Women and girls affected by Hurricane Melissa to benefit from enhanced maternal and newborn care support

Kingston, Jamaica, 03 April 2026 (PAHO) - Women and girls affected by Hurricane Melissa are set to benefit from enhanced maternal and newborn care services following the handover of essential supplies to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), which took place on April 01, 2026, at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Warehouse.

The donation, provided by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) with support from UNFPA and funded through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), represents an investment of over JMD 20 million (USD 130,000). It includes Inter-Agency Reproductive Health (IARH) kits, dignity kits, high-performance tents, solar lighting kits, solar direct-drive refrigerators, and essential components for obstetric and surgical care. These supplies will help hospitals in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Manchester, and St. James restore prenatal, delivery, and newborn care in the hardest-hit communities.

In a spirit of collaboration, partners came together to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Jamaica's health system in the aftermath of the devastating Category 5 hurricane, which damaged multiple health facilities across the southern and western parishes.

Mr. Ian Stein, PAHO/WHO Representative in Jamaica, emphasized the importance of continuity of care despite the challenges. "Even in emergencies, the health system must remain reliable, ensuring that every woman, child, and family can access essential care safely and with dignity. The supplies handed over today will help equip facilities to restore critical services and support the communities hardest hit by the hurricane," he said.

He continued, "At PAHO, our role is to work alongside national authorities, providing the technical guidance and coordination needed to ensure that interventions are effective, timely, and aligned with national priorities. We see our contribution not only in what is delivered, but in how it strengthens the health system."

To ensure a targeted and effective response, guidance from MOHW identified the specific facilities and regions in most critical need of support. Based on this consultation, the IARH kits will be deployed to the following strategic regional facilities: Black River Hospital (St. Elizabeth), Savanna-la-Mar Hospital (Westmoreland), Mandeville Regional Hospital (Manchester), and Cornwall Regional Hospital (St. James).

Minister of State in MOHW, the Hon. Krystal Lee, highlighted the significance of the partnership. "This event is a powerful reminder of what collaboration can achieve when people come first. We thank PAHO/WHO and UNFPA for standing with the country when it matters most. These kits play a critical role in sustaining essential maternal and newborn services, including emergency obstetric and surgical care."

UNFPA Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean (SROC) Director and Representative (ai), Mr. Harold Robinson, underscored the lifesaving impact of the kits, noting that reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right that does not pause in emergencies. "These kits are true lifesavers," he said. "They contain everything needed for safe deliveries and emergency care, ensuring midwives and other healthcare professionals can assist mothers and survivors of violence even when roads are blocked or power is out."

The 1,000 dignity kits provided will help women and girls maintain hygiene, safety, and dignity during this challenging time. Beyond their immediate use, the kits serve as an entry point to critical services, including sexual and reproductive health care, mental health support, and gender-based violence prevention.

Representatives from key partner organizations were also present at the handover, reflecting their specialized mandates and long-standing engagement with vulnerable groups, including people living with HIV, adolescent mothers, survivors of violence, and those affected by displacement. These included the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF), Eve for Life (EFL), Jamaica Constabulary Force - Domestic Violence Intervention Unit (JCF-DVIU), Caribbean Technical Assistance and Education Center for Health (C-TECH), Caribbean Regional Midwives Association (CRMA), and Jamaica Midwives Association (JMA). The Bureau of Gender Affairs, as the Government of Jamaica's lead entity on gender and gender-based violence, played a central role in coordinating stakeholders and overseeing the planning and distribution of the dignity kits.