Cuba asked to assist with Jamaica's "Ebola preparation"

The Jamaican Government has asked its Cuban counterpart to assist in the country's Ebola preparedness training.

Environment Minister Robert Pickersgill, speaking in Kingston on Thursday night, disclosed that the Cubans have already been contacted, and asked for help "with our preparations, and specifically, the training of our health care professionals, coordinators, and first-responders."

He reported that the training of healthcare professionals started in August, "and will be intensified." In addition, he said, surveilance at the country's ports of entry had been increased.

The Minister revealed that the Jamaica Defence Force, "in consultation with the Ministry of Health," will finalise the country's Ebola response master plan.

Mr. Pickersgill was delivering the Prime Minister's statement at the 10th staging of the Courtney Walsh Award for Excellence.