Direct Relief, partners deliver over US$3m in medical supplies to Jamaica
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From left: Direct Relief’s response manager Luis Rodriguez greets National Health Fund’s executive director Everton Anderson and Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton during the handing over of medical relief supplies valued at US$1 million donated by Carnival Corporation and other sponsors.
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The mobile clinic donated by Direct Relief.
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Direct Relief’s Vice-President Genevieve Bitter and Health Minister Dr Chris Tufton.
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Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton (second left) accepts medical supplies valued at US$1 million from Carnival Corporation’s captain Nick De Ranier (centre) and Senior Vice-President Marie McKenzie (second right). Sharing in the occasion are St Ann’s Bay Mayor Michael Belnavis (left) and National Health Fund Executive Director Everton Anderson.
WESTERN BUREAU:
Jamaica has received more than US$3 million (J$486 million) in critical medical and humanitarian supplies over the past week as international partners intensify support for the country’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery.
The shipments, delivered between last Saturday and Thursday, were coordinated by global humanitarian organisation Direct Relief and include essential medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and infrastructure to support public healthcare facilities across the island.
The latest consignment, valued at US$1 million, arrived Thursday aboard the Carnival Horizon at Reynolds Pier in Ocho Rios, St Ann. The donation was made possible through a partnership involving Carnival Corporation, the Miami HEAT, and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation, with Direct Relief overseeing procurement, logistics, and distribution.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton welcomed the assistance, describing it as timely and targeted.
“Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, our health facilities have been under increased pressure, and these supplies will strengthen our capacity to respond, particularly in the most affected communities,” he said.
DELIBERATELY ALIGNED
Tufton noted that the supplies matched the ministry’s identified needs, which would ensure immediate and effective deployment.
Carnival Corporation’s senior vice-president for government and destination affairs, Marie McKenzie, said the donation was deliberately aligned with Jamaica’s requirements.
“Carnival Corporation, the Miami HEAT, and the Micky and Madeleine Arison Family Foundation committed US$1 million to Jamaica through Direct Relief to support post-hurricane medical care,” McKenzie said. “We worked closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that what was delivered is exactly what Jamaica needs ... .”
She added that the shipment of 24 pallets formed part of a wider response, noting that an additional 124 pallets of medical supplies had already arrived by air earlier in the week.
Direct Relief’s emergency response manager, Luis Rodriguez, said the organisation had now delivered 144 pallets of medicalsupplies to Jamaica since last Saturday valued at more than US$3 million.
“These essential medicines and medical supplies will be distributed through the Ministry of Health to public healthcare facilities serving the most affected communities,” Rodriguez said. “Direct Relief has worked with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health for more than 20 years, and we remain committed to supporting the country for the long term.”
Rodriguez said the supplies were sourced from pharmaceutical manufacturers in the United States and Europe as well as through private donations and include medicines, PPE, tents, and equipment to support mobile medical services.
National Health Fund (NHF) Executive Director Everton Anderson said the agency has the systems in place to ensure effective and transparent distribution.
“The donation includes PPE, equipment, and other essential relief supplies, and the National Health Fund has an extensive distribution network to ensure they reach the people of this country,” Anderson said. “We operate five warehouses specifically established for relief supplies, supported by a strong inventory-management system.”
He added that supplies were also being channelled through the NHF’s four mobile pharmacies to reach communities directly impacted by the hurricane.
PROUD TO PARTICIPATE
Captain Nick De Ranieri of the Carnival Horizon said the crew was proud to play a role in the relief effort.
“We are honoured to deliver these essential medical supplies to help communities affected by Hurricane Melissa,” De Ranieri said. “Carnival has a long-standing relationship with Jamaica, and when the country needs support, we are proud to show up.”
The Ministry of Health said distribution of the supplies is already under way, with hospitals and clinics in hurricane-affected areas expected to benefit.
janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com