The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued a compelling call to governments and stakeholders across the Americas to prioritize access to timely malaria diagnosis and treatment, particularly in remote and indigenous communities where the disease persists. Speaking on Malaria Day in the Americas, PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that every malaria case is preventable and treatable, urging collaboration between health services and communities to ensure universal access to testing and treatment.
标签： Jamaica
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Camels replace cows as Kenya battles drought
In the arid landscapes of northern Kenya, where rain has been absent since April, the Samburu community is turning to an unlikely savior: camels. Chapan Lolpusike, a herder from the semi-nomadic Samburu tribe, recalls the devastating impact of the worst drought in four decades, which wiped out his cattle. ‘We no longer have cattle at home. We only raise camels,’ he said, highlighting a significant shift in livelihood strategies. Camels, known for their resilience, can graze on dry grasses, endure weeks without water, and produce up to six times more milk than cattle, making them indispensable in this climate-vulnerable region.
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Hurricane left millions of tons of debris in Jamaica – UN
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, describing it as one of the most devastating climate disasters in the island’s history. During a press briefing on Thursday, Kishan Khoday, the UN Development Program’s representative in Jamaica, revealed that the hurricane generated nearly five million tons of debris, severely obstructing roads and disrupting access to essential services. Satellite imagery indicates that the debris could fill almost half a million standard trucks, leaving entire communities surrounded by wreckage. Khoday emphasized the urgency of debris removal, stating that delays would exacerbate the crisis by prolonging road blockages, halting vital services, and deepening the economic and humanitarian toll. Initial estimates suggest the storm caused damage equivalent to 30% of Jamaica’s GDP, with figures expected to rise. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, claimed 32 lives on the island and 76 across the Caribbean. A study by Imperial College London attributes the storm’s intensified power to human-induced climate change, underscoring the growing threat of extreme weather events.
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St Vincent man killed weeks after death threats left on his social media
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) — Authorities in St Vincent are currently investigating the fatal shooting of Shem Walker, a young man in his early 20s, whose body was discovered on Wednesday near a crashed vehicle in Akers. The incident marks the 34th homicide recorded in St Vincent and the Grenadines this year, highlighting a concerning trend of escalating violence in the region.
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‘Don’t let it cripple you’: Montego Bay Chamber President calls for business revival post-Melissa
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jason Russell, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and operator of Pier 1, has called for a collective shift in focus from destruction to recovery and resilience. Speaking from beneath one of the few surviving palm trees at Pier 1, Russell emphasized the need for unity and action in the face of devastation. ‘We see the destruction… but I can’t dwell on all that has happened. We have to dwell on the recovery,’ he stated. Russell urged business owners to reopen where possible, restart operations, and assist their staff in returning to work. ‘Don’t let it cripple you. We’ve lost roofs, pets, cars, material things… but there’s a lot of hope. Recovery starts with us,’ he added. Pier 1 has already reopened with curbside service, providing meals and support as Montego Bay embarks on its rebuilding journey. ‘Let’s go, Mobay. Let’s lift and rise,’ Russell encouraged. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica last Tuesday, resulting in over 30 fatalities and leaving nearly 80% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers without power. Preliminary damage estimates range between US$6 billion and US$7 billion. Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that the storm severely impacted Jamaica’s productive belt, particularly the breadbasket parish of St Elizabeth, and disrupted the tourism corridor spanning from Westmoreland through St James, Trelawny, and St Ann. The hurricane caused extensive damage to housing, community infrastructure, commercial operations, and public utilities across multiple parishes.
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Bog Walk Gorge remains closed due to safety concerns
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — The Bog Walk Gorge in St Catherine remains inaccessible to vehicles as authorities continue efforts to clear utility poles obstructing the roadway. Initially anticipated to reopen on Thursday, the corridor’s closure has been extended due to persistent safety concerns. The National Works Agency (NWA) confirmed that a Jamaica Public Service Company pole remains down in the area, with the power company estimating an additional 48 hours to resolve the issue. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, highlighted that motorists would also encounter challenges at Flat Bridge, where traffic signals are currently non-operational. Shaw urged drivers to utilize alternative routes until the area is declared safe. The NWA has committed to providing updates once the obstacles are cleared and the roadway is prepared for reopening.
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CARPHA conducting health assessment in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa
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.
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Prince Harry says proud to be British despite new life in US
LONDON, United Kingdom—Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has issued a heartfelt plea for the public to remember and honor military veterans, emphasizing the enduring sacrifices they have made. Speaking ahead of Britain’s annual Remembrance Day commemorations, the 41-year-old royal, who served two tours in Afghanistan, expressed his unwavering pride in his British heritage despite now residing in California.
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UK government deploys Royal Navy to support disaster relief efforts in Jamaica
In a significant move to bolster disaster relief efforts in Jamaica, the British Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Trent, arrived in Falmouth, Trelawny, on November 4, equipped with specialized personnel and resources to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The vessel, manned by a 75-member crew including expert engineers, is set to play a pivotal role in infrastructure assessments and emergency repairs, working in close collaboration with Jamaican authorities.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the critical role of the British Armed Forces in disaster relief missions, stating, ‘Our Royal Navy and British Army personnel bring invaluable engineering expertise to support local recovery efforts. This deployment reflects Britain’s commitment to standing with those in need during times of crisis.’
Chris Elmore, Minister for the Caribbean, highlighted the UK government’s relentless efforts to deliver relief supplies to the hardest-hit areas. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent marks a crucial step in restoring vital infrastructure and supporting communities most affected by the hurricane,’ he said.
The deployment is part of a broader UK support package for Jamaica, which includes over 3,000 shelter kits, 1,500 solar-powered lanterns, and a Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. Additionally, the UK has pledged £7.5 million in emergency funding to address immediate humanitarian needs in the region.
British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent symbolizes our enduring partnership and dedication to helping Jamaica rebuild stronger and more resilient communities in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,’ she stated. The funding is facilitating the delivery of essential relief items and the deployment of UK humanitarian and technical experts to coordinate aid efforts effectively.
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FHC Credit Union announces 3-month loan moratorium for members affected by hurricane
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to support its members affected by Hurricane Melissa, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union Limited (FHC) has introduced a three-month moratorium on loan payments. This initiative underscores the credit union’s dedication to its foundational principle of ‘People Helping People.’
Xavier Allen, CEO of FHC, emphasized the organization’s commitment to its members during challenging times. ‘Our members are our priority. This moratorium offers much-needed relief, enabling them to focus on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,’ he stated.
Eligible members can defer their loan payments for up to three months by contacting their branch representative, completing a moratorium request form, and providing a brief description of the hurricane’s impact, along with any supporting documentation.
In addition to the moratorium, FHC, in collaboration with its subsidiary, FHC Investments, has launched a donation drive. The initiative encourages staff, members, and the public to contribute non-perishable food items and essential supplies to aid national relief efforts. Drop boxes have been strategically placed across FHC branches to facilitate donations.
FHC is also contributing to the Credit Unions of Jamaica’s relief efforts, providing both financial and material support. On November 8 and 9, FHC team members will deliver care packages to severely affected communities in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, Hanover, and St James.
Michelle Tracey, Assistant General Manager of Marketing Communications and Member Experience, highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the credit union’s ethos. ‘This effort embodies our core belief in community support and reaffirms our role as a reliable financial partner in all circumstances,’ she said.