China Commits to Expanded Support for Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Sector

Antigua and Barbuda is poised to benefit from major advancements in its healthcare system, following a renewed commitment from the People’s Republic of China to assist with the further development and strengthening of the sector.

The pledge emerged from a high-level courtesy call on Prime Minister Gaston Browne by China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Jiang Wei, accompanied by a delegation from the Center for Caribbean Studies at Hangzhou Normal University.

The delegation was led by Professor Zhang Xingwei, Director of the university’s Affiliated Hospital and Dean of its School of Clinical Medicine, who is also a leading cardiovascular specialist.

During the meeting, both sides engaged in what were described as constructive and forward-looking discussions focused on expanding healthcare cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Jiang underscored that healthcare collaboration remains a key pillar of China–Antigua and Barbuda relations and reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement in this area.

She noted that recently concluded cooperation agreements between the medical team of the Center for Caribbean Studies at Hangzhou Normal University and Antigua and Barbuda are expected to facilitate the exchange of medical expertise, technologies, and best practices. Ambassador Jiang also indicated China’s willingness to broaden cooperation in the training of medical personnel, with a particular focus on helping Antigua and Barbuda develop more locally trained doctors.

“China stands ready to contribute meaningfully to the protection and improvement of the health and well-being of the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” the ambassador said.

Prime Minister Browne expressed heartfelt appreciation for China’s continued assistance to Antigua and Barbuda, particularly in infrastructure development and agriculture, and welcomed the expansion of cooperation into the health sector.

He described the move as a significant and practical evolution in bilateral relations and said the government is eager to leverage institutions such as Hangzhou Normal University and its Affiliated Hospital to provide sustained professional training for local healthcare practitioners.

Professor Zhang conveyed greetings from Professor Tang Ruikang, President of Hangzhou Normal University, and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Browne to visit the institution. The Prime Minister responded positively, noting his previous visits to China and the university, and expressed his interest in returning in the near future.

Professor Zhang also outlined the delegation’s recent activities in Antigua and Barbuda, including academic exchanges and the signing of cooperation agreements. He highlighted the Affiliated Hospital’s expertise in cardiovascular care, particularly in the establishment and management of chest pain centers, and expressed the institution’s readiness to assist in creating a similar facility in Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and Hangzhou Normal University.

At the Prime Minister’s request, Professor Zhang later delivered a public lecture on the prevention of cardiovascular diseases to Prime Minister Browne and members of Cabinet.

The session featured active engagement, with government officials posing detailed questions on cardiovascular health and receiving comprehensive responses.

Following the lecture, Prime Minister Browne praised the delegation for its visit and the quality of the presentation, expressing gratitude for China’s continued partnership and reaffirming the government’s interest in deepening cooperation in healthcare and medical education.