The World Health Organisation (WHO) has challenged allegations of “conflict of interest and fake pandemic” in connection with its 2009 classification of the H1N1 Influenza A virus as a worldwide pandemic. In an internationally circulated statement, which was communicated to the Virgin Islands via the  Ministry of Health and Social Development, the WHO said its influenza pandemic policies and response were not improperly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. “Providing independent advice to member states is a very important function. We take this work seriously and guard against the influence of any improper interests,” it noted.

The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) releases fourth issue of its quarterly publication The Pulse. Among other pertinent information, the fourth issue of The Pulse focuses on the success of the Strategic Planning Retreat and Counterfeit Medicines, coupled with information about the importance of Surgical Hand scrubs and features highlights from Christmas 2009.

On February 10 when the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) launched its Employee Handbook it also seized the opportunity to reemphasize the importance of confidentiality by having employees retake the oath of secrecy.

According to the Public Relations Unit, the launching is a reflection of the Authority’s continued effort to inform members of staff of the human resources policies and benefits.

A dental team is currently conducting visits to various schools on Tortola and Virgin Gorda to collect data for the Territory’s first dental health survey.

The survey will measure decayed, missing and filled teeth in children ages 6, 12, and 15, giving a starting point to determine the status of their dental and what needs to be done to improve that health. Joining in the collaborative effort with the BVI Health Services Authority and the Ministry of Health and Social Development to conduct the survey, are two facilitators from Health Canada; Dr. Harry Ames and his assistant Amanda Gillis.

A Needs Assessment report on the Adina Donovan Home which will help to provide recommendations and develop standards, policies, and procedures for the care of residents of the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly is due in weeks. This was disclosed by Minister for Health and Social Development Dancia Penn-Sallah in the House of Assembly on February 9.