical action for youth mental and physical well-being, citing rising anxiety, depression, stress, and stigma. Climate Risk for Children: New UNICEF-backed research warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with many exposed to multiple climate hazards by mid-century. Regional Lab Strengthening: CARPHA wrapped up a CariPHLN workshop to boost laboratory preparedness, surveillance, and coordinated responses across the Caribbean, with Dominica among participating countries.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns that in Dominica and across the Eastern Caribbean, more than 9 in 10 children could be exposed to at least three major climate hazards by mid-century, with no “safe zone” as heat, drought, flooding and stronger storms intensify. Health-Climate Planning: Dominica’s Ministry of Health released its third Health-Climatic Bulletin (Sept–Nov), flagging below-average rainfall but extremely high flash-flood risk, warmer-than-usual temperatures, and ongoing dengue and leptospirosis concerns. Men’s Health: The Men’s Health Fair 2026 (Sept 20, Grand Bay Health Centre) will offer consultations and screening support for prostate cancer awareness during Wellness Month. Wellness for Youth: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are urging real action on youth wellness, linking mental health, physical activity and stigma reduction. Dementia Awareness: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, supporting people living with dementia and caregivers. Diabetes & Intimacy: A small study using continuous glucose monitoring suggests sex is safe for people with type 1 diabetes. Lab Capacity: CARPHA wrapped a regional workshop to strengthen Caribbean laboratory preparedness and disease detection, with Dominica among participating countries.

Youth Skills & Jobs: A new year-long BTC programme funded by the Maria Holder Memorial Trust will train 150 unemployed and underemployed young Dominicans in vocational trades and digital skills, including medical admin, data entry, plumbing, electrical technician work, hospitality and digital marketing. Youth Wellness Push: CARICOM Youth Ambassadors are urging stronger focus on both mental and physical well-being, calling for early support, reduced stigma, and more accessible mental health services. Men’s Health & Prostate Awareness: The Ministry of Health is hosting a Men’s Health Fair 2026 at Grand Bay Health Centre on Sept 20, with specialist consultations and screening information, urging men to seek care before symptoms appear. Alzheimer’s Awareness: The State House will glow purple Sept 18–21 for World Alzheimer’s Day, marking support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Climate Risks to Children: A UNICEF-commissioned study warns that across the Eastern Caribbean, more than 9 in 10 children could face exposure to multiple climate hazards by mid-century, with schools and health facilities already at risk. Youth Voice in Climate Decisions: St Brice says young people must be involved from the start of climate planning, with real influence—not token participation. Health Security Labs: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brought together lab directors (including Dominica) to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, and coordinated public health response.

Climate & Children: A UNICEF-backed study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with one in three already living where they face at least three climate hazards—rising to more than nine in ten by mid-century—while schools and health facilities are among the most exposed. Regional Public Health Labs: CARPHA wrapped up a workshop in Barbados to strengthen the Caribbean Public Health Laboratory Network, improving disease detection, surveillance, specimen transport, and coordinated responses; Dominica was represented. Dominica Health & Nutrition: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to cut back on sugar and sweetened drinks and build meals around fibre-rich local foods and balanced protein choices to tackle rising non-communicable diseases and cancer concerns. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure Support: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines can now tap the RIISE facility for technical help to push climate-resilient projects past implementation delays. Fisheries Resilience Project: A US$12.55M GEF-funded CC4FISH-II initiative launched in Dominica aims to protect fisheries and coastal livelihoods across five countries, including Dominica, through climate and disaster resilience work. Sports & Youth Wellness: Pioneers Athletics Club received support from Tropical Shipping for equipment to help athletes train and promote healthier lifestyles.

Regional Climate & Child Health: A UNICEF-backed study warns there’s “no safe zone” for Eastern Caribbean children, with over a third of children, schools and health facilities already in areas exposed to at least three climate hazards—projected to rise to more than nine in ten by mid-century, raising risks for heat, drought, hurricanes and sea-level rise. Public Health Lab Preparedness: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Barbados brought together 26 lab directors (including Dominica) to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, diagnostic coordination and specimen transport, supported by CARPHA’s Pandemic Fund. Health Workforce Planning: Dominica is developing a Centralized Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) with PAHO/WHO support to improve health workforce data use for planning and pandemic preparedness. NCD & Cancer Nutrition Push: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urges Dominicans to eat healthier—cut sugar and sweetened drinks, boost fibre-rich local foods, and choose proteins and fats wisely—amid rising non-communicable disease and cancer concerns. Resilient Infrastructure Support: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines can now access the RIISE Facility for technical help to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. Sports for Wellness: Tropical Shipping supports Pioneers Athletics Club with sports equipment to help young athletes train and promote healthier lifestyles. Medical Education Access: ACSOM announces a scholarship-heavy plan for January 2027, including tuition-free options for qualifying Dominican nationals.

