AGP Executive Report

Impetigo Alert: The Ministry of Health and Wellness says impetigo was identified at Samuel Guy Pinder Comprehensive School and Gambier Primary in Spanish Wells, prompting temporary closures for cleaning and sanitation until health officials give the all-clear. Parents are urged to watch for red sores or blisters, keep affected areas clean, practice frequent handwashing, and seek care if symptoms worsen or don’t improve. Public Health Leadership: Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) announced its 2026–2027 board of directors, effective July 1, as it moves through major healthcare upgrades including the new Bahamas Hospital and the Freeport Health Campus. Cancer Support: CIBC Caribbean’s Walk for the Cure returns every Saturday in October across New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, with wellness activities and community support for local cancer patients and survivors. Older Persons Focus: Social Services marked Older Persons Month with events encouraging dignity and support for seniors, aligning with the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” Local Tragedy: A 22-year-old Bahamian student, Joshua Knowles, died after collapsing at Central State University in Ohio; the cause is still unknown as family seeks answers. Health Security Region-Wide: PAHO’s Directing Council wrapped with new regional measures to strengthen health emergency preparedness, tackle antimicrobial resistance, reduce dengue and other arboviral threats, and improve food safety.

Contagious Skin Health: Impetigo cases have led to temporary closures of Samuel Guy Pinder Comprehensive School and Gambier Primary School in Spanish Wells, with cleaning and sanitation underway until health officials say it’s safe to reopen. Public Health Guidance: Doctors warn impetigo spreads through close contact and shared items like towels and bedding; most children become non-contagious 24–48 hours after starting antibiotics, but untreated cases can lead to complications. Cancer Support: CIBC Caribbean’s Walk for the Cure returns every Saturday in October across New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, with wellness activities and local cancer support groups joining the community walks. Healthcare Governance: The Public Hospitals Authority announced its 2026–2027 board, effective July 1, as it oversees major projects including the new Bahamas Hospital and upgrades across the Family Islands. Older Persons Focus: Social Services marked Older Persons Month with events promoting dignity and support for seniors as the country prepares for legislation aimed at strengthening protections. Infant Health Alert: Police are investigating the death of a one-month-old brought unresponsive to a New Providence police station after reportedly developing a high fever. Regional Health Policy: PAHO’s Directing Council concluded with new measures to strengthen health emergency preparedness, tackle antimicrobial resistance, curb dengue and other arboviruses, and improve food safety.

Older Persons Month: The Ministry of Social Services held a church service for seniors under “The Age of Longevity,” with National Council for Older Persons chair Dr. Indira Grimes urging better, coordinated systems to protect dignity, health, and social support as the 65+ population rises. Cancer Support: CIBC Caribbean’s Walk for the Cure returns every Saturday in October across New Providence, Abaco, Eleuthera and Grand Bahama, pairing walks with wellness activities and local cancer support groups. Dementia Care Fundraising: Colina Insurance Limited again backed the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association fun run/memory walk, supporting awareness and a planned Holistic Sickle Cell Centre? (Correction: the sickle cell centre is separate; this story is Alzheimer’s/dementia support.) Healthcare on the Family Islands: Nurses Union leaders raised concerns about conditions and staffing at Bimini and the Marsh Harbour Community Clinic, including claims of mold/leaks and nurses being out due to illness. Regional Health Leadership: The Bahamas congratulated Dr. Cherita Moxey on her PAHO Directing Council Rapporteur role, highlighting continued regional health influence. Community Health Resources: Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre’s Child and Adolescent Unit library received 200 books from Rotary, supporting youth in specialized care. Public Safety & Health: Police investigated a one-month-old infant death after being brought unresponsive to a New Providence police station; authorities also reported a fatal John Road shooting in Nassau.

Alzheimer’s Awareness: Colina Insurance Limited backed the Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association fun run/memory walk on Sept. 19 at Montague Foreshore, supporting World Alzheimer’s Month activities including caregiver seminars and a candlelight vigil. Sickle Cell Care: RF Bank & Trust renewed its support for The Bahamas Sickle Cell Association, helping drive Sickle Cell Awareness Month work and progress toward a new Holistic Sickle Cell Centre, with the site unveiled. Family Health & Safety: Police are investigating the death of a one-month-old infant in New Providence after she was brought unresponsive to the Carmichael Road Police Station following a reported high fever and prior hospital visits. Health System Strain: Nurses Union leaders raised concerns about healthcare conditions on the family islands, citing Bimini ambulance gaps and Abaco clinic staffing disruptions tied to reported facility problems. Community Mental Health Support: Rotary Club of South East Nassau donated 200 books to the Child and Adolescent Unit library at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, aiming to reach 500 to support youth in care. Older Adults & Access: A letter for International Day of Older Persons urged better pensions, accessible services, and inclusive support as The Bahamas plans for longer lives.

