Ministry of Health hosts two-day Antimicrobial Stewardship Workshop at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, the Environment and Civil Service Affairs has taken a decisive step in addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, hosting a two-day Antimicrobial Stewardship Workshop at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) from April 16–17, 2026.
The initiative brought together a broad cross-section of healthcare professionals—including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, laboratory personnel, veterinarians, and public health officials—in a coordinated push to improve how antimicrobial medicines are used across Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system.
Abraham S.T. Weekes, Senior Technical Specialist with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Pharmaceutical Pooled Procurement Service
The sessions were led by Abraham S.T. Weekes, Senior Technical Specialist with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Pharmaceutical Pooled Procurement Service (OECS-PPS). With more than 20 years of experience in hospital pharmacy and regional pharmaceutical systems, Weekes guided participants through practical strategies aimed at strengthening antimicrobial stewardship.
Delivering opening remarks, Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige highlighted the urgency of confronting antimicrobial resistance, warning that it directly impacts patient outcomes, healthcare delivery, and the long-term sustainability of the health system.
“This is not just a clinical issue—it is a matter of national and regional health security,” she noted, emphasizing that the consequences extend beyond individual patients.
Gregg-Paige described the workshop as both timely and critical, stressing the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals in developing effective responses. She also underscored the need for a “One Health” approach, which recognises the link between human, animal, and environmental health, and called for stronger surveillance systems to track usage patterns and detect emerging resistance trends.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in case-based discussions and working sessions focused on improving antibiotic use in both clinical and community settings. Topics included the role of stewardship committees, governance frameworks, and strategies to promote the rational use of medicines.
Permanent Secretary Stacey Gregg-Paige addresses Antimicrobial Stewardship Workshop at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre
Healthcare professionals also took part in continuing education sessions aimed at reinforcing best practices, particularly among doctors and pharmacists.
Gregg-Paige encouraged participants to translate the discussions into concrete action, noting that the success of the initiative would ultimately depend on consistent implementation and measurable outcomes within the healthcare system.
Antimicrobial resistance continues to pose a serious global and regional public health threat. The Ministry maintains that strengthening stewardship efforts is key to protecting patient safety, ensuring effective treatment, and preserving the effectiveness of existing medicines.
The Ministry also expressed appreciation to the OECS-PPS and all stakeholders who contributed to the successful staging of the workshop.
I’m seeing the PS where is the minister? Haven’t seen much of him since he was replaced as an ABLP candidate