Regional Lab Readiness: CARPHA wrapped up its 11th CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown, bringing 26 lab directors (including Dominica) together to strengthen disease detection, surveillance, diagnostic coordination, specimen transport, and data-sharing across the Caribbean. Climate & Health Risks: A UNICEF-commissioned Eastern Caribbean study warns drought and extreme heat could last 3–4 months each year by mid-century, raising risks for malnutrition, school disruption, and public health impacts. Food Security Under Pressure: Saint Lucia’s agriculture minister says climate change is already affecting what farmers can grow, water availability, fisheries, and the affordability of nutritious food. NCD Prevention Push: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to eat healthier—more fibre-rich local foods, less sugar and sweetened drinks, and balanced protein and healthy fats—amid rising non-communicable diseases and cancer concerns. Health Workforce Planning: Dominica is developing a Centralized Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) with PAHO/WHO support to improve workforce data use for planning and emergency preparedness. Resilient Infrastructure Support: Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines can now access the RIISE Facility for technical help to speed up climate-resilient infrastructure delivery. Fisheries Resilience Funding: A US$12.55M GEF-backed project (CC4FISH-II) launched in Dominica to build climate and disaster resilience in the fisheries sector, targeting over 21,800 people across participating countries. UWI Honor for Dominica Athlete: Thea LaFond-Gadson was selected for a UWI honorary Doctor of Laws for her Paris 2024 Olympic gold and historic medal for Dominica.

Regional Health Security: CARPHA’s CariPHLN workshop in Bridgetown (Sept 8–10) brought lab directors and public health teams together to strengthen Caribbean laboratory preparedness and speed up detection and response to health threats, with Dominica among the in-person participants. NCD & Cancer Prevention: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to eat smarter—more fibre-rich local foods, less sugar and sweetened drinks, and balanced protein and healthy fats—warning that festive-season choices can affect long-term health. Health Workforce Planning: Dominica, with PAHO/WHO support, is building a Centralized Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to improve workforce data for planning and pandemic readiness. Youth Wellness: CARICOM’s Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett marked Caribbean Wellness Day by highlighting how early habits shape future health, pointing to high rates of overweight, high blood pressure, alcohol use, and inactivity among young people. Infrastructure for Resilience: Dominica and three other Eastern Caribbean states can now access the RIISE Facility for technical help to push climate-resilient projects past implementation bottlenecks. Food & Health Community Events: DOMDA announced “Sip & Chat” for ages 16–35 (Sept 30) with talks on blood sugar awareness, mental health, relationships, and “knowing your numbers.”

Climate & Fisheries Resilience: Dominica is among five Caribbean states set to benefit from a US$12.55M GEF-funded CC4FISH-II project launched in Dominica on Sept. 15, aiming to strengthen climate and disaster resilience for fisherfolk and coastal communities through 2030. Health Promotion (NCDs & Cancer): Nurse Priscilla Prevost urged Dominicans to improve eating habits—more fibre-rich local foods, fewer sugary drinks and simple carbs, and balanced protein choices—as non-communicable diseases and cancer concerns rise. Health Systems Planning: Dominica is developing a Centralized Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) with PAHO/WHO support to improve workforce planning and pandemic preparedness. Local Wellness for Youth: DOMDA announced “Sip & Chat” for ages 16–35 on Sept. 30 in Roseau, focusing on blood sugar awareness, mental health, relationships, and “knowing your numbers.” Sports & Community Health: The inaugural Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay in Delices highlighted sport, local food, culture, and wellness, including a traditional bread-baking challenge. Infrastructure Delivery Support: RIISE has begun operations, offering Dominica and three other OECS governments technical help to push climate-resilient infrastructure projects past implementation bottlenecks. Recognition & Role Models: Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson is set to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws from UWI for her contribution to sport.

