OPS Deploys Medical Supplies to Cuba in Wake of Hurricane Melissa

HAVANA – The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has delivered 2.6 metric tons of medical supplies to Cuban health authorities to support the response in areas affected by Hurricane Melissa, PAHO reported on its website.

The phenomenon made landfall in the eastern part of the country early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, with sustained winds of up to 205 kilometers per hour (approximately 127 mph).

Essential Supplies for Emergency Response

The shipment, which was dispatched from PAHO's Regional Strategic Reserve in Panama and arrived in the country on October 28, includes nine emergency kits containing medicines, medical and surgical supplies, sufficient to care for 5,000 people for three months.

Also included are chlorine tablets to purify nearly eight million liters of water, electrical equipment, medical backpacks, tents, and water storage tanks, among other priority supplies.

The cargo was mobilized under the anticipatory action mechanism of the United Nations' Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), the source stated. The supplies will be destined for the most affected territories in eastern Cuba once overland communications are reestablished.

Focus on Sustaining Basic Health Services

“These medical supplies will help maintain basic health care, guarantee access to safe water, and reduce immediate health risks in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa,” said Dr. Mario Cruz Peñate, PAHO/WHO Representative in Cuba.

“Timely cooperation and prior preparedness are essential to protect the health of the population in emergency situations like this one,” he added.

Ongoing Coordination and Further Support

From its Emergency Operations Center in Washington D.C., and its office in Havana, PAHO continues to coordinate with Cuba's Ministry of Public Health and Civil Defense on damage assessment, reorganization of health services, and epidemiological control in the affected areas.

In parallel, PAHO is managing the emergency procurement of additional electrical generators (10–16 KVA), mosquito nets, and more chlorine tablets for a potential second shipment to Cuba.

All these efforts are aimed at reinforcing the health response and preventing outbreaks of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue and other arboviruses, and waterborne diseases, the risk of which increases after major weather events.