Kingston, Jamaica. March 10, 2026. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) reaffirmed its full solidarity and commitment to supporting Jamaica’s public health response and recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.
In keeping with its regional mandate for emergency preparedness and response as CARICOM’s public health lead, CARPHA donated over US$700,000 worth of public health relief and emergency supplies to the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Jamaica. This support was made possible through CARPHA’s Pandemic Fund and funding from UK Government, through CARPHA’s partnership with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
CARPHA’s response was immediate. Executive Director (ED), Dr. Lisa Indar, joined a high-level mission with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and other regional agencies, within two days after Hurricane Melissa struck, to conduct an initial assessment, meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Health and key national and regional bodies to coordinate effective multisectoral rapid response measures. The Agency also immediately deployed technical teams and supplies through the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) and supported response efforts through teams deployed as part of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) field hospital. Additionally, CARPHA’s provision of two Molbio Quatro PCR Point of Care instruments, together with the deployment of laboratory personnel within 48 hours, supported Jamaica’s confirmation of leptospirosis and strengthened response to post-hurricane disease threats. These rapid testing instruments are now part of Jamaica’s strengthened laboratory capacity, and 19 laboratory personnel were also trained.
Following hurricane Melissa, the evident disruption of water and sanitation systems, challenges with safe food supplies, increased vector breeding, and damage to health infrastructure elevated the risk of diseases such as gastroenteritis, dengue, leptospirosis, and other food, water and vector-borne illnesses, as well as respiratory infections, injuries and psychosocial impacts. In response, CARPHA provided a comprehensive suite of public health supplies and technical assistance to strengthen Jamaica’s capacity to adequately address the wide-ranging, public health risks that can arise after major disasters, including:
. Rapid diagnostic and point-of-care laboratory testing kits for bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens, including Molbio rapid PCR testing kits for priority pathogens, with results available in as little as two hours.
. Personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers and communities.
. Supplies for water and food safety monitoring and control.
. Environmental health and sanitation materials.
. Public health surveillance and communications tools.
. Vector-borne disease prevention and control supplies.
These resources supported Jamaica during the response phase and continue to support recovery efforts through rapid disease detection, surveillance and early warning systems, environmental health monitoring, and community-level prevention measures, particularly in areas where connectivity and infrastructure disruptions may limit routine public health services. Deliveries of these supplies have been ongoing since November and continue presently as part of CARPHA’s coordinated regional support. Clearance and distribution of the supplies have been ably supported by Jamaica’s National Healthcare Enhancement Foundation (NHEF).
A handover ceremony was held on March 9th at the Office of the Prime Minister of Jamaica to commemorate the donation. In attendance were CARPHA Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar; Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honourable Dr. Christopher Tufton, CD, MP; Permanent Secretary Mr. Errol Greene; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie; Executive Director of the NHEF, Mr. Courtney Cephas; CARPHA Senior Technical Advisor, Mr. Mohamed Elsherbiny; and Policy Director for International Cooperation, Ms. Rowena Palmer.
Minister Tufton expressed appreciation for CARPHA’s support, thanking the Agency for its continued partnership and generous contribution to the people of Jamaica during recovery efforts.
Dr. Indar remarked, “CARPHA’s support to Jamaica did not end in November. We responded immediately and continue to stand with Jamaica through its recovery. Through the provision of public health supplies, laboratory support, and ongoing technical engagement, CARPHA remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of the people of Jamaica. CARPHA will continue to work closely with Jamaica and regional and international partners to strengthen recovery, preparedness, and resilience in the face of public health emergencies.”
Discussions were also held with the Permanent Secretary, Chief Medical Officer, and the Policy Director for International Cooperation on strengthening CARPHA’s support to Jamaica, expanding CARPHA’s referral capacity for clinical and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) testing, and identifying additional ways to strengthen Jamaica’s National Laboratory capacity.
The engagement underscores CARPHA’s continued commitment to supporting Jamaica and CARICOM Member States in strengthening preparedness, response, and resilience to public health emergencies and regional health threats.
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