The World Health Organization (WHO) has removed its Zika virus country classification scheme from countries in the Caribbean.
The scheme had categorised most of the Caribbean territories as having active Zika virus transmission.
The reclassification by the WHO comes on the heels of data released by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), giving evidence that the Zika virus transmission in the Caribbean had been interrupted for more than 12 months or was at undetectable levels.
CARPHA said it therefore posed very little risk to residents and visitors to the region.
CARICOM had written a letter to the WHO Director General calling for the immediate reclassification of CARPHA Member States from Category 1 (having active Zika transmission) to Category 3 (having no Zika transmission).
CARICOM argued that the classification system had outlived its useful purpose and was having an adverse impact on tourism.
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