Senator Joseph Highlights Regional Health Gains at Washington Meeting

In a landmark gathering in Washington, D.C., Antigua and Barbuda’s Senator Michael Joseph played a pivotal role in advancing regional health initiatives during the 50th Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD–Health) Meeting. Chaired by Grenada’s Health Minister Philip Telesford, the event brought together health officials from across the Caribbean to address pressing health challenges and strengthen regional cooperation. Key outcomes included the endorsement of the Pandemic Agreement by CARICOM, the launch of the PAHO–CARICOM Cooperation Strategy, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CARICOM and HEDPAC. Discussions also focused on critical issues such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the intersection of crime and public health. Senator Joseph emphasized the urgency of building resilient health systems to combat climate and economic pressures, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in enhancing preparedness and response capabilities. The meeting marked a significant step forward in addressing the Caribbean’s health challenges and fostering a unified approach to public health.