In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has launched a comprehensive maternal outreach program designed to support pregnant women and new mothers in severely affected parishes. Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of these groups during disaster recovery, the initiative focuses on ensuring continuous access to essential healthcare services and resources.
State Minister Krystal Lee emphasized that the program deploys mobile health teams into communities to conduct safety checks, provide medical monitoring, and distribute critical supplies. These teams offer nutritional guidance, maternal packages containing hygiene items, mosquito nets, and cleaning supplies, while also facilitating clinical consultations and hospital coordination where local facilities sustained damage.
The program has already been implemented in Black River, St. Elizabeth, as well as Savanna-la-Mar and Grange Hill in Westmoreland, with expansions planned for St. James, Hanover, and St. Ann. Beyond physical health services, the initiative incorporates mental health support, aiming to destigmatize psychological care for mothers experiencing post-disaster stress.
Minister Lee highlighted the program’s success in re-engaging previously isolated mothers, noting that field clinics have established trust and routine care networks. The ministry plans a nationwide awareness campaign focusing on prenatal and postnatal care, vaccination, and infant health, aiming to improve birth outcomes and family resilience during Jamaica’s reconstruction efforts.