Jamaica gets equipment to boost dengue fever diagnostics

Jamaica's capacity to respond to its current dengue outbreak has been bolstered by equipment donated to the Ministry of Health and Wellness by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The equipment valued US$250,000 was handed over to the National Public Health Laboratory on Tuesday.

Dr Marlene Tapper, director of the National Laboratory Services, in extolling the timeliness of the contribution by USAID, highlighted the strength of Jamaica's international partnerships and shared commitment to improving public health.

"It will allow us to increase our diagnostic capacity to quickly detect dengue in patients presenting symptoms," she said.

Lauding the "strong partnership" between Jamaica and USAID, Dr Andrea Brooks Hanson, acting chief of the health division of USAID, said the donation will help to save lives.

"We hope USAID's investment of over 250 000 USD in the form of laboratory equipment to support the National Public Health Lab in the efficient diagnosis of patients who may have DF (dengue fever) will enable better patient management, and save lives," she said.

She noted that the agency is providing US$500,000 to support a three-pronged approach.

This, she said, will enhance the Ministry of Health's capacity to strengthen risk communication and community engagement, improve infection prevention and control, and conduct surveillance, testing, and diagnosis. 

Dengue is an infection caused by a virus spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. 

The Ministry of Health declared a dengue outbreak in September 2023. 

Data from the Ministry of Health indicates that as of March 27, 2024, Jamaica recorded 11,101 suspected, probable, and confirmed cases of dengue.

- Sashana Small

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