HHS will provide nearly $39 million in funding to 23 health centers across Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands to bolster efforts against Zika. Additionally, two primary care associations will receive $1 million in Zika funds.
The money will be used over a three-year period to improve the capabilities of local primary care providers to offer better preventative Zika services and treatment plans for those infected, especially pregnant mothers.
"Health centers in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories are on the front lines of fighting Zika," said HHS Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. "These awards will help provide training and technical assistance to health centers in developing and implementing activities to address immediate and anticipated Zika-related prevention and primary healthcare needs."
As of Dec. 7, the CDC has reported nearly 33,000 cases of Zika on the island of Puerto Rico.
More articles on the Zika virus:
Another Miami neighborhood cleared of active local Zika transmission
28 babies born with Zika-related birth defects in US
Last zone of local Zika transmission lifted in Miami Beach