Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Kevin Harvey, is encouraging health workers to continue to work to stem the spread of chikungunya and assist the ministry with the measures being put in place to be in a position to respond quickly and adequately to any possible introduction of the Ebola virus.

Harvey was speaking against the background of the present chikungunya outbreak and a heightened preparedness for the Ebola virus, given the current outbreak in some parts of West Africa.

Securing health

Harvey notes that the work and support of health workers is invaluable, with respect to securing the health of each Jamaican and maintaining good public health, generally.

"We have to be vigilant, calm and objective during this time, remembering our training as health care professionals and leaders of the nation in this fight as we move to control the spread of chikungunya and ensure that we are in a position to respond quickly and adequately to any possible introduction of Ebola," Dr Harvey said.

He added that health workers should assist with educating members of the public so that they are empowered to take measures to protect themselves and their families from these diseases.

He said as front-line workers who are generally well-respected health workers are in a position to make a meaningful and positive impact at the community level through public education and other prevention and treatment intervention.

Harvey thanked the workers, who themselves are at risk of contracting these diseases, and urge them to continue to put the health of Jamaicans first.