Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#Jamaica, October 4, 2023 – A massive three hundred and thirty one million dollars has been allocated to dengue fighting efforts in Jamaica as cases continue to rise.
Dr Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness in making the announcement broke down the allocated amount for specific efforts combating the diseases.
To the municipal corporations to undertake various works, its $96 million of public funding.
With $160 million, the National Works Agency will organize the cleaning of major drains in what is described as high-risk communities and it will be provided through the National Health Fund (NHF).
Another $75 million will be put towards the National Solid Waste Management Authority for the removal of bulky waste from communities across the country, also coming from the NHF.
Tufton was speaking at the House of Representatives on Tuesday October 3rd.
He reiterated the recent record of Dengue cases as of September 29th, from the Ministry’s National Surveillance Unit, which revealed that the number of presumed, suspected and confirmed Dengue cases has increased to 1,117 and that 160 of that number are confirmed dengue cases – 158 Dengue serotype 2; one serotype 3 and one serotype 4.
Consequently, the most affected is the five to 14-year-old age cohort, followed by children one-year-old and younger, Tufton pointed out.
