In the wake of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, UNICEF has joined forces with the European Union, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and UN partners to deliver urgently needed emergency supplies to support children and families across Jamaica. 

The shipments, which arrived yesterday at the Kingston Freeport Terminal and the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), include critical items such as:

• Water treatment and storage tanks, as well as jerry cans to ensure children have access to safe drinking water and to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
• Energy-generation equipment for essential services, including health centres and shelters where children are being cared for.
• Camping, and sleeping gear, including mosquito nets, providing immediate shelter and comfort for displaced families, especially those with young children.
• Hygiene supplies to help protect children from illness and maintain their dignity during this crisis.
• Kits: School-in-a-box, early childhood development and recreational packed with essential learning materials to bring education to children in the emergency.

“UNICEF is proud to stand alongside the European Union, France, The Netherlands, CDEMA, and our UN partners in this coordinated emergency response. Today’s shipment of life-saving supplies is a testament to the power of international solidarity and swift action. These supplies represent hope, protection, and a lifeline for thousands of children and families across Jamaica,” said Olga Isaza, Representative, UNICEF Jamaica.

“Children are among the most vulnerable in any emergency,” Isaza noted. “They face heightened risks of disease, malnutrition, and trauma. This emergency response is about more than supplies, it’s about restoring a sense of safety, dignity, and hope for Jamaica’s children,” she added. 

UNICEF is working closely with the Government of Jamaica and local partners to assess needs, deliver aid, and ensure that children’s rights to protection, health, education, and well-being are upheld throughout the recovery process.

As the country begins to rebuild, UNICEF calls on the international community to continue supporting Jamaica’s recovery efforts, with a focus on the unique needs of children and adolescents.