St. George's University
An international centre for higher education located on the Caribbean islands of Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The University was founded as a School of Medicine in 1977 by an Act of Grenada's Parliament. In 1993, the University expanded its offerings in health-care education by instituting Graduate and Undergraduate Programmes, and in 1996, it was granted a charter for the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Graduate Studies. All courses in all programmes are conducted in English.

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National Policy and Related Documents

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Reports, Guidelines, and Projects

Beta-haemolytic streptococci in School Children 5–15 years of Age with an Emphasis on Rheumatic Fever, in the Tri-island state of Grenada
The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of β-haemolytic streptococci in the pharynx and antibodies to β-haemolytic streptococci in school children 5–15 years of age in the tri-island state of Grenada. Blood samples and throat swabs were obtained from 1388 school children, aged 5–15 years old attending randomly selected schools in each parish of the tri-island state of Grenada. Serum samples were subjected to antistreptolysin O testing (ASOT) while throat swabs were cultured on sheep blood agar plates. The prevalence of positive throat swab was 15.4% (95% CI = 13.4%, 17.2%). The rate was highest in St Patrick (21.8%) and lowest in Carriacou (5.7%). The prevalence of antibodies was 38.6% (95% CI = 37.6%, 42.8%). It was highest in St Patrick (54.4%) and lowest in Petit Martinique (26.8%). In St Patrick, males were significantly more likely than females to have a positive ASOT (p = 0.0084). In St George’s, males were significantly more likely than females to have a positive throat culture (p = 0.0172). Thirty-four per cent of the positive cultures were type A, 10% were type C and 56% type G. The data illustrate that there is a high prevalence of β−haemolytic streptococci in school children in certain parishes in Grenada. Public health measures should address prevention and control of β-haemolytic streptococcal infection in order to prevent the possible sequelae of this disease. [author abstract] [West Indian Med J 2005; 54(1): 22-27]
Dengue in Grenada
Objectives: Dengue fever is endemic in the country of Grenada and is grossly underreported as a source of morbidity. The goal of this study was to assess the status of dengue fever in a representative community in Grenada. Methods: Surveys were conducted in the Mont Tout/Grand Anse Valley area in the parish of St. George’s from March to June 1996. The objectives of the survey were to: (1) to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of residents; (2) to determine the presence of larval and adult Aedes aegypti and their potential breeding sites; and (3) to identify the seroprevalence of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) dengue antibodies in the local population. Results: Out of the 102 respondents to the KAP survey, 100 of them (98%) reported never having had dengue fever. Of the 75 persons who agreed to have blood samples taken, 70 of them (93%) (95% confidence interval = 85.1%–97.8%) tested positive with the IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, indicating past exposure. In terms of water storage, 98 of 102 respondents (96%) stored fresh water in containers. The vector survey found 57 of the 102 households (56%) had Ae. aegypti larvae in water containers on their property, and 94 of 102 dwellings (92%) had adult Ae. aegypti mosquitoes indoors. Conclusions: Although many people were familiar with dengue fever and mosquitoes, the 1996 survey found that their knowledge of the important relationships among mosquitoes, human behavior, and disease transmission was incomplete. Since 1996, continued education efforts have been made in the public school system and with national public health campaigns, yet little effort has been specifically targeted towards our study community. These data suggest Grenada has a need for continued community education that addresses dengue fever transmission and Ae. aegypti reduction. [author abstract] [Rev Panam Salud Publica, 2005; 17(4): 225–229]
Dengue Transmission in the Small-Island Setting: Investigations from the Caribbean Island of Grenada
The Caribbean region has experienced a major surge in dengue activity in recent decades. Yet, for many, and especially the smaller islands, the true extent and general epidemiology of dengue transmission remains unclear because of inadequate systems of surveillance and reporting. We established an active surveillance system supported by laboratory-based diagnosis on the small island of Grenada, from January 2001 through June 2002. The surveillance data provided evidence of three distinct modes of disease dynamics in the form of low endemic, pre-epidemic, and overt epidemic transmission of mostly benign dengue fever. A shift in serotype activity and modal age was evident during the noted transition, with the more densely populated south end of the island presenting the focus of transmission. [author abstract] [Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 81(2), 2009, pp. 280–286]
Health in the Americas 2007: Grenada
As a health agency, the Pan American Health Organization’s core discipline is epidemiology, which enables the measurement, definition, and comparison of health problems and conditions and their distribution from the perspectives of population, geography, and time. This publication on Grenada addresses the issue of health as a human right, taking into account both the individual and community contexts, and examines various critical determinants of health, including those of a biological, social, cultural, economic, and political nature. That examination reveals the existence of gaps, disparities, and inequities that persist in Grenada, especially those related to access to basic services, health, nutrition, housing, and adequate living conditions as well as to the lack of opportunities for human development—all of which contribute to the greater vulnerability to diseases and health risks of some population groups. [Adapted from the preface of Health in the Americas 2007]
Impact of a Category-3 Hurricane on the Need for Surgical Hospital Care
Introduction: Hurricane Ivan, a strong category-3 hurricane, struck Grenada on 07 September 2004 and devastated the country. Grenada is a small, developing country, whose socio-economic environment and health service is typical of most countries located within the Caribbean hurricane belt. Previous reports describing the consequences of hurricanes on health-related issues have focused mainly on the experience of wealthier countries. Objective: The objective of this study was to document the types of patients and medical problems faced by a hospital surgical service as a result of a forceful hurricane in a developing country and to help surgical divisions in developing countries prepare for strong hurricanes. Methods: This is a retrospective study using medical records from the surgical ward of the Grenada General Hospital. Patients admitted to the surgical ward during the month following Ivan were assessed with respect to diagnosis, age, gender, and length of hospitalization. The patients admitted during the same period the previous year were used as a control group. Results: The effects of the hurricane included a significant increase in the proportion of patients seen for diabetic feet, gunshot wounds, and infections due to wounds. The median length of the treatment time increased by 25%. In 2004, the total number of patients was 185 and in 2003, there were 167 patients admitted. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that preparations for future hurricanes should include securing the capacity to handle the increased needs for hospital care, and ensuring that stocks of medicines, such as insulin and antibiotics, are sufficient, properly stored, and easily available to patients (e.g., by storing medicine at hurricane shelters equipped with generators and cold storage facilities). Diabetics should be instructed to use proper footwear to reduce the risk of cuts from debris. [author abstract] [Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 2007; 22(3): 194–198]
Protecting Children Affected by AIDS in the Caribbean: Recommendations for Legal Reform in Grenada
Grenada has achieved some notable successes in its HIV response. But more could be done to protect the welfare, safety and security of children whose lives are affected by HIV and AIDS. This note suggests key legal reforms – including some “Quick Wins” – that could contribute to improving the legal protection of children in Grenada who are orphaned or made vulnerable by AIDS. [publication abstract] [World Bank Global HIV/AIDS Program, c2006]
Research Study on Social Protection and Poverty Reduction in the Caribbean: Examining Policy and Practice – Grenada Country Report
"With a GDP per capita at US$3352, and ranked 54 among 171 countries in the Human Development Index, Grenada is classified as a middle income country… In terms of social development, Grenada has achieved a good provision of basic services such as health and education, and an improved transport and utility infrastructure. School enrolment rates at primary and junior secondary levels are close to 100 percent. Public provision of primary health care and the health status of the population have also improved over time as demonstrated by rising life expectancy. Transport and utility networks cover the whole of the island of Grenada. Taking advantage of the opportunities from global economic change, and ensuring vulnerable groups are not left behind will require renewed efforts in ensuring further social development. Adapting to rapid change requires strong safety nets to protect the vulnerable. A review of existing support for those at risk has led to the establishment of a Ministry of Social Development." [Social and Economic Research Unit, Caribbean Development Bank, July 2004]
Seroprevalence of Canine Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis in Dogs from Grenada, West Indies
Canine leishmaniasis and American trypanosomiasis (AT) are caused by related hemoflagellated parasites, Leishmania spp. And Trypanosoma cruzi, which share several common host species. Dogs are reservoirs for human infections by both pathogens. We determined the prevalence of antibodies to Leishmania spp. and T. cruzi in dogs from Grenada, West Indies. We examined 70 dog sera using the qualitative immunochromatographic dipstick tests (ICTs) based on recombinant antigens specific for visceral leishmaniasis and AT. Antibodies to visceral Leishmania were not detected in Grenadian dogs by ICT. Using the canine dipsticks for AT, antibodies to T. cruzi were determined in 3 (4.3%) of the 70 dogs. Results from this study indicate that dogs in Grenada are exposed in low levels to T. cruzi, but not to visceral Leishmania spp. at all. [author abstract] [J. Parasitol., 96(1), 2010, pp. 228–229]
Sexuality, Gender, HIV Vulnerability and Human Rights in Grenada – A Shadow Report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee
The report seeks to illuminate for the [UN Human Rights] Committee ways in which by themselves, and in intersection and interaction, sexuality, gender and HIV vulnerability exacerbate the violation of human rights in Grenada. Our goal is, thereby, to strengthen and deepen protection of such rights by all human rights defenders. The report suggests ways in which Grenada might improve the exercise of its state party obligations to enforce such rights. Our hope is that the contents of the report will be useful to the Human Rights Committee and serve as a catalyst for future advocacy efforts. We hope the report bolsters the state’s actions to protect and defend those made vulnerable by sexuality, gender and HIV vulnerability, in a manner that is respectful and promotes equality throughout the society." [The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), July 2007]
UNGASS Country Progress Report: Grenada
"At of the end of 2009 a cumulative total of 403 HIV/AIDS cases have been confirmed in Grenada from its inception in 1984. More males remain affected with a cumulative male to female ratio of 1.8: 1. Among AIDS cases, 85 with 70 % of reported cases and 76 or 82.6% of AIDS-related deaths were among persons aged 15-44 years. The mode of transmission is predominantly via heterosexual intercourse. There is no known case of transmission through intravenous drug use and certainly no record of transmission via blood transfusion. In 2009 the estimated prevalence rate of persons living with HIV/AIDS in Grenada is 0.57%; it was about the same, 0.56% in 2008. Statistics provided by the NIDCU reveal a total of 54 persons with advanced HIV disease on antiretroviral therapy, males: 29; females: 25. Approximately 52.9 % of all clients in care received coverage in 2008 and 2009. Six (6) HIV infected pregnant women received ARV over the past two years. HAART was introduced in Grenada in October, 2003. There followed years of fluctuating mortality figures (6 in 2004, 10 in 2005, 7 in 2006, 14 in 2007, 8 in 2008, 7 in 2009) with no clear reduction. Only 13 persons out of a total of 5,963 tested in 2008 and 2009 were HIV positive. For the same period there were 56 newly diagnosed HIV positive cases. There is still little or no data on the most-at-risk population." [UNAIDS, 2010]

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Educational Resources

Association of Caribbean States, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
CDC - Travel Information : Caribbean
Library of Congress, Country Study: Caribbean Islands

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