Antigua and Barbuda Signs Regional Health Strategy with PAHO/WHO

Antigua and Barbuda has officially endorsed the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Multi‑Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031, a landmark move aimed at strengthening health systems and tackling key health challenges across the Eastern Caribbean.

The signing ceremony, held in St. John’s, was presided over by Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, who signed on behalf of the Government. Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, witnessed the occasion, reaffirming the Organization’s ongoing support for regional health initiatives.

The MCCS 2026–2031, initially launched at a multi-country event in Washington, D.C., in September 2025, outlines a collaborative framework to address priority health concerns. The Strategy focuses on strengthening health governance, combating communicable diseases, reducing non-communicable and mental health burdens, transforming health systems, and building climate-resilient health infrastructure.

Among those in attendance were Sen. Michael Joseph, Junior Minister of Health, Dr. Kamaria De Castro, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and staff from PAHO’s local office in Antigua and Barbuda. Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to implementing the Strategy at the national level.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Del Riego praised Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership, noting that the endorsement “reinforces our shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient, and more equitable health systems” and expressed optimism for long-term impact across the population.