The Health Resources and Services Administration allocated $7 million for workforce development initiatives to address Zika in Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Approximately $6 million will support loan repayments for 104 clinicians who have committed to serving in high-need areas for three years. This initiative will expand availability to primary care and behavioral healthcare in communities hard hit by the Zika virus. The remaining funds will support telemedicine efforts to treat Zika in these areas.
"Zika is a chronic condition that requires consistent follow-up and management, and whose effects may not be obvious until the first few months or years of life," said Michael C. Lu, MD, HRSA associate administrator for maternal and child health. "We hope today's awards ultimately empower communities by supporting optimal health and development and improving access to appropriate clinical care for children affected by Zika."
As of July 19, the CDC has recorded 36,839 cases of Zika acquired through presumed local mosquito-borne transmission in U.S. territories.
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