PAHO and MOHW Host Workshop to Address Mercury Risks in Skin Lightening Products – PAHO/WHO

Kingston, Jamaica, 05 May 2025 (PAHO): The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), hosted a workshop on April 30 to educate healthcare workers on the dangers of mercury in skin lightening products (SLPs). The session formed part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project “Eliminating Mercury in SLPs,” implemented by WHO and the Biodiversity Research Institute in partnership with the Governments of Gabon, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka.

The project aims to eliminate mercury-containing SLPs by supporting stronger regulations, engaging supply chain actors, building national testing and monitoring capacity, and raising awareness across all levels of society.
Held in Montego Bay, the workshop brought together 61 participants, including consultants, dermatologists, public health nurses, public health inspectors, medical officers of health, nurse managers, public health physicians, and community health aides from the Western and Southern Regional Health Authorities.

Sessions throughout the day explored a range of topics, including the health and environmental impacts of mercury exposure, the cultural and historical roots of skin lightening in Jamaica, and the biological role of melanin in skin protection. Participants also discussed available non-mercury alternatives and the risks they may still pose if misused.

Dr. Heather Brown, Head of Dermatology Services at the MOHW and Focal Point for the “Eliminating Mercury in SLPs” project, led a session outlining Jamaica’s current regulations on cosmetics and the rights of consumers. Dr. Evelise Pereira Barboza, PAHO/WHO Advisor on Health Promotion and Determinants of Health, facilitated a group activity focused on strengthening the healthcare response. This included improving community awareness, challenging beauty standards, and promoting collaboration across sectors to better support individuals who use or are at risk of using harmful SLPs.

The workshop concluded with a reflective exercise where participants shared personal stories and social experiences related to skin tone and beauty perceptions. The activity highlighted the importance of empathy in health messaging and helped participants examine biases that may exist toward SLP users.

Skin bleaching remains a growing concern in Jamaica, making this workshop a meaningful step towards enhancing healthcare workers’ knowledge, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and environmental protection for the population.