Antigua Among Caribbean Nations Facing Critical Health Worker Shortages, PAHO Report Warns

Antigua and Barbuda stands out as one of the few Caribbean nations with a significant midwifery presence, even as a new Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) report reveals alarming health workforce shortages across the Americas that could reach 2 million workers by 2030.

The comprehensive PAHO study, released yesterday, identifies 14 countries in the region currently lacking sufficient doctors, nurses, and midwives to meet their populations’ health needs. Without urgent intervention, this shortage threatens to undermine universal health access throughout the hemisphere.

“The health workforce is the backbone of our health care systems; without health care workers, it is simply not possible to speak of universal access or universal coverage,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director.

While the Americas region averages 66.57 health workers per 10,000 people—exceeding the WHO benchmark of 44.5—this mask profound inequalities. Nations like Haiti (6.38) and Honduras (7.13) face critical shortages, while countries such as Cuba and the United States have nearly four times the recommended numbers.

Antigua and Barbuda was specifically highlighted for its relatively strong midwifery presence, placing it among a select group of English-speaking Caribbean countries maintaining this crucial profession. Midwives provide essential care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods that can be “life-changing for mothers and children,” according to the report.

The study examined eight key healthcare occupations across 39 countries, revealing nursing as predominantly female (89.78%) with densities varying dramatically from 131.5 nurses per 10,000 people in the United States to just 3.84 in Haiti.

Dr. James Fitzgerald, Director of PAHO’s Department of Health Systems and Services, warned that “without decisive action, these gaps will limit the ability of health systems to respond to the needs of the population.”

PAHO is advocating for strengthened human resources information systems, increased training in midwifery and psychology, and improved policies to retain talent, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.

The report concludes that strategic investments in training, regulation, working conditions, and health worker distribution are essential to achieve equitable and resilient health systems throughout the Americas.