KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Ministry of Health received a check valued at US$100,000 (J$6.18 million) from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to aid in its fight against malaria.
This sum is the first of two payments and, will go towards the purchasing of equipment to assist with fogging and spraying to eliminate the anopheles mosquito that spreads the disease.
The presentation was made at the Ministry in downtown Kingston by Karen Turner, Mission Director for the USAID in Jamaica on Wednesday, January 10.
Minister of Health, Horace Dalley, said the Ministry was very grateful to the USAID for the contribution.
“It is the first time we have been presented with any money. We have been fighting on our own from the Ministry’s budget and what has been provided with the extra budgetary support from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, through Cabinet’s approval,” he said.
Mr. Dalley informed that there are currently 209 confirmed cases of the disease, with 25 confirmed since the start of the year. He added that of the 209 confirmed cases, 187 persons have been treated for the disease.
The areas in Kingston affected by the malaria disease include Denham Town, Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town and Delacree Park. Nine cases have been detected in St. Catherine and one in Clarendon.
In her remarks, Miss Turner lauded the Ministry for its effort in fighting the disease.
The USAID, on behalf of the United States Government, is really pleased to be able to make this initial contribution of around US$100,000.
There will be another contribution of another US$100,000 at the request of the Ministry,” she pointed out.
“I want to compliment the Ministry on its excellent response to the malaria outbreak and the way that it has been on top of the problem. I think that the response of the Ministry to the issue is a reflection of its understanding of the seriousness of the problem, in light of the impact on its own citizens,” Miss Turner said.
$1 Million Donation from Red Stripe
The fight against malaria by the Ministry of Health received additional boost on Thursday, January 11, with Red Stripe donating $1 million to strengthen prevention and control activities.
The money was handed over at a ceremony, held at the offices of the Ministry in downtown Kingston.
Dr. Marion Bullock Ducasse, Director of Emergency, Disaster Management and Special Services in the Ministry of Health said the Ministry was very appreciative of the donation by Red Stripe.
“We are showing to the whole of Jamaica that we do have partnerships in health with the private sector, and we are very pleased that Red Stripe is here today,” said Dr. Bullock Ducasse.
Chief Executive Officer at Red Stripe, Mark McKenzie, said the contribution is intended to help with clean-up activities, such as fogging and the spraying of mosquitoes.
“We are confident that through this contribution, and that of others, coupled with the allocation from the Cabinet, that the Ministry will succeed in making Jamaica malaria free once again,” he said.
Minister of Health, Horace Dalley, said the Ministry was thankful for the contribution.
“We thank you (Red Stripe) very much for the $1 million, and it is going to be used to assist in the Wilton Gardens area of Kingston and St. Andrew,” the Minister said.
In the meantime, Dr. Bullock Ducasse said that since the disease was first detected on December 1, it has remained under control and is on the decline.
“The important thing is that the cases have remained confined to particular communities in Kingston 12, 13 and 14. For the majority of those that have occurred outside of this area, these are what we call epidemiological links, meaning that they have had contact with persons who are affected, or have been in the areas and stayed overnight,” informed Dr. Bullock Ducasse.
The areas affected by the malaria disease include Denham Town, Tivoli Gardens, Trench Town and Delacree Park in Kingston. Nine cases have since been detected in St. Catherine and one in Clarendon.
Dr. Bullock Ducasse informed that there are currently 215 confirmed cases of the disease. She added that of the 215 confirmed cases, over 190 persons have been successfully treated.
She informed that the Ministry would continue its extensive work in the communities for another four weeks and then the Ministry would re-assess its strategies.
