Health Ministry Awards Close to J$48 Million for Health Research

Kingston, Jamaica. Friday, August 28, 2026: Five successful candidates were awarded under the Ministry’s Research for Wellness Fund (RFWF) Programme, with a combined investment of nearly J$48 million to support health research aimed at improving health outcomes and strengthening evidence-based decision-making within the sector.

The announcement was made by Minister of Health & Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, earlier today at a Ceremony.

The Research for Wellness Fund was launched by the Minister during the his Sectoral Presentation in 2019 as part of the Ministry’s continued commitment to fostering innovation, scientific inquiry, and locally driven solutions to Jamaica’s health challenges.

The five funded research projects will focus on critical public health issues, including mental health, breast cancer, air pollution, and wellness among persons living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their associated risk factors, including tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diets, and air pollution.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tufton underscored the importance of research in shaping health policy and improving patient outcomes.

“Research is one of the most powerful tools available to us as we seek to build a stronger, more responsive, and more resilient health system. Through the Research for Wellness Fund, we are investing in knowledge that will help us better understand some of the most pressing health challenges affecting Jamaicans and identify practical, evidence-based solutions,” said Dr. Tufton.

The Minister congratulated the successful awardees and encouraged them to pursue their work with diligence and purpose.

“I want to commend each of the awardees on this achievement. The selection process was highly competitive, and your projects demonstrated both scientific merit and relevance to Jamaica’s public health priorities. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of your research and how the findings can contribute to enhancing healthcare delivery and improving the health and wellness of our people,” he added.

The Research for Wellness Fund forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to strengthen health research capacity and promote collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and policymakers.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness remains committed to supporting research that generates actionable evidence, informs policy development, and advances the delivery of quality healthcare services across Jamaica.