The Hugh Wynter Institute for Reproductive Healthcare and Endoscopic Surgery (HWI-RHES) at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Mona is pleased to announce its upcoming Roundtable Talk titled “Sustainable Replacement Population: Protecting Your Fertility.” The event is scheduled for September 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM, and will be held at The UWI Regional Headquarters, 2a Hermitage Road, Kingston 7.

This important discussion comes at a critical time as Jamaica faces a significant decline in its birth rate. The recent Jamaica Population Health Status Report 2000-2022, published by the National Epidemiology Branch of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, highlights a decrease in the crude birth rate from 21.7 per 1,000 population in 2000 to 11.4 per 1,000 in 2022. This decline underscores the urgent need for focused dialogue and action on reproductive health and fertility issues.

The Roundtable Talk will bring together medical experts, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore strategies for addressing the challenges of infertility and move towards a sustainable replacement population. The discussion will cover various aspects of reproductive health, including advancements in fertility treatments, policy recommendations, and community education in supporting families.

The Roundtable Talk will begin with a warm welcome and introduction by Dr. John Harriott, Director of the Hugh Wynter Institute for Reproductive Healthcare and Endoscopic Surgery (HWI-RHES). Following this, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, will deliver the greetings. The panel discussion, which will be moderated by Mrs Dionne Jackson Miller, will feature insights from key experts including Mr Dunstan Bryan of the Ministry of Health and Wellness,  Mr Easton Williams of the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Dr Garth McDonald from Victoria Jubilee Hospital, Dr Loxley Christie of HWI-RHES, Mr Reginald Budhan, and Professor Affette McCaw Binns. After the discussion, there will be an engaging Q&A session, followed by entertainment from Joshua Page.

We invite you to join us for an important conversation that aims to drive meaningful change and improve the future of reproductive health in Jamaica. You can participate in person at the Regional Headquarters or via our live stream. Please register by scanning the QR code to secure your spot.

Register Here: