With tens of thousands still displaced, livelihoods disrupted, and health facilities damaged across the Caribbean, the impact from Hurricane Melissa continues to create dire humanitarian needs, with women and girls disproportionately impacted.
Contaminated and stagnant floodwaters are heightening health risks, contributing to outbreaks of arboviral diseases in Cuba, leptospirosis in Jamaica, and cholera in Haiti. Pregnant women face heightened danger, as infections can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby.
In coordination with national authorities, UN agencies and local partners, UNFPA is delivering life-saving sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence prevention and response across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.
Through support to 51 health facilities, four mobile clinics and nine women and girls’ safe spaces, UNFPA reached 22,061 people with sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services between 19-30 November 2025.
However, with only 4 per cent of UNFPA’s US$9.93 million appeal funded, without urgent support, critical gaps in care will widen, and women and girls will be left without essential and lifesaving health and protection services
