Antigua and Barbuda Eyes AI and Wider PAHO Support to Strengthen Healthcare
Health officials are exploring artificial intelligence, improved access to medicines and equipment, and stronger primary healthcare services through an expanded partnership with PAHO.
By Cory Wayland
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.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2026/10/04/antigua-and-barbuda-eyes-ai-and-wider-paho-support-to-strengthen-healthcare. © 2026 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.
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Comments (2)
Juju Bee October 4, 2026, 10:41 AM
Im especially interested in seeing improvements in our healthcare services. Bring back Dr Benjamin
ReplyUnfiltered View October 5, 2026, 9:31 AM
This is a positive step forward for healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda. Strengthening our partnership with PAHO, improving access to essential medicines and equipment, and exploring the responsible use of AI can help create a more efficient and accessible healthcare system. Looking forward to seeing these initiatives translate into real improvements for patients and healthcare workers.
Reply