ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Ministry of Health and Wellness has implemented a maternal outreach programme targeted at pregnant and new mothers, particularly in parishes impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

State Minister Krystal Lee said expectant and new mothers are among the most vulnerable groups during and in the aftermath of a hurricane, and the programme aims to ensure that they are not left behind and are receiving the care and support they need.

It involves health workers going into the communities to connect with mothers and babies, ensuring that they are safe and getting their regular health checks.

“We are here to support them, to remind them of the importance of routine check-ups, and to ensure they have access to the resources they need,” Lee said.

“From the moment a woman becomes pregnant, she should be supported with timely information, care and companionship.

“This outreach is about listening to mothers, addressing their needs and ensuring that health services remain accessible and responsive. Our mothers deserve nothing less, and our babies deserve every chance to be healthy as Jamaica rebuilds,” Lee said.

The outreach programme has already been rolled out in Black River, St Elizabeth, and Savanna-la-Mar and Grange Hill in Westmoreland.

It will soon be implemented in St James, Hanover and St Ann, with plans to expand islandwide.

Lee said the programme provides a reliable touch point for regular checks, education on childbirth and postnatal care and guidance on newborn care.

Mothers are encouraged to secure a maternity or maternal health book and adhere to appointment dates, as waiting until the third trimester can complicate care and increase risks for both mother and baby.

“In addition to medical monitoring, the programme provides essential nutrition education and tangible support such as maternal packages that include hygiene items, mosquito nets, sanitisers, and cleaning supplies,” Lee pointed out.

She said the maternal health outreach is not just about clinical visits; it is about building a network of trust, routine and resilience so that mothers can focus on the well-being of their babies.

No mother should navigate the post-disaster period alone, and regular care can mean healthier babies and calmer, healthier families, she said.

Lee said the outreach also includes conversations about mental well-being and connecting mothers with psychosocial support.

The goal, she added, is to normalise seeking help and reduce the stigma around mental health, especially for expectant and new mothers.

“I want our mothers and lactating women to know that it’s okay to talk to someone about the stress they’re under,” Lee said.

The initiative also acknowledges that health systems must adapt to post-disaster realities.

With several health facilities in western Jamaica suffering extensive damage during Hurricane Melissa, the ministry moved swiftly to ensure that patients were able to access regular health services, including maternity and postnatal care.

In Black River, for instance, field clinics were established and where necessary, deliveries and higher-level care were being coordinated with regional hospitals such as Mandeville Regional Hospital in Manchester.

The outreach is achieving positive results, with health teams at Savanna-la-Mar and Grange Hill reporting strong engagement by mothers who previously felt isolated and overwhelmed.

As part of the programme, the ministry is planning a national push to raise awareness about maternal and child health, with a focus on nutrition, vaccination where appropriate and the importance of postnatal visits for both mother and infant. The hope is that, in the months ahead, Jamaica will see healthier births and stronger families, even in the aftermath of a devastating storm.

In the coming weeks, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is expected to expand field clinics, deploy more maternal health packages and intensify community engagement across additional parishes.

— JIS