With the advent of the 3rd Wave in mid-July 2021, due to the arrival of the Delta variant, Jamaica saw more severe cases demonstrated by the increased hospitalisation. This resulted in the hospitals being at maximum capacity and increased the need for more medical equipment and supplies to treat patients.

Whilst the positivity rate as of 2nd Nov 2021 has moderated to 7.7%, the situation continues to be dire, given the challenge with the low level of vaccine uptake. This is reflected in official figures that indicate that fully vaccinated people only account for 13.2% of the population. Because of this, the threat of hospitals exceeding capacity is still grave, with the very likely onset of another surge in COVID-19 cases.

YOU CAN HELP!

The funds raised will help to purchase much-needed medical equipment and supplies and will definitely assist the country to better manage through this heightened phase of the crisis. It will also help to strengthen the public health system and make it more sustainable.

The Jarrett Foundation's Jamaica COVID-19 Oxygen Equipment Appeal will really help the Kingston Public Hospital and the University Hospital of the West Indies to obtain a manageable capacity.

The hospitals need:

2,000 High Flow Nasal Cannula Machines £7,200 each

100 Oxygen Concentrators £1,700 each

The Ministry of Health and Wellness would like to thank The Jarrett Foundation and the UK Diaspora for our continued generous support.