NCD & Cancer Prevention: Nurse Priscilla Prevost is urging Dominicans to eat smarter amid rising non-communicable diseases and cancer fears, recommending balanced meals (carbs, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals and water), cutting back on simple sugars and sweetened drinks, and boosting fibre-rich local foods like ground provisions, breadfruit, plantains and fruits, with plant-based proteins more often and animal products in moderation. Youth Wellness: CARICOM’s Dr Carla Barnett marks Caribbean Wellness Day 2026 by calling on youth to protect their mind, body and wellness early, pointing to regional NCD pressures and noting many young adults face overweight or high blood pressure, high alcohol use and low physical activity. Diabetes Community Talk: DOMDA’s “Sip & Chat” set for Sept 30 invites ages 16–35 to discuss blood sugar awareness, mental health, sexuality and relationships, confidence and “knowing your numbers,” with limited tickets. Health System Planning: Dominica is developing a Centralized Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) with PAHO/WHO support to strengthen health workforce planning and pandemic preparedness. Local Health Safety: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital; the cause is not yet established. Sports-Health Link: The Tasty Treasures Heritage Relay’s White River leg in Delices tied sport and local food culture to health, wellness and community participation.

Community Health & Wellness: Nurse Priscilla Prevost (National Nurses Council) is urging Dominicans to prioritize health during the festive independence season—making responsible choices on food, drinks, sleep and relationships, and staying mindful of how negativity can affect the body and immune system. Youth Wellness & Diabetes Awareness: DOMDA is hosting “Sip & Chat” for ages 16–35 on Sept. 30 at The Realm in Roseau, with open discussion on blood sugar awareness, mental health, sexuality and relationships, and “knowing your numbers,” plus sign-ups for its Young Ambassadors Club. Medical Education Support: Former MP Dr. Farouk Aliu Mahama donated GH¢10,000 to support a medical student (Doctor of Medicine at All Saints University), backing the next generation of healthcare workers. Local Leadership & Health Access: Newly elected Roseau North MP Ashma McDougall says her early priorities include housing, youth employment and small business development, while also starting “low-hanging fruit” fixes like street lighting—aimed at improving day-to-day community safety and wellbeing. Public Health Safety Alert: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices, who died at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital on Sept. 8; the cause of death is not yet established. Regional Vaccine Policy: Belize is pushing for legally binding vaccine and medicine sharing promises in future pandemics at WHO talks, with Caribbean states including Dominica calling for fair, pre-agreed access rules. Sports for Healthy Living: Pioneers Athletics Club announced a donation of sports equipment from Tropical Shipping Co. Ltd., aimed at supporting young athletes and promoting active lifestyles.

Medical Education Access: ACSOM says 98% of accepted students get scholarships or financial aid for the January 2027 intake, with Dominican nationals eligible for full-tuition coverage across four years. Festive-Season Health Reminder: Nurse Priscilla Prevost urges Dominicans to protect their health during the independence festivities—choosing nutritious food and safer drinks, getting enough sleep, and staying mindful of mental and emotional well-being. Stroke Recovery Update (Regional): St. Kitts and Nevis PM Terrance Drew reports he suffered a vertebral artery dissection stroke, is out of hospital in Florida, and says rehabilitation is progressing “extremely well.” Youth Wellness & Diabetes Support: CARICOM’s youth wellness push continues with calls to tackle early risks for non-communicable diseases, while DOMDA plans a “Sip & Chat” event for ages 16–35 focused on blood sugar awareness, mental health, relationships, and “knowing your numbers.” Local Safety Concern: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital; the cause of death is not yet established. Sports & Community: Pioneers Athletics Club will receive sports equipment from Tropical Shipping Co. Ltd., aimed at supporting young athletes and healthier active lifestyles.

Stroke Recovery Update: St. Kitts and Nevis PM Dr. Terrance Drew says he’s out of hospital in Florida and progressing through rehabilitation “extremely well” after a stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection, adding he can move all limbs, speak well, and is doing better mentally and physically than expected. Youth Wellness Push: CARICOM’s Dr Carla Barnett marks Caribbean Wellness Day (Sept 12) urging action on young people’s mind, body and wellness as NCDs drive about 75% of Caribbean deaths, with many young adults facing overweight, high blood pressure, heavy alcohol use and inactivity. Diabetes Community Event: DOMDA announces “Sip & Chat” for ages 16–35 on Sept 30 in Roseau, with talks on blood sugar awareness, mental health, sexuality and relationships, confidence and “knowing your numbers,” plus sign-ups for its Young Ambassadors Club. Suspicious Death Investigation: Police are investigating the suspicious death of 23-year-old Aliyah Joseph of Delices, who died Sept 8 at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital; the cause is not yet established. Local Health & Policy Watch: A proposed National Disability Affairs Unit is welcomed for better coordination, but advocates are asking how it will work alongside the existing National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Roseau North By-Election (Health Angle): After Ashma McDougall’s win, PM Skerrit says the DLP will review community needs and deliver within available resources, while the campaign also highlighted healthcare among key local issues.