Infant Health Tragedy: Police are investigating the death of a one-month-old girl in New Providence after she was brought unresponsive to the Carmichael Road Police Station following reports of a high fever, with the baby reportedly treated at hospital twice the previous weekend. Family & Community Care: Central State University says it’s offering counseling and support to students and staff after the death of a 22-year-old student. Nurses Under Pressure: The Bahamas Nurses Union alleges ongoing healthcare problems on the family islands, citing Bimini transport concerns and Abaco clinic conditions where nurses reportedly called out sick due to being unwell. Mental Health Through Books: Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre’s Child and Adolescent Unit library received 200 books from the Rotary Club of South East Nassau, with a goal of 500. Regional Health Leadership: The Ministry of Health & Wellness congratulates Dr. Cherita Moxey on her appointment as PAHO Rapporteur for the 63rd Directing Council. Water Safety Skills: Carnival and LJM Maritime Academy launched a free two-week adult learn-to-swim program in Nassau, aiming to improve water safety. Health Systems Resilience: The Bahamas Red Cross and the Ministry of Health & Wellness met to strengthen public health, emergency preparedness, volunteer capacity, and disaster response across the islands.

Family Islands Health Strain: Videos and complaints are reigniting concerns about care conditions in Bimini and Abaco, with Bahamas Nurses Union President Muriel Lightbourne alleging Bimini still lacks an ambulance in South Bimini and saying Abaco’s Marsh Harbour Community Clinic nurses were “actually sick” after reports of mold, leaking roofs and broken air conditioning. Community Mental Health Support: Rotary Club of South East Nassau donated 200 books toward a 500-book goal for the Child and Adolescent Unit library at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre, supporting in-patient psychiatric care for youth up to age 18. Rabies Alert (Public Health): Martin County, Florida issued a 60-day rabies alert after a raccoon tested positive, urging residents and visitors to avoid wildlife contact and seek prompt care after any bite or scratch. Regional Health Leadership: The Bahamas congratulated Dr. Cherita Moxey on her appointment as PAHO Rapporteur for the 63rd Directing Council, boosting the country’s role in regional health planning. Disaster Preparedness Partnership: The Bahamas Red Cross and Ministry of Health and Wellness met to strengthen resilience across the Family Islands, focusing on emergency preparedness, volunteer development and better coordination. Water Safety for Adults: Carnival Cruise Line and LJM Maritime Academy launched a free two-week learn-to-swim program for Bahamian adults, aiming to improve basic swimming and water safety skills.

PAHO Recognition: The Bahamas was among five Americas countries and territories celebrated by PAHO for major disease elimination progress, with Dr. Cherita Moxey appointed Rapporteur for PAHO’s 63rd Directing Council—another regional health leadership win. Public Health Partnership: The Bahamas Red Cross Society met with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to strengthen community preparedness, volunteer capacity, emergency response, and disaster coordination across New Providence, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands. Women’s Health & Support: Centreville women were invited into an inaugural “Women Have a Voice Too!” symposium focused on domestic violence, mental health, counselling and crisis intervention—plus door-to-door outreach to boost participation. Water Safety for Adults: Carnival Cruise Line and LJM Maritime Academy launched a free two-week learn-to-swim program for Bahamian adults, aiming to improve basic swimming and water safety skills. Care & Access to Treatment: Ocugen’s Bahamas approval pathway for OCU400 retinitis pigmentosa therapy highlights growing access to gene therapy options. Health-Linked Justice: A caregiver rape case saw a man remanded after alleged assault and threats; in another matter, a paralysed man was awarded nearly $942k in damages after a police shooting left him permanently disabled. Community Health Context: A lifestyle-focused explainer on peripheral arterial disease and a local menopause “silent struggle” story both point to the need for earlier care and open support.

PAHO Regional Health Leadership: The Bahamas’ Dr. Cherita Moxey has been named Rapporteur for PAHO’s 63rd Directing Council, giving the country a key role in regional health discussions. Disaster Readiness & Public Health: The Bahamas Red Cross and the Ministry of Health and Wellness met to strengthen collaboration on emergency preparedness, volunteer development, and resilience across New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands. Women’s Mental Health & Safety Access: Centreville women were invited into an inaugural “Women Have a Voice Too!” symposium, with sessions covering domestic violence, mental health, counselling, and crisis intervention. Water Safety for Adults: Carnival Cruise Line and LJM Maritime Academy launched a free two-week learn-to-swim program for Bahamian adults, aiming to improve basic swimming and water safety skills. Health-Linked Justice Case: A caregiver accused of rape and threats of death was remanded after allegations that the victim received medical attention following the assault. Disease Elimination Milestone: PAHO recognized The Bahamas among five Americas countries/territories for eliminating at least one communicable disease or related condition. Workplace Health & Safety Concern: A sister of a construction worker killed in a trench collapse says he had raised safety concerns before his death.

