$6 Billion Loss for Jamaica’s Economy from Chik V Epidemic
Last year’s crippling chikungunya epidemic was partially responsible for the economic contraction experienced during the months July to October 2014, according to president of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica PSOJ, William Mahfood.
According to Nationwide News, Mr. Mahfood spoke at the launch of the Medical Association of Jamaica’s Jubilee Celebrations in Kingston this morning.
13 million man hours were lost as a result of the chik-v outbreak, causing economic losses of 6 billion dollars, said Mahfood.
Mr. Mahfood stated the Chik-V virus exposed the vulnerability of the Jamaican economy to the impact of diseases.
He also said a considerable part of the reason the country was unable to adequately deal with the Chik-V virus was due to inadequate funding of the health sector.
Source: Nationwide News
Articles like these should become more useful to the policies that are made ,especially those of the Public Health. It is time that the policies and the governing bodies look at these data and start preparing for events like these. The economy is tied to having a healthy population! It must be a big part of the Governing body of any country!