Kingston, Jamaica, April 20, 2022 (PAHO/WHO) – Jamaica received critical medical equipment and laboratory test kits valued at JM$40 Million to support its COVID-19 response from the Pan America Health Organization. The donation includes high flow nasal oxygen devices, oxygen flow meters, pulse oximeters, medicine and emergency trolleys, nebulizers for adults and children, digital blood pressure machines, and electrocardiogram (ECG) cards, to support laboratory diagnosis and case management, for the critically ill to achieve the best possible health outcomes.
“Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in March 2020, Jamaica has received partnership support to the tune of more than JMD$2 billion – including through PAHO. Even now, as we enjoy a period of low infections, PAHO continues to show us its unwavering support, with consistent technical support and corresponding donations to the National COVID-19 Response,” shared Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness.
PAHO/WHO resources were also used to procure life-saving equipment for children in the form of more than 60 child nebulizer kits to help young ones breathe after contracting COVID-19 or other respiratory infections, along with computers, tablets and monitors to support the Ministry’s efforts to continue transforming healthcare service delivery and operations using technology.
“Jamaica has been able to take on the challenge of the pandemic, making the necessary sacrifices and giving its best efforts – confident in the knowledge that collaborators, such as the Pan American Health Organization, were available and willing to provide the needed support to help the country overcome,” emphasized the Health Minister.
In his address, Mr. Ian Stein, PAHO/WHO Representative to Jamaica, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands underscored that the pandemic is still a threat, and countries with low vaccination coverage are in a precarious situation, with ongoing vulnerabilities.
“Omicron’s most recent subvariant is the predominant variant circulating in the Caribbean and North America. Along with increasing tourism and travel, and the relaxation of public health measures, Omicron circulation is driving the new COVID surges regionally,” shared Mr. Stein.
He continued, “Vaccines continue to play a critical role in the global COVID-19 response, in that they, together with the social measures, are one of the most effective proven tools we have which keep people out of hospitals. It is important to take note that Vaccination Week in the Americas starts this Saturday, April 23, and it provides another perfect opportunity for Jamaicans to get vaccinated.”
From 23 to 30 April 2022, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), together with the countries and territories of the Region of the Americas and its partners, will celebrate the 20th annual Vaccination Week in the Americas and the 11th World Immunization Week under the call to action “Are you fully vaccinated? Get all your shots."
