In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact on Jamaica, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has taken a leading role in addressing the ensuing health crisis. The hurricane has left a trail of devastation, claiming lives, destroying homes, and disrupting livelihoods. CARPHA emphasizes that Jamaica’s suffering resonates across the Caribbean, underscoring the need for a unified regional response. Beyond the immediate physical damage, the storm has escalated significant health risks, including unsafe drinking water, food contamination, potential disease outbreaks, and mental health challenges. CARPHA is collaborating with key partners such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, Jamaica’s Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and other regional stakeholders to prioritize public health in the recovery process. The agency is deploying critical resources, including medical supplies, rapid test kits, personal protective equipment (PPE), and field hospital infrastructure. Additionally, CARPHA is spearheading efforts to prevent the spread of diseases like dengue and leptospirosis. A key focus of the agency’s mission is to assist Jamaica in rebuilding more resilient health systems to better withstand future crises.
