Hurricane Melissa has caused catastrophic damage across the Caribbean, leaving Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic reeling from its impact. In response, the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has issued a donor alert calling for urgent international support to mobilize critical resources for the ongoing health response. The alert details the most immediate health priorities and outlines funding requirements to sustain recovery efforts in Jamaica over the next six months.
The hurricane has claimed more than 50 lives and displaced over one million people across the region. Jamaica has been particularly devastated, with 2.8 million people exposed to strong winds and floods. As of 3 November, 32 deaths have been confirmed in Jamaica, with 94 injuries treated and more than 7,000 people still taking refuge in shelters. The storm severely damaged five major hospitals in the western and southern parts of the island. Additionally, seventy water supplies are currently inoperable, and nearly 40% of health facilities continue to face unstable power, significantly hampering recovery and response efforts.
Initial assessments show that Jamaica’s health system is under severe strain. The ability to provide essential medical services is heavily compromised, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. The crisis has also triggered rising mental health concerns, as communities struggle to cope with trauma, loss, and uncertainty. At the same time, the risk of disease outbreaks looms large due to flooding, poor sanitation, and overcrowded shelters, which increase the likelihood of waterborne, mosquito-borne, and respiratory illnesses spreading rapidly. Access to affected areas remains challenging, delaying both assessments and the distribution of life-saving aid.
To address these challenges, PAHO/WHO is seeking US$14.2 million in donor funding to support the immediate health response in Jamaica. Of this amount, US$10.2 million will be dedicated to maintaining essential healthcare services, restoring damaged health infrastructure, and expanding mental health support. The remaining funds will strengthen disease surveillance, ensure safe water and sanitation, and improve coordination across humanitarian operations.
PAHO/WHO has already activated its emergency procedures and deployed twelve international experts to Jamaica to assist in key areas such as infrastructure assessment, mental health care, logistics, and emergency coordination. The organization is working closely with Jamaica’s Health Emergency Operations Center, the United Nations Country Team, and humanitarian partners to align response efforts. It is also leading the health sector’s coordination activities and contributing to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) operations, while dispatching medical supplies from regional hubs in Panama and Barbados.
However, PAHO/WHO emphasizes that more resources are urgently required to scale up and sustain critical health operations. Without swift donor support, the ongoing response risks being outpaced by growing health and humanitarian needs. The full donor alert, now available online, provides detailed information on funding priorities and the strategic approach to restoring health and well-being for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.
