In a significant move for public health collaboration, Antigua and Barbuda has formally ratified the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) for the period 2026–2031. The signing ceremony, held in St. John’s, marks a national commitment to a unified regional agenda designed to enhance health outcomes and tackle development challenges across Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean nations.
The Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, executed the official endorsement on behalf of the Antiguan and Barbudan government. The event was witnessed by Dr. Amalia Del Riego, the PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, signaling a strengthened partnership between the nation and the international health body.
This national ratification follows a broader regional launch event convened in Washington, D.C., in September 2025, where health ministers from across the Eastern Caribbean collectively pledged their support for the strategic framework.
Forged through comprehensive dialogue between governmental authorities and PAHO technical experts, the MCCS 2026–2031 establishes a cooperative blueprint to confront pressing health issues. Its core objectives are structured around five pivotal pillars: reinforcing health governance and leadership; combating the spread of communicable diseases; mitigating the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions; driving the transformation of national health systems; and developing health infrastructures resilient to climate change impacts.
The ceremony was attended by key national figures, including Sen. Michael Joseph, the Junior Minister of Health, Dr. Kamaria De Castro, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Teri-Ann Joseph, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and personnel from PAHO’s decentralized office in Antigua and Barbuda.
Dr. Del Riego praised the nation’s proactive leadership, stating, “This formal endorsement by Antigua and Barbuda solidifies our mutual dedication to constructing more robust, equitable, and climate-resilient health systems. PAWHO anticipates ongoing cooperation to achieve tangible, sustainable improvements for the well-being of all citizens.”