Gene Therapy Access: Ocugen says The Bahamas’ Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act is being used as a pathway to provide global access to its OCU400 gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa, with provisional approval and plans to treat a first patient within 90 days. HIV Prevention Milestone: PAHO reports The Bahamas was validated for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, alongside other regional progress and ongoing health threats. Women’s Health: A menopause practitioner highlights how symptoms can quietly push Bahamian women out of work, calling for more open support and care. Cardiovascular Wellness: A lifestyle-focused explainer on peripheral arterial disease (PAD) urges smoking cessation, healthier eating, and structured walking to improve circulation and reduce complications. Public Health & Community: Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. joined the International Coastal Cleanup, removing over 1,200 pounds of debris to support healthier coastlines. Local Health System Strain: Grand Lucayan former workers say severance and support are still unpaid, with one cancer patient describing mounting medical and household hardship. Health Policy Watch: Tourism earnings rose in August, with improved stopover and cruise activity—good news for the wider economy that supports health services.

Gene Therapy Access: Ocugen says The Bahamas’ new Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act is being used as a pathway to expand access to its experimental blindness treatment OCU400, with provisional approval and a goal to treat the first retinitis pigmentosa patient within 90 days after full regulator sign-off. Public Health Leadership: PAHO’s annual report highlights health gains across the Americas, including Bahamas validation for eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, while warning of threats like the risk of losing measles-free status. Cancer & Care Delays: Grand Lucayan workers still await severance after the resort closure, with one former worker battling cancer describing bills in collections and basic services shut off. Health & Safety on the Job: A sister of a construction worker killed after a trench collapse at Lyford Cay says he had raised safety concerns before his death, calling for stronger protections. Coastal Health: Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. joined the 41st International Coastal Cleanup, collecting over 1,200 pounds of debris from Yamacraw Beach. Maritime Transfers: The U.S. Coast Guard transferred 10 people to Bahamian authorities after an interdiction near Fort Lauderdale, with processing and basic medical attention provided.

Gene Therapy Access: Ocugen says The Bahamas’ Longevity and Regenerative Therapies Act framework will help it supply OCU400 for retinitis pigmentosa, with provisional approval and a goal to treat the first patient within 90 days after full regulator sign-off. Healthcare Disruption: Prolonged Bahamas Power & Light outages forced Eleuthera Wellness Hospital & Clinics to defer some services and raised operating costs as key diagnostic equipment couldn’t run on backup power. Cancer Screening Push: IL Cares is offering free breast cancer screenings across October through partners including Eleuthera Wellness and Lucayan Medical Center, aiming to boost early detection. Dialysis Care Strain: Grand Bahama dialysis access surgery is still stalled after Dr. Duane Sands’ resignation, with patients waiting while the Ministry works to restore vascular surgeon services. Public Health Preparedness: CARPHA and PAHO convened Caribbean labs and surveillance teams in Trinidad to strengthen respiratory virus detection and response, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Community Health & Safety: Blue Lagoon Island’s Project B.E.A.C.H. joined the International Coastal Cleanup, removing over 1,200 pounds of debris to protect coastal health. Legal/Health Fraud Watch: Louisiana’s AG office arrested a woman for Medicaid fraud after alleged billing for services not rendered, including conflicting claims tied to travel to Nassau.

Dialysis Access Crisis in Grand Bahama: Dr. Duane Sands says patients are still waiting after his resignation, warning that without a vascular surgeon and needed grafts/devices at Princess Margaret Hospital, dialysis access complications can become serious or deadly. Breast Cancer Screening Push: IL Cares is funding free breast cancer screenings across October with partners including Eleuthera Wellness and Lucayan Medical Center, as doctors report a “significant uptick” in diagnoses and many cases found late. Gene Therapy Progress for Vision Loss: Ocugen reports provisional approval and priority designation in The Bahamas for OCU400 for retinitis pigmentosa, aiming to treat the first patient within 90 days via an expanded access program. Respiratory Virus Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO trained regional public health and lab teams across 11 Caribbean countries to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and diagnostics for threats like flu, RSV and COVID-19. Hospital Disrupted by Power Outages: Prolonged BPL outages forced Eleuthera Wellness Hospital & Clinics to defer some services and raised operating costs due to generator reliance. Animal Welfare Leadership Change: Lissa McCombe-Pinder was elected president of the Bahamas Humane Society, pledging expanded veterinary services and a return of spay-and-neuter support.

