Latest news with #HealthandSocialServices
The Star
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Namibia renews commitment to sustaining HIV response amid funding shifts
WINDHOEK, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Namibian Minister of Health and Social Services Esperance Luvindao said on Tuesday that the government will continue to support the fight against HIV, even as foreign funding declines. Speaking to lawmakers while presenting the ministry's 2025/2026 budget motivation, Luvindao highlighted Namibia's continued progress in combating HIV/AIDS. She said the country is nearing the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS) 95-95-95 targets, with 93 percent of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95 percent of those diagnosed receiving antiretroviral therapy, and 98 percent of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. "Although funding cuts have raised concerns about access to antiretroviral medications, I wish to clarify that the government of Namibia has been procuring these medicines since 2016 and will continue to do so," Luvindao said. Luvindao said Namibia is boosting the sustainability of its disease response through two initiatives -- a roadmap launched in November 2024 and a social contracting policy introduced in October 2023. "These frameworks aim to enhance domestic funding mechanisms and promote collaboration between the government and civil society organizations." Luvindao stressed the importance of inclusive policies and community engagement, particularly in addressing barriers faced by vulnerable groups in accessing HIV services. "Namibia remains resolute in building a resilient health system that prioritizes national ownership, long-term planning, and equitable access," she said. According to the minister, antiretroviral therapy coverage currently stands at 95 percent, with efforts ongoing to decentralize services and expand access through differentiated service delivery models. Namibia, with a population of about 3.1 million people, has been recognized internationally for its robust response to HIV, despite limited resources.
BBC News
28-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Dementia Jersey welcomes contract extension
A project offering support and activities for people with new cases or mild dementia is set to continue in Jersey's Meeting Place Project has been granted a renewed three-year contract with Health and Care in 2021 with government funding, the project offers weekly sessions in St Clement and St Helier, providing support, brain-stimulating activities, and light exercise for those diagnosed with the Self, diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2023, said the scheme was "great because I don't feel like I'm alone with my diagnosis - everyone is different but we all have this in common". 'Incredibly grateful' The project, which also runs in St Martin, St Brelade, and St Ouen, has been praised by participants and their families. Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, said Meeting Place "provides invaluable support for islanders as they navigate their diagnosis".Claudine Snape, Dementia Jersey chief executive, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Health and Care Jersey and the Government of Jersey for their continued support. "This renewed funding ensures that people living with dementia can access the help they need in a supportive and stimulating environment."
Associated Press
20-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Government of Canada signs pharmacare agreement with Yukon to improve universal access to free medications
WHITEHORSE, YT, March 20, 2025 /CNW/ - No one should have to choose between paying for prescription drugs and putting food on the table. That's why the Government of Canada is taking action so Canadians can get the medication they need, regardless of their ability to pay. Today, Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Honourable Kamal Khera, Canada's Minister of Health, and the Honourable Tracy-Anne McPhee, Yukon's Minister of Health and Social Services, announced the signing of a pharmacare agreement to invest up to $9.5 million over four years to provide universal access to contraceptive and diabetes medications for residents of the Yukon. The funding from this agreement will also improve access to diabetes devices and supplies. Through this historic agreement, Yukon residents will receive public coverage for a range of contraceptives and diabetes medications at little to no cost. This will support the reproductive freedom of more than 12,000 Yukoners and make sure that over 3,000 residents with diabetes can access essential medications to reduce their risk of serious health complications and improve their quality of life. Yukon residents can anticipate beginning to receive coverage for these products no later than January 2026. The Government of Canada will continue working with the provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, partners and stakeholders to make sure every Canadian has access to the essential medications and medical devices they need. Quotes 'This national pharmacare agreement represents a significant step in ensuring Yukoners have improved access to the essential medications they need. Today's announcement reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger healthcare system for all Canadians. The Honourable Kamal Khera Minister of Health 'For many Yukoners, paying for their medication means choosing between managing their health condition and making ends meet. This groundbreaking investment is about making contraceptives and diabetes medications accessible for those who need them. This represents a significant step toward building a stronger, more inclusive health care system in the Yukon.' Brendan Hanley Member of Parliament for Yukon 'The cornerstone of the Canadian health care system is that access is based on need, not ability to pay. By ensuring that all Yukoners can access essential diabetes treatments and contraceptives without facing financial barriers, our government is taking a significant step in our efforts to build a more inclusive, equitable health care system. We're proud to join other jurisdictions who have signed on to this agreement, and we will continue working with the Government of Canada to expand access to other medications and medical devices.' Tracy-Anne McPhee Yukon's Minister of Health and Social Services Quick Facts In 2021, Statistics Canada found that one in five adults in Canada did not have the insurance they needed to cover their medication costs. On October 10, 2024, the Pharmacare Act received Royal Assent and immediately came into force. To date, three provinces — Manitoba, British Columbia and Prince Edward Island — have reached a pharmacare agreement with the Government of Canada.
CBC
11-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
5-bedroom transitional home opens in Yellowknife for people back from addictions treatment
Social Sharing A five-bedroom home in Yellowknife will host a new transitional housing program for people returning from addictions treatment. On Monday afternoon, the territorial government, City of Yellowknife and Salvation Army unveiled the home — the first of its kind for the Transitional Housing for Addictions Recovery Program (THARP). The program came about as an effort to close a gap in aftercare services for people returning from treatment. "We are not just opening a building. We are opening up a new chapter of hope and healing," said Lucy Kuptana, the N.W.T.'s housing minister. Laughter — and perhaps a poignant moment — rose as a fierce wind attempted to blow down signs for the housing announcement behind her. "That's what we need to do throughout the North, is stabilize housing," she said with a chuckle, steadying the signs. Billed as the first program of its kind in the N.W.T. and located in a residential neighbourhood, the home will have staff with training in addictions treatment on-site 24 hours a day. Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler said it would provide "stable, sober housing" for residents. Semmler said her department would be working closely with the Salvation Army, which will run the residence and deliver programming. Tony Brushett, the Salvation Army's executive director, said the hope is that the program will help people who don't have stable housing. The organization is hoping to start welcoming residents in April. He said in the past, the Salvation Army has been able to help people go south for longer treatment programs — but there was little support when they returned. "They would quite often finish those programs and get dropped right in front of the shelter they came from, which was the epicentre of where their problems were," he said. The home was purchased and renovated with $1.3 million in federal money, applied for by the N.W.T. government through Yellowknife's partnership with the federal Reaching Home strategy. A similar transitional housing project is expected to open in Inuvik later this year.
BBC News
26-02-2025
- Health
- BBC News
UK hospital service approved for Jersey psychiatric patients
A hospital in Dorset providing a specialised psychiatric service does meet the needs of patients in Jersey, the States has said. The Minister for Health and Social Services has designated St Ann's Hospital in Dorset as an "approved establishment" for islanders to receive the specialised service which cannot be provided locally. The approval means patients initially transferred to the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) can be transferred to other wards if clinically service will be subject to monitoring by the Jersey adult mental health services, the States said. 'Appropriate and adequate' It said: "The minister has responsibility to approve establishments or premises for the purpose of care and treatment of patients. "Governance checks have confirmed that the service is appropriate and adequate to meet the needs of service users who require this service, which cannot be provided locally in Jersey due to the specialised nature of the service and the PICU environment."The decision also affects patients transferred to UK hospitals through the criminal justice system, as any hospital must be designated "an approved establishment" under Jersey's mental health most recent Care Quality Commission report rated the trust's acute wards for adults of working age and psychiatric intensive care units as good.
