Approximately two months after Hurricane Melissa, many communities across western and south-central Jamaica are still finding their way forward. Families continue to face disrupted services, damaged homes, and ongoing uncertainty as recovery efforts continue.
While some people have been able to stay with relatives or community members, others remain in emergency shelters and need continued support. Access to electricity and safe water is still uneven in several areas, making daily life more difficult and slowing the reopening of health services and small businesses.
Health concerns have also emerged in the aftermath of the hurricane. An active leptospirosis outbreak has increased risks for many communities, with pregnant women facing particular concerns. National response efforts—including mobile clinics, water safety guidance, and psychosocial support—remain critical during this period.
UNFPA’s Focus: Health, Safety, and Dignity
In response, UNFPA has been working closely with the Government of Jamaica and national partners to ensure that women, girls, and young people receive the support they need during recovery. This includes providing access to essential health services, including sexual and reproductive health care, strengthening psychosocial support, and ensuring that survivors of gender-based violence can access timely and trauma-informed assistance.
UNFPA is also focused on enhancing community resilience by supporting first-line responders, equipping grassroots organizations, and promoting awareness campaigns that prioritize the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable. By integrating these efforts into broader recovery strategies, UNFPA aims not only to address immediate needs but also to build systems that prevent further harm and empower women and girls to reclaim their lives with dignity and security.
Supporting Women and Girls
Together with the Bureau of Gender Affairs, CTECH, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and other national partners, UNFPA carried out gender-based violence awareness sessions in affected communities. These sessions provided safe spaces for people to learn about available services, receive psychosocial support, and connect with help when needed. UNFPA also provided dignity kits to women and adolescent girls facing heightened vulnerability.
UNFPA continues to play a coordination role by bringing partners together to strengthen gender-based violence prevention and response, ensuring services are aligned and gaps are addressed.
Strengthening Capacity and Coordination
As part of a One UN approach, UNFPA worked with UN Women and UNICEF to support training for first responders on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse. Additional support was provided to health workers through national discussions on gender-based violence, survivor care, and mental health and psychosocial support.
Engaging Young People
Recognizing the importance of listening to young people, UNFPA engaged adolescent girls in community discussions to better understand their needs and raise awareness about protection and support services. Outreach activities also included youth-focused events that encouraged conversations around sexual and reproductive health, respect, and positive behavior change.
Looking Ahead
As recovery continues, UNFPA remains committed to standing with communities in Jamaica—working alongside national partners to ensure that recovery efforts protect health, promote safety, and uphold the dignity of women, girls, and young people.