Grand Bahama Health & Safety: Police are investigating the death of a 53-year-old Filipino man who was found unresponsive aboard a vessel while doing maintenance work; crew tried emergency care on board, he was later taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead, with no criminal involvement confirmed yet. Dialysis Access in Focus: Grand Bahama dialysis access surgery is still disrupted after Dr. Duane Sands’ resignation, with patients reportedly waiting as the island lacks a vascular surgeon and Princess Margaret Hospital faces graft/device shortages; the Ministry says it’s working to restore services. Eye Health Breakthrough: Ocugen received provisional approval and priority designation in The Bahamas for OCU400 to treat retinitis pigmentosa, aiming to treat the first patient within 90 days via an expanded access program. Cancer Screening Push: IL Cares is offering free breast cancer screenings in October through partners including Eleuthera Wellness and Lucayan Medical Center, as officials report a significant uptick in diagnoses. Respiratory Virus Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO supported a regional workshop in Trinidad to strengthen respiratory virus surveillance and lab diagnostics across Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas. Community Wellness: RF Bank & Trust backs the Chickcharney Challenge, a bush-and-beach obstacle event tied to prostate cancer awareness.

Free Legal Clinic: A Nassau law firm is opening its doors this weekend for a free legal clinic aimed at making justice more accessible. BPL Outage Health Impact: Eleuthera Wellness Hospital & Clinics says prolonged Bahamas Power & Light outages forced it to defer some patient visits and raised operating costs as it relied on generators. Dialysis Access Pressure: Dr. Duane Sands warns Grand Bahama dialysis access surgery is still stalled after his resignation, citing a lack of vascular specialists and graft/device shortages; the Ministry says a vascular surgeon is expected soon. Breast Cancer Focus: Officials report a significant uptick in breast cancer diagnoses, with many cases found late; IL Cares is offering free October screenings via local partners. Gene Therapy Progress: Ocugen received provisional approval and priority designation in The Bahamas for OCU400 for retinitis pigmentosa, targeting a first patient within 90 days via an expanded access program. Regional Respiratory Readiness: Caribbean surveillance and lab teams met in Trinidad to strengthen detection and response to respiratory viruses like flu, RSV and COVID-19. Animal Welfare Leadership: Lissa McCombe-Pinder was elected president of the Bahamas Humane Society, pledging expanded services and renewed spay/neuter efforts. Safety & Emergencies: Two men died after a trench collapse at a Lyford Cay construction site; authorities say they were trapped when soil gave way.

Dialysis Access Pressure: Grand Bahama patients face delays after Dr. Duane Sands’ resignation left Rand Memorial Hospital without a vascular surgeon; the Ministry says a specialist is expected before month-end, but Sands warns complications can become serious. Breast Cancer Focus: Officials report a significant uptick in breast cancer diagnoses, with many cases caught late; IL Cares is also offering free screenings across October via local partners. Gene Therapy Progress: Ocugen’s OCU400 for retinitis pigmentosa received provisional approval and priority designation in The Bahamas, with plans to treat the first patient within 90 days through an expanded access program. Power Outage Health Disruption: Prolonged BPL outages forced Eleuthera businesses to scale back and led Eleuthera Wellness Hospital & Clinics to defer some services and run costly generators. Climate & Blue Carbon: PM Philip Davis announced $25m for the Bahamas Banks Blue Carbon programme to map and protect seagrass and support climate resilience under Article 6. Animal Welfare Leadership: Lissa McCombe-Pinder was elected president of the Bahamas Humane Society, pledging expanded veterinary services and renewed spay/neuter efforts. Safety & Emergencies: Two men died after a trench collapse at a construction site in Lyford Cay; police say they were trapped when soil collapsed.

Dialysis Access Crisis in Grand Bahama: Dr. Duane Sands says patients are still waiting after his resignation, warning there’s no local vascular surgeon and Princess Margaret Hospital is low or out of grafts/devices—raising risks for dialysis complications. Power Outages Disrupt Care in Eleuthera: Prolonged BPL outages forced Eleuthera Wellness Hospital & Clinics to defer services and run generators longer, driving up costs and limiting diagnostic equipment use. Breast Cancer Screening Push: As officials report a significant uptick in diagnoses (including younger patients), IL Cares is offering free mammograms across October via partner clinics. Gene Therapy Progress for Eye Disease: Ocugen received provisional approval and priority designation in The Bahamas for OCU400 for retinitis pigmentosa, aiming to treat the first patient within 90 days via an expanded access program. Regional Respiratory Virus Readiness: CARPHA and PAHO trained Caribbean public health and lab teams to strengthen SARI/ARI surveillance and diagnostics for threats like flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Animal Welfare Leadership Change: Lissa McCombe-Pinder takes over as president of the Bahamas Humane Society, pledging expanded veterinary services and renewed spay/neuter support. Workplace Health & Safety: Two men died after a trench/foundation collapse at a Lyford Cay construction site.