The WHO Regional Office for the Americas (WHO/PAHO), in partnership with the United Kingdom Government, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund, has delivered over 80 000 antigen rapid diagnostic COVID-19 tests to the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). The delivery was part of a large COVID-19 response package worth over US$ 1 million that included nine oxygen concentrators and over 350 000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consisting of N95 respirators, along with face shields and medical masks.
New antigen rapid tests will slash COVID-19 results processing time down from days to just 30 minutes. After appropriate training, private labs and regional health centres will also be able to perform tests at the point of care, which will decentralise testing, reduce the burden on national laboratories and increase Jamaica’s testing capacity.
WHO and UNAIDS delivered also recently PPE to enable key community organisations to continue to provide essential support and services to some of Jamaica’s most vulnerable populations while protecting staff against COVID-19.
Supplies included face shields, surgical masks, hand sanitisers, liquid soap and infrared thermometers were distributed to seven community organisations that address the needs of disadvantaged children and adolescents, people living with HIV, the transgender community and those requiring legal assistance. Relief packages were calculated to support each organisation and its staff for the next six months.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Read more about WHO and its partners delivering COVID-19 testing supplies and PPE in Jamaica