$270 million boost for dengue battle

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has indicated that approximately $270 million is to be reallocated through the Ministry of Health to address vector control issues as Jamaica continues to battle a dengue outbreak.

Simpson Miller made the disclosure in the Parliament yesterday while providing an update on some of the activities to be undertaken by the government as part of restoration efforts following the passage of Hurricane Sandy.

She added that a portion of the money is to be used to address damage to some health facilities.

The Ministry of Health had reported that it would strengthen its vector control programme in light of an increase in breeding sites as a result of rains from the hurricane.

The prime minister said there would be a boost to the vector control programme especially in the parishes of Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary, St. Catherine and Kingston and St. Andrew.

The most recent update from the health ministry indicated that as at October 20 there were 2,198 suspected dengue cases and seven suspected deaths.

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