PAHO - Pan American Health Organization

Published purpose

September 2017 – Category 5 hurricane Irma hit the Caribbean and south-eastern United States between September 6 and 14. It was the largest storm ever to make landfall in the Atlantic. Hurricane Maria, also a category 5 storm, followed closely between September 18 and 26. The two hurricanes caused widespread damage, flooding and displacement throughout the Caribbean region. A number of countries suffered significant devastation, including damages to power and water supply lines, agriculture, telecommunications and infrastructure such as health centres, bridges and roadways. More information on the humanitarian situation is expected as relief efforts get underway. With GAC's support, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is helping to meet the immediate health needs of hurricane-affected people in the region, including specific support to Dominica. Project activities include: (1) provision of health personnel, essential medical and health supplies and equipment; (2) support for disease surveillance for early detection and timely management of disease outbreaks; (3) provision of equipment and supplies for clean water; (4) provision of life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions, including procurement and distribution of SRH kits for emergency obstetric care, clinical care for rape victims, prevention of sexually transmitted infections and HIV and medical supplies to targeted health facilities.