CARPHA prepared to assist Member States in Public Health, Water, Hygiene and Sanitation as Irma approaches

Dr. Virginia Asin-Oostburg, Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in an interview with the Department of Communication (DCOMM) on Friday, said CARPHA along with other partners are monitoring Hurricane Irma.

“At present, Hurricane Irma poses no immediate threat to any CARPHA member states.

“According to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Irma is a major category 3 hurricane and given its potential to strengthen and impact the Caribbean, CARPHA urges member states to continue to monitor the progress of this system.

“A number of countries have commenced preparatory activities and we stand ready to provide assistance upon request should the need be especially on issues relating to public health, water, hygiene and sanitation.

“Member States are encouraged to review their disaster plans and to carry out simulations to ensure that they can respond in the event of any emergencies.

“We will continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Irma and provide updates as necessary to member states as we receive these updates from CDEMA,” Dr. Virginia Asin said on Friday.