PAHO Responds to Health Impacts of Hurricane Melissa in Caribbean Nations
Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in late 2025, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been actively engaged in providing critical support to Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, focusing on restoring health services and mitigating emerging public health risks.
Promptly after the hurricane, PAHO prioritized the delivery of essential supplies. This included critical hygiene kits, materials for emergency shelter construction, and specialized equipment designed to improve sanitation and ensure access to safe water treatment, maintaining the continuity of vital Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services.Recognizing the importance of a coordinated response, PAHO actively supported partner collaboration through established national networks, interagency platforms, and technical working groups. in jamaica, this coordination effort, led by the Health Cluster, successfully mapped and integrated the work of nearly 45 organizations responding to the hurricane and subsequent outbreaks.
One month post-impact,health systems across the affected countries are facing significant strain. Jamaica has declared a leptospirosis outbreak, with 18 confirmed cases, 39 under inquiry, and tragically, six related deaths reported as of November 24th. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection contracted through contact with animal-contaminated water, is a key concern.Jamaican surveillance teams are also monitoring increasing cases of fever,gastroenteritis,and vector-borne diseases. The hurricane caused damage to 124 health facilities in Jamaica, including five major hospitals. While electricity and water supplies are being restored, intermittent disruptions continue, particularly in the Western and Southern regions.
However, the resilience of health infrastructure investments was demonstrably proven. Several health centers in Jamaica previously upgraded under PAHO’s “Smart hospitals” program - including facilities in Saint Ann’s Bay, Mandeville, and Santa Cruz – remained operational throughout the storm, sustaining only minor damage. this highlights the critical importance of investing in infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events to protect lives and ensure continued access to healthcare.
In Haiti, the government has declared a three-month state of emergency (November 3, 2025 – February 3, 2026) across six departments to expedite assistance and restore essential services. The ongoing cholera outbreak, which resurfaced in late 2022, is now exacerbated by storm-related displacement and reduced access to safe water, posing a major public health challenge.
Cuba’s recovery is hampered by blocked roads,collapsed bridges,and persistent rainfall.The hurricane coincided with a surge in arbovirus transmission, specifically dengue and chikungunya, and flooding has increased the risk of waterborne illnesses.
PAHO’s response is currently supported by generous contributions from strategic donors including the Government of canada, the UN Central Emergency Response fund (CERF), the European Union, and the United Kingdom. To address both immediate and short-term health needs, PAHO has published its Strategic Response Plan for Hurricane Melissa 2025, requesting US$25,217,000 from donors and partners.
PAHO remains committed to working alongside health authorities in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba to rebuild healthcare delivery capacity, strengthen epidemiological surveillance, and respond to outbreaks and other acute health needs arising from the hurricane’s aftermath.Sustained collaboration and resources will be essential for full recovery.
