Senator Michael Joseph, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment, has issued a stark warning about the escalating health challenges in Antigua and Barbuda. The nation is grappling with a dual burden: a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and a concerning decline in vaccination rates globally. Speaking on ABS-TV’s ‘Government in Motion,’ Joseph emphasized that the Caribbean region currently leads in the prevalence of NCDs, which are now the primary cause of death. He highlighted high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, strokes, and cancer as the most pressing concerns, noting that these conditions are placing immense financial strain on the country’s health budget. ‘Unless we find mechanisms to address these issues, the financial demands will create a health crisis worse than the current situation,’ he stated. Joseph also expressed alarm over the global trend of declining vaccination coverage, particularly in developed nations where school vaccination requirements are being rolled back. He warned that this could lead to the resurgence of infectious diseases like measles, mumps, rubella, and polio in the Caribbean. Given Antigua and Barbuda’s reliance on tourism and its strong travel connections, the senator stressed the heightened risk of imported communicable diseases. He revealed that the government is collaborating with regional and international health partners, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), to bolster prevention and treatment strategies. Joseph urged households to reconsider their stance on vaccinations, emphasizing the critical need to protect public health and avoid further strain on the nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
Minister Warns of Growing Health Threats from Diabetes and Falling Vaccination Rates
