PAHO on High Alert as Melissa Threatens Regional Health Systems

The Pan American Health Organization remains on high alert tonight. From its operations center in Washington, PAHO is working around the clock with health ministries, the UN, and regional disaster agencies to keep critical health services running as Melissa moves through the region. Emergency medical kits are already in Haiti, extra supplies are stocked in Panama, and response teams are standing by. Jamaica has activated its national emergency center, while Cuba and the Dominican Republic brace for impact. The major concerns are whether hospitals could lose power and water, shelters may become breeding grounds for disease, and mental health needs are rising as stress and displacement take their toll. PAHO says restoring safe water and sanitation will be key to preventing outbreaks and keeping care flowing. They’ll continue monitoring Melissa and supporting countries as this dangerous storm pushes on.