WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) says it has activated its emergency coordination and response mechanisms and is working closely with Caribbean health authorities to address the extensive health impacts caused by Hurricane Melissa.

PAHO said more than 13 tons of medical supplies have been deployed, alongside specialised experts from its Regional Response Teams, to help restore critical health services and prevent disease outbreaks.

Jamaica, the hardest hit, reported severe damage to five major hospitals and widespread destruction across health facilities in the western and southern regions. In response to the destruction of Black River Hospital, PAHO, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), has facilitated the deployment of a Type 2 Emergency Medical Team (EMT) from Samaritan’s Purse to establish a temporary hospital.

A second Type 2 EMT from the Spanish Cooperation Agency (AECID) is also now operating a temporary field hospital next to the public hospital in the town of Falmouth in the northern parish of Trelawny.

PAHO said additional specialists in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and health services have been mobilised, along with structural engineers to conduct post-disaster assessments at Cornwall Regional Hospital and other key facilities.

The organisation is leading the health cluster in coordination with MOHW and assessing shelters for environmental health, surveillance, vector control, water and sanitation interventions.

PAHO noted that amid the widespread destruction, the Santa Cruz Health Centre in the southwest remains fully intact — crediting its retrofitting to smart hospital gold standards under PAHO’s Smart Hospitals initiative.

Despite ongoing efforts, PAHO said urgent needs remain and has launched a US$14.2 million donor appeal for Jamaica to support continued emergency medical deployments, rehabilitate damaged facilities and prevent outbreaks.

In Haiti, PAHO is working with partners to assess conditions of internally displaced persons, disseminate cholera prevention messaging, and utilise prepositioned emergency kits that were in place for more than 11,000 people ahead of the hurricane season.

On November 6, an additional 5.5-ton shipment from PAHO’s Strategic Reserve in Panama arrived with emergency kits, PPE, mosquito nets and medical supplies.

In Grand’Anse, displaced families urgently need tents and hygiene kits, while children require targeted psychosocial support. PAHO said field epidemiologists are being supported to conduct early warning surveillance and ensure samples reach the National Public Health Laboratory.

In Cuba, PAHO is preparing a second shipment of emergency supplies, including electric generators, fumigation equipment and mosquito nets, to address anticipated increases in mosquito populations and power shortages in health facilities.

PAHO stressed that while the initial donor appeal focuses on Jamaica, urgent needs persist across affected Caribbean countries.

The organisation is urging partners and donors to continue supporting disease surveillance, mental health services and preventive measures to reduce risks from waterborne, foodborne, and vector-borne illnesses among displaced populations.

PAHO said it remains committed to working with governments and humanitarian partners to ensure affected communities receive critical care and support, adding that sustained donor engagement is essential to recovery and future resilience.