MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay has received a 40-foot container of medical supplies valued at $9 million, courtesy of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).

The container, which arrived on the island Sunday, contains among other things, an ultra sound machine, vital sign monitors, suction machines, pulse oximeter, defibrillators and nebulizers. Also included are electric beds, cribs and infant diapers, gurneys, and wheelchairs. The medical supplies will be presented to the Paediatric Ward at the hospital, shortly.

Ambassador Sue M Cobb, President of the AFJ says, "We are thrilled to work in partnership with Cornwall Regional Hospital to ensure that essential health services are meeting the needs of communities in Western Jamaica".

Over one million people rely on the Cornwall Regional Hospital for medical care. The Paediatric Ward admits approximately 2,000 children - from newborns to 12- year- olds — annually. The largest number of admissions of the Paediatric Ward is due to respiratory illnesses and infectious diseases. Premature babies comprise the majority of respiratory cases. The Paediatric Ward therefore needs equipment, such as vital signs machines, oxygen saturation machines, and nebulizers; supplies that are essential to provide medical attention to Jamaican children.

The American Friends of Jamaica was introduced by the group "We Care for Cornwall Regional", and subsequently they assessed the needs and challenges at the hospital and took active steps to help improve the conditions there. Improving the healthcare of Jamaican people, and bridging the gap that exists in the system has always been at the root of the organisation's efforts.

"The AFJ seeks to ensure that the assistance we provide is evidence-based and that our efforts are spent maximising impact and improving people's lives", says Mark M Jones, AFJ Treasurer and Vice President.