THE NCB Foundation (NCBF), in partnership with UNICEF Jamaica, has provided new vector control and water purification supplies to the Environmental Health Unit in the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

This forms part of phase two of the national ‘Strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WASH Resilience to Climatic Events’ programme, a $43.8-million initiative launched after Hurricane Beryl in 2024 to help communities prepare for and recover from public health risks during disasters.

“These supplies will greatly strengthen our capacity to respond to disease risks after disasters,” said Dr Simone Spence, director of the health promotion and protection branch of the health ministry.

“These supplies will greatly strengthen our capacity to respond to disease risks after disasters. Public health is always at the heart of recovery, and support like this ensures that our teams can act quickly to protect communities from outbreaks. We are grateful to NCB Foundation and UNICEF Jamaica for their continued partnership and commitment to safeguarding Jamaica’s health system,” added Dr Spence.

The WASH programme was developed to strengthen emergency preparedness and public health resilience in vulnerable communities across Jamaica.

Earlier this year phase one of the programme saw the distribution of 400 WASH shelter kits to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and municipal corporations for use in emergency shelters.

“Clean water and a safe environment are essential to the well-being of children and families after disasters,” said Olga Isaza, UNICEF Jamaica representative. “This partnership ensures that communities can recover safely and remain better protected against future health threats,” added Isaza.

Following the widespread impact of Hurricane Melissa, the partnership has now expanded into phase two, with a focus on safe water access and vector control.

The latest set of supplies, valued at just over $19 million, includes 2,500 drum covers for safer household water storage, 120,000 NaDCC water purification tablets, and 30 stainless-steel manual spray pumps for field teams working in high-risk areas.

“Every hurricane shows how quickly health risks can escalate, and it also shows how much stronger we are when we act together,” said Thalia Lyn, chair of the NCB Foundation.

“The WASH programme is built on that principle. It helps families recover now and strengthens Jamaica’s resilience for whatever comes next,” added Lyn.

Phase three of the WASH programme is currently under way and includes installing 15 communal water points with 1,000-gallon tanks in high-risk areas. These projects will further strengthen Jamaica’s readiness to manage health challenges linked to severe weather.