The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is moving to deepen international partnerships aimed at strengthening the nation’s healthcare system, following high-level discussions with representatives from Mercy Ships Australia and the Margo Hartley Foundation.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, along with Health Minister Michael Joseph and Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, recently met with Alan Burrell, Founder of the Burrell Family Office and Managing Director of Mercy Ships Australia, and Margo Hartley, Founder of the Margo Hartley Foundation, to discuss future healthcare collaboration and sustainable development initiatives.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Browne expressed gratitude for the support Antigua and Barbuda has received from Mercy Ships Australia and its partners over the years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when the organization assisted the country with donations of personal protective equipment and medical supplies.

Officials also acknowledged the assistance provided during Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in 2024.

The partnership, which has been facilitated in part through the efforts of Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aurbry Webson, is expected to continue through collaboration with the SIDS Centre of Excellence based in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to the Government, discussions focused heavily on improving healthcare resilience, strengthening mental health initiatives, and identifying practical areas for future support and cooperation.

As part of their visit, Burrell and Hartley toured the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where they met with the hospital’s leadership team headed by Acting Medical Director Dr. Acheabea Dyer.

Hospital officials thanked the visiting delegation for the donation of two 40-foot shipping containers packed with medical supplies, describing the contribution as timely and significant for the healthcare sector.

The discussions at the hospital also centered on Antigua and Barbuda’s ongoing battle against non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as innovative screening programmes for children and adults, nutrition and wellness initiatives, and the Government’s growing focus on mental health awareness and care.

Burrell and Hartley commended the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for its continued efforts to improve patient care and public health outcomes.

Government officials say the administration remains committed to building meaningful international partnerships that can strengthen healthcare delivery, improve public health services, and enhance national resilience.