300 Bleach Makers Donated to Jamaica’s Health System

Over 300 bleach makers have been donated to Jamaica’s health system, bolstering the nation’s capacity to provide safe, on-site medical-grade disinfectants in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

The donation, from United States-based international non-governmental organisation, WaterStep, was facilitated through the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the ODPEM’s headquarters in New Kingston on Tuesday (November 18), State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Hon. Krystal Lee, expresses gratitude for the contribution.

She said that every effort must be made to protect the health of the population, as Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa.

“This donation will advance our capacity to care for our people and will play a key role in the services we offer to the public,” she said.

She noted that the machines to be distributed to health facilities across the island, will complement the Ministry’s efforts to prevent waterborne and foodborne illnesses in the aftermath of the storm.

She said that they will also support the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) plan developed in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WaterStep, Mark Hogg, in his remarks, noted that the bleach makers will allow clinics and hospitals in storm-affected areas to produce their own disinfectant daily, eliminating reliance on disrupted supply chains.

“Clinics must be able to protect themselves on site every day, no matter what… and that’s the purpose of this initiative,” he noted.

Mr. Hogg emphasised that the initiative has the potential to be expanded beyond Jamaica, serving as a model that could be introduced across Caribbean islands, providing a far-reaching, powerful framework to support more people in areas affected by storms.

Senior Director, Mitigation Planning and Research, ODPEM, Michelle Edwards, for her part, said the donation reinforces national disaster preparedness efforts.

“Access to effective sanitation is one of the cornerstones of disaster preparedness and public health… and the donation of these WaterStep bleach makers will empower communities in their daily lives,” she said.

The bleach makers allow health facilities to produce World Health Organization-approved, medical-grade disinfectant on site, ensuring a steady, local supply.

The donation will support major hospitals, impacted communities, and parish health teams as they continue water-treatment interventions and bolster Jamaica’s strategic water-safety programme as Jamaica recovers from Hurricane Melissa.