In a landmark initiative to bolster national health systems, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, supported by the Direct Relief-funded Enhancing Health Infrastructure and Resilience (EHIR) project, delivered critical resources to the Ministry of Health of Antigua and Barbuda on August 29th, 2025. The donation included two vehicles, thirty laptops, and ten tablets, aimed at enhancing vector control and epidemiological surveillance efforts. These resources are expected to significantly improve the Ministry’s capacity to monitor disease trends, coordinate rapid responses, and implement targeted interventions to curb the spread of vector-borne and communicable diseases. The vehicles will provide essential mobility for health teams in field operations, while the laptops and tablets will streamline data collection, analysis, and reporting for surveillance programs. The handover ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, was attended by key officials, including the Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, and senior representatives from the OECS Commission. Sir Molwyn Joseph highlighted the growing impact of climate change on the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses and stressed the importance of continued vigilance. He expressed profound gratitude to the OECS, Direct Relief, and PAHO for their partnership, emphasizing the power of solidarity in addressing public health challenges. Dr Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director for Health, Social Inclusion, and Social Protection at the OECS Commission, underscored the project’s alignment with OECS Strategic Priority 4, which focuses on building resilience by strengthening communities, systems, infrastructure, and people. She framed the event as a celebration of collaborative solutions and regional cooperation, stating, ‘A victory for one is indeed a victory for all.’ This initiative underscores the OECS Commission’s commitment to fostering resilience and improving health outcomes across the region.
The OECS and Direct Relief Strengthen Vector Control and Surveillance in Antigua and Barbuda
