C-TECH and UNFPA Partner to Support Women and Girls Affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica — November 2025
The Caribbean Technical Assistance and Education Centre for Health (C-TECH) has forged a strategic humanitarian partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to provide urgent support to women, girls, and vulnerable families affected by Hurricane Melissa. This joint initiative, implemented through UNFPA’s mandate to protect dignity, sexual and reproductive health, and psychosocial wellbeing during crises, focuses on the delivery of dignity kits, psychosocial support, and essential relief supplies to the hardest-hit communities across Jamaica.
Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, families—especially women and girls—have faced displacement, trauma, and increased risk of gender-based violence, sexual violence, and disruption of sexual and reproductive health services. In response, C-TECH and UNFPA have activated a coordinated emergency relief effort across the Southwest and Northwest parishes, including Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, St. Elizabeth, and St. Ann.
500 Dignity Kits Distributed to Date, with More Deliveries Underway
As of November 14, 2025, C-TECH and UNFPA have distributed 500 dignity kits—containing menstrual health supplies, hygiene items, and essential personal care products—to shelters and affected communities in Westmoreland and surrounding areas. Additional distributions are taking place over the next several days, including deployments in St. Elizabeth, Hanover and Trelawny.
These kits are crucial in allowing women and girls to maintain dignity, hygiene, and safety during displacement. The first mission included key stops at Mannings High School, Unity Primary School, ICON Service Station, Carawina (Petersfield), Bastard Cedar Walk, Strathbogie and Petersfield, supported by DTR Foundation, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Real Equity Ltd., and trained volunteers.
400 Psychosocial and Psychological Sessions Delivered
In addition to essential supplies, C-TECH—working in partnership with the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), and mental health professionals—has delivered over 400 psychosocial and psychological support sessions to individuals dealing with trauma, fear, anxiety, and loss triggered by the hurricane.
These sessions, delivered at shelters and in communities, have been critical in addressing the emotional and mental-health needs of women, girls, and vulnerable populations who have experienced displacement, home loss, grief, and heightened exposure to violence.
A Long-Term Strategic Partnership
Beyond the immediate emergency response, C-TECH and UNFPA are working to build a long-term strategic partnership to strengthen Jamaica’s resilience to crises, expand mental health and psychosocial support systems, and enhance protections for women and girls at risk of gender-based violence, sexual violence, and SRHR disruptions.
This partnership aligns with national emergency coordination structures involving PAHO/WHO, MOHW, ODPEM, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and leverages C-TECH’s long-standing technical engagement with Jamaica’s Regional Health Authorities.
C-TECH’s Executive Director, Dr. Natalie Irving-Mattocks, noted:
“Women and girls face distinct vulnerabilities during disasters. This partnership with UNFPA allows us to reach them with dignity, safety, psychosocial support, and essential supplies when they need it most. We are deeply committed to continuing this work in the coming months, not only during the emergency but as part of Jamaica’s long-term recovery.”
Ongoing Deployment
Over the coming weeks, C-TECH and UNFPA will continue field deployments, psychosocial support activities, and coordination with shelter managers, community leaders, and security personnel. Monitoring, documentation, and lessons learned will guide the long-term partnership and ensure sustainability.
About C-TECH
The Caribbean Technical Assistance and Education Centre for Health (C-TECH) is a Jamaica-registered organisation dedicated to strengthening health systems, delivering digital health solutions, enhancing strategic information, and supporting public health resilience across the Caribbean.
About UNFPA
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health, rights, gender equality, and protection from gender-based violence. UNFPA leads humanitarian responses that safeguard dignity and wellbeing in crises.