Achievements in Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands

Hurricane Melissa response

Following the storm, which damaged five hospitals and over 100 primary health centers in Jamaica, PAHO delivered rapid, high‑impact support that protected continuity of health services nationwide.  It deployed Emergency Medical Teams, coordinated immediate repairs to damaged health facilities, and carried out rapid health and WASH assessments that guided government action. Surveillance systems were reinforced to prevent outbreaks, and mental health and psychosocial support services were integrated into the response. This comprehensive technical leadership ensured that essential services were restored quickly and safely, reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality during the emergency.

Access to medicines and health technologies

Through PAHO’s collaboration with the Ministry of Health to modernize Bermuda’s regulatory framework, the new national importation policy for medicines and health technologies will enhance regulation, ensure safety and quality, expand access to essential products, promote transparency, and improve distribution, governance, and accountability, bringing the territory closer to universal health coverage while building a resilient, high-quality health system.

HEARTS launch

With support from PAHO, the Cayman Islands launched the HEARTS technical package as part of the Better Care for NCDs initiative to strengthen cardiovascular disease management in primary health care. The program trains health professionals, enhances treatment protocols, and improves diabetes management, positioning the country to cut cardiovascular deaths and advance universal health coverage and noncommunicable disease prevention.

Air quality and health response

With technical guidance from PAHO, Jamaica advanced the integration of air quality monitoring into public health systems. A health impact assessment was performed by integrating air quality and health data to estimate the mortality burden associated with harmful air pollutant concentrations in each parish, with the resulting evidence used to create a national road map.

Human resources for health

PAHO’s technical support was instrumental in finalizing Jamaica’s human resources for health policy and implementation plan, aimed at building a sustainable, well-trained, and equitably distributed health workforce aligned with universal health coverage goals. The plan addresses challenges such as health worker migration, urban‑rural staffing imbalances, and shortages in specialized skills. PAHO’s guidance in strengthening data quality and conducting labor market analyses also equipped Jamaica with reliable workforce information to enable evidence‑based decision-making and align with regional and global HRH standards.

Reinforcing immunization support

Jamaica advanced its immunization program with critical support from PAHO, including technical cooperation through Canada’s CanGIVE initiative. This collaboration strengthened vaccine delivery and monitoring systems, ensuring equitable access and improved coverage nationwide. A key achievement is the planned rollout of an electronic immunization registry in partnership with UNICEF, which will modernize information systems, enable real‑time tracking of vaccine uptake, improve data quality, and support evidence‑based decision-making for national immunization strategies, particularly benefiting vulnerable populations.

Advances in violence against women

Backed by PAHO’s technical support, Jamaica strengthened its health system’s response to violence against women by integrating comprehensive postrape care into emergency services, fully aligned with WHO guidelines. Emergency services now meet all five criteria for postrape care, including the hepatitis B vaccine, and a job aid guides health workers in delivering timely, standardized, survivor‑centered care. PAHO’s technical cooperation provided the guidance and resources necessary to embed these services within the broader emergency health framework, reinforcing equity, resilience, and quality in care for survivors.

Advances in road safety

PAHO’s technical guidance helped Jamaica strengthen its road safety framework, achieving notable progress in reducing alcohol‑related traffic risks. Supported by the United Nations Road Safety Fund and PAHO’s technical cooperation, the country expanded enforcement capacity, and collaboration with the National Road Safety Commission led to a 25% increase in national breathalyzer checks, improving monitoring and deterring unsafe driving. PAHO’s contributions were central in providing guidance on enforcement protocols, training for police and health personnel, and support for strengthening data systems to track alcohol‑related crashes.