Kingston, Jamaica (McN) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), donated 1.5 million condoms to the National Family Planning Board-Sexual Health Agency.
The USAID donated 1.5 million condoms for free distribution at Jamaica’s antenatal clinics, with aim to reduce the risk of sexual transmission of the Zika virus to pregnant women.
On Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at the handover ceremony, USAID’s Mission Director to Jamaica, Maura Barry-Boyle spoke on the partnership between the United States government and Jamaica in fighting the spread of the Zika virus in Jamaica.
“We at USAID are pleased to be a part of Jamaica’s national efforts to combat the Zika virus. USAID’s response is to support and strengthen local health systems that are affected in order to reduce the risk among pregnant women and their developing fetus within the womb,” said Barry-Boyle.
USAID’s Zika virus efforts include vector control, community outreach and psychosocial support.
The Zika virus is said to cause Microcephaly in babies born to mothers carrying the virus.
A case of a baby born with Microcephaly at the Kingston Jubilee hospital was recently reported by the heath department.
