Antigua and Barbuda Eyes AI and Wider PAHO Support to Strengthen Healthcare

Antigua and Barbuda is looking to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as part of a wider push to modernise healthcare delivery, as the country moves to deepen its partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Health Minister Michael Joseph and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro held high-level talks with PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Deputy Director Dr. Rhonda Sealey-Thomas and other senior officials on the margins of PAHO’s 63rd Directing Council.

The discussions focused on areas where PAHO could provide greater technical and practical support to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s health system.

Among the issues explored was how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies could be incorporated into the country’s healthcare response, with the aim of improving the delivery and efficiency of health services.

Access to critical medicines and medical equipment was also high on the agenda.

Officials discussed expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s use of PAHO’s Revolving Fund and Strategic Fund mechanisms, which could help the country procure high-cost pharmaceuticals and medical equipment while addressing existing gaps within the health sector.

Strengthening primary healthcare was another major focus of the talks.
The two sides examined potential partnerships and practical measures to address human-resource shortages, particularly the need to ensure primary healthcare facilities have sufficient personnel and support to effectively serve communities.

The discussions form part of Antigua and Barbuda’s broader effort to use regional partnerships, technical cooperation and new technology to improve the resilience and effectiveness of the national health system.