The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a large-scale regional response as the Caribbean continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa. The organization delivered over 2.6 tons of medical supplies to Cubaand is preparing to ship 5.5 tons of additional aid to Jamaica once full air operations resume.
Life-Saving Supplies Arrive in Cuba
Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba early Tuesday as a Category 3 storm with winds reaching 205 km/h (127 mph). The hurricane caused severe flooding, widespread power outages, and extensive damage across several provinces.
In response, PAHO dispatched nine emergency health kits from its Regional Strategic Stockpile in Panama. These kits include essential medicines and surgical supplies for 5,000 people over three months. They also contain chlorine tablets to treat eight million liters of water, as well as medical backpacks, tents, water tanks, and electrical equipment to support damaged health centers.
“These medical supplies will help maintain basic health care, ensure access to safe water, and reduce immediate health risks,” said Dr. Mario Cruz Peñate, PAHO/WHO Representative in Cuba. “Timely cooperation and preparedness are essential to protect health in emergencies.”
The shipment was organized under the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Once roads reopen, the supplies will be distributed to the most affected areas in eastern Cuba.
Emergency Aid Ready for Jamaica
Jamaica endured the most severe damage from Hurricane Melissa. As a result, PAHO is preparing 5.5 tons of emergency health supplies to be shipped as soon as the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston fully reopens.
The shipment includes:
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Emergency and Non-Communicable Disease Kits for 10,000 people over three months.
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Trauma and emergency surgery kits for 50 patients.
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50 medical backpacks for mobile health workers.
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Field tents, water tanks, and hurricane response kits.
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300 mosquito nets and personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and N95 masks.
These supplies will restore essential health services and reduce the risk of waterborne and mosquito-borne diseaseslike dengue and chikungunya. Such diseases often increase after hurricanes due to standing water and damaged sanitation systems.
Coordinated Regional Response Underway
To manage the regional effort, PAHO has activated its Emergency Operations Center in Barbados. From there, it is working with Caribbean governments, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian partners to coordinate medical relief and assess damage to health facilities.
In addition, PAHO is purchasing extra generators, mosquito nets, and chlorine tablets for a possible second shipment to Cuba. The organization said these supplies will strengthen the region’s health systems and help prevent new disease outbreaks.
“Our goal is to ensure people continue receiving essential health care and safe water,” PAHO officials stated. “Cooperation and readiness are key to saving lives after disasters like Hurricane Melissa.”
Part of a Wider Caribbean Recovery Network
PAHO’s work is part of a much larger regional effort. In South Florida, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) has mobilized volunteers and organized flights carrying food, hygiene kits, and generators for Jamaica. Meanwhile, the JN Foundation’s ISupportJamaica Fund is collecting donations to help rebuild schools, hospitals, and homes across the island.
The reopening of Norman Manley International Airport for relief flights today will allow these shipments to reach communities in need faster. This collaboration highlights the strong link between Caribbean nations and diaspora organizations.
Caribbean Unity in Action
Hurricane Melissa has tested the Caribbean’s strength, but it has also revealed remarkable unity. From PAHO’s medical aid to GEM’s logistics operations and JN Foundation’s fundraising, regional and international partners are working together to restore health, safety, and hope.
Their combined efforts show that, even in crisis, Caribbean solidarity remains unshakable.
