In the wake of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has initiated a swift health needs assessment across multiple parishes in Jamaica. The hurricane, which wreaked havoc on the island’s western and southern regions, has left a trail of destruction, particularly impacting public health infrastructure. CARPHA, in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), is spearheading this critical evaluation to pinpoint urgent recovery needs and strategize effective responses. Dr. Horace Cox, CARPHA’s Director of Surveillance, Prevention, and Disease Control, emphasized the agency’s role as the health lead within the Caribbean Community’s disaster response framework. ‘Our mission is to assess the damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa and map out the immediate health requirements of the affected communities,’ Dr. Cox stated. Preliminary findings reveal significant damage to peripheral health facilities, leading to service disruptions and relocations. Dr. Cox highlighted the heightened risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases due to compromised water, sanitation, and hygiene systems. ‘The scarcity of clean water and the proliferation of stagnant water pools pose serious health threats, including the spread of diarrheal diseases and mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue,’ he explained. Despite these challenges, Dr. Cox lauded the resilience of healthcare workers and the coordinated efforts of local and regional systems. ‘The dedication of healthcare professionals, even in the face of personal losses, is truly inspiring,’ he remarked. CARPHA has mobilized nearly US$1 million to procure essential supplies, with initial shipments already delivered. The agency plans to deploy additional personnel next week to transition from assessment to implementation of support measures. The findings from this assessment will be presented to the Jamaican government, particularly the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), to inform national recovery plans. A briefing with national stakeholders was scheduled for Thursday evening to discuss the next steps in the recovery process.