Key Points from the Ministry of Health’s Virtual Media Conference – Wednesday 19th January 2022.
- Total 1,181 pregnant women who would have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, majority in 2021.
- Twenty-two (22) additional cases for January.
- Majority of the patients are community-acquired, 2% has been hospitalized.
- Six confirmed maternal deaths associated with COVID-19, some several critical.
- One newborn baby died, mother-to-child transmission, 6 cases mother-to-child condition where there was also a still born birth.
The population is reminded that:
- Approved vaccines for breast-feeding mothers are SinoPharm and Pfizer.
- Pfizer has been approve for pregnant women who are in their second and third trimester.
FACT: January is recognised as Cervical Cancer month. Just last year, an estimated 604,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide and of that, approximately 342,000 women died from the disease. This is a serious illness that affects women worldwide including right here in Trinidad and Tobago, and the COVID-19 pandemic has not made this challenge any easier.
The Director in the Directorate of Women’s Health, Dr. Adesh Sirjusingh spoke on this issue of cervical cancer and provided an update on COVID-19 and women’s health in Trinidad and Tobago.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness month, women are encouraged to get tested and avail themselves of the HPV vaccine available.
We are now in our third calendar year of living with COVID-19, and for many of us, this pandemic has taken a toll on our physical and mental health. Director of the Mental Health Division in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hazel Othello spoke on maintaining mental health and wellness. Dr. Othello said those seeking Mental Health and Psychosocial support can access www.findcarett.com for additional service.