Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa leaves health system severely damaged
MSF teams support emergency repairs and medical supply deliveries across affected communities.
When the category five Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on Oct. 27, it severely damaged health infrastructure and medical supply chains in St. James parish.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) emergency medical and logistical teams quickly responded to the disaster. Working closely with Jamaican emergency relief and health authorities, MSF teams are helping resupply much needed medical equipment, supplies and drugs in both urban and rural areas. Many rural communities are still without electricity and water and remain difficult to reach by road.
Among the clinics we’re supporting is the Maroon health centre, which was forced to close for two weeks after its roof was damaged and flooding destroyed vital medical supplies. MSF teams were able to resupply the clinic with essential medical supplies on the first day it reopened.
The Jamaican healthcare system has been overwhelmed by the large-scale disruption of services, which has left many older adults and chronically ill patients without medical supervision and support. Its a priority that these groups, along with patients with severe medical conditions, receive care after their treatment has been interrupted.
Cambridge medical centre still doesn’t have a roof, which was blown off during the hurricane. As a result, there was flooding inside the centre. At the same time, looters have stolen much of the equipment and supplies. MSF, together with Jamaican health authorities, will rehabilitate the roof and assist in the resupply of medical equipment, supplies and drugs.
