Jamaica Launches Health After-Action Review Following Hurricane Melissa

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), has launched a comprehensive Health After Action Review (AAR) in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, marking a pivotal step in strengthening Jamaica’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery systems.

Speaking during the opening session on Tuesday (March 24) at the Moon Palace Hotel in Ocho Rios, PAHO/WHO Representative to Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands, Ian Stein, expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness throughout both the emergency response and ongoing recovery efforts.

“I would like to acknowledge, very deliberately, the commitment and courage of Jamaica’s health workers, emergency responders, and public servants, who continue to serve communities under extraordinarily difficult conditions. That dedication is not taken for granted. It deserves to be recognised,” he stated.

Mr. Stein highlighted a powerful example of resilience observed in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane.

“Attendance records showed that public health workers in the most severely affected areas reported to duty at the same levels as those in less impacted regions, an extraordinary testament to their professionalism and commitment,” he reasoned. The After-Action Review, a World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended process aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR), is designed as a structured and reflective exercise.

It aims to identify strengths, uncover challenges, and guide improvements in national health emergency systems.

“This is not an audit or an evaluation. It is a process of collective learning, understanding what worked well, where challenges arose, and how systems can be strengthened for the future,” Mr. Stein emphasised.

The PAHO/WHO Representative underscored the importance of candid dialogue during the two-day review, encouraging participants to openly share their experiences and insights.

The process will also acknowledge the human and emotional toll emergencies place on responders, reinforcing the importance of supporting those on the front lines.

“Resilient systems are built, not only on protocols and infrastructure but on people who feel heard, supported, and valued,” Mr. Stein noted.

He commended the Health Ministry for its proactive decision to undertake the review in a spirit of transparency and continuous improvement, an approach he said reflects strong governance and Jamaica’s commitment to advancing national health security in line with regional and global standards.

PAHO’s role in the process includes providing technical facilitation, methodological guidance, and regional expertise, while ensuring that all findings and lessons remain nationally owned.

“This is Jamaica’s review, Jamaica’s learning, and Jamaica’s path forward,” Mr. Stein stated.

He reaffirmed PAHO’s solidarity with the Government and people of Jamaica, emphasising its continued support, not only during crises but also in strengthening systems for the future.

“We stand with Jamaica in the important work of learning, strengthening, and building the way forward together,” Mr. Stein declared.