Cancer Care and Climate Resilience to Lead CHOGM Spouses’ Programme

Cancer care, climate resilience and community support will feature prominently in the programme for spouses and partners attending the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.

Minister for Works and Housing Maria Bird-Browne met on Friday with Cyril Layrea, spouse of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, to discuss the November 4 programme and its emphasis on dialogue and collaboration.

Browne said the activities are intended to showcase Antigua and Barbuda while providing a platform to address issues affecting families, communities and vulnerable populations.

“We want our guests to leave not only with wonderful memories of our country but also with a deeper appreciation of the issues that unite us as Commonwealth nations,” she said.

A central engagement will be a session on Cancer Control and Health Systems Strengthening in the Commonwealth at the John E. St. Luce Finance and Conference Centre.

The session will feature Professor Rifat Atun, Chair of the Lancet Oncology Commission on Cancer in the Commonwealth, alongside high-level reflections from First Ladies. Participants will examine the Commission’s recommendations and opportunities to improve cancer care.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Accelerating Cervical Cancer Elimination Programme will also be highlighted, demonstrating the country’s work to strengthen prevention, early detection and access to care.

Representatives of Gavi and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization are scheduled to contribute, with the programme also including the official launch of The Lancet Oncology Commission.

Layrea welcomed the opportunity to use the spouses’ engagements to strengthen relationships and draw attention to challenges requiring collective action.

“Through these activities, we can encourage greater awareness, share experiences and identify opportunities for collaboration, particularly in areas such as health, climate resilience and sustainable development,” he said.

Following the conference session, participants will visit Friends of the Care Project at the former Holberton Hospital to learn about the organisation’s work and engage with children.

The programme will then move to The Hut Little Jumby for discussions under the theme Commonwealth Togetherness.

Browne is expected to address unity and cooperation among Commonwealth nations, while Layrea will speak on sustainable and climate-resilient partnerships from the perspective of spouses.

Diana Fox Carney will also address economic and climate policies designed for developing nations. A cultural presentation will introduce participants to Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage.

Browne expressed confidence that the programme would offer a meaningful experience while encouraging partnerships to address shared challenges across the Commonwealth.