KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica has launched a comprehensive “Health After Action Review” (AAR) in the aftermath of the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa last October that officials say marks a pivotal step in strengthening the country’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery systems.
PAHO/WHO Representative to Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands, Ian Stein, (right) greets senior ministry officials at he launch (JIS Photo)The project is in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), whose representative to Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands, Ian Stein, said he was appreciative of the leadership role undertaken by the 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.
“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 told the two day-event that ends later on Wednesday.
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,” . Stein said, underscoring the importance of candid dialogue during the two-day review and encouraging participants to openly share their experiences and insights.
He said 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,” Stein said, commending 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,” Stein said, reaffirming PAHO’s solidarity with Jamaica and 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,” Stein said.
