Mercy Corps Warns of Escalating Health Emergency Following Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Haiti

Mercy Corps is urgently warning of a public health crisis following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on communities across Jamaica and Haiti, where flooding, power outages, and structural damage are straining health systems and hindering emergency response efforts.  

In Jamaica, hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies have sustained widespread structural damage, especially in the western region, including Black River and St. Elizabeth Parish. Many facilities have been forced to close, cutting people off from medical care or essential medications.  

Jessica Pearl, Mercy Corps’ Caribbean Resilience Initiative Interim Director, says: 

“The risk of disease outbreaks like dengue is quickly increasing as stagnant water creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Challenges with waste and sewage disposal also increase the risk of additional disease outbreaks. Access to clean water, sanitation, and mosquito nets will be critical public health priorities in the coming weeks.”  

In Haiti, early reports of cholera and acute diarrhea in the Grand’Anse and South-East Departments underscore the urgent need for clean water, sanitation, and medical assistance. 

Mercy Corps Country Director in Haiti, Laurent Uwumuremyi, says:  

“Hurricane Melissa has pushed an already fragile health system to the brink.  Intense rainfall, strong winds, and flooding have destroyed bridges and rendered many roads impassable, preventing the delivery of medicines and medical supplies. Contaminated floodwaters threaten to worsen the spread of waterborne disease in areas already struggling with limited access to safe drinking water.”  

Mercy Corps teams in Haiti and Jamaica are already on the ground supporting local partners and authorities to address these urgent health risks by providing clean water and hygiene support, including distribution of water purification tablets, portable filters, water storage containers (jerry cans), and hygiene kits containing soap, detergent, sanitary pads, and baby hygiene items.