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Hurricane Maria makes landfall in Puerto Rico in 2017
increased transmission of vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus; a higher incidence of respiratory disease, as well as water- and food-borne disease (from contamination of safe water supplies), and heat-induced conditions such as heat stress and heatstroke, which can trigger cardiovascular conditions. Natural disasters such as hurricanes result in injuries, fatalities and mental health impacts that have long-lasting implications for regional healthcare systems. As the Caribbean archipel- ago lies on the Atlantic Hurricane Belt, it is faced annually by the threat of high intensity storms causing widespread damage. In 2024, the National Oce- anic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above-normal hurricane season with 17–25 named storms. Hur- ricane Beryl, which severely affected the islands of the Grenadines, was the earliest Category 5 storm on record to hit the Atlantic basin. The devastation
across a range of sectors are essential to ensuring the future resilience of the region. To support this effort, SIDS have long called for greater advocacy, supporting partnerships, evidence building, predictable and sustained access to low-cost, long-term financ- ing and climate justice. Adaptation and mitigation In assessing the vulnerabilities of Car- ibbean health systems to the onslaught of climate change and linking to the selection of appropriate resilience, adaptation and mitigation measures, the generation and implementation of health national adaptation plans are key. Such plans outline infra- structural investment and strategic actions that can protect health and build climate-resilient health systems. Inherent in this is the anticipation and transformation of public health to adapt to a changing climate, to pro- tect populations and manage health
to these islands was significant, with more than 98% loss of infrastructure recorded on Carriacou. In the second pathway, climate- driven human migration and popula- tion displacement can lead to loss of livelihood, heightened poverty levels, reduced work capacities and produc- tivity. Taken together, these effects limit progress towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals by the Caribbean SIDS. Hence, climate adaptation and mitigation strategies THE LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN REGION IS THE SECOND MOST DISASTER-PRONE REGION GLOBALLY
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