In a landmark move to address pressing health challenges, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has joined forces with the governments of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries to sign the Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031. The agreement was formalized in Washington, D.C., during the sidelines of the 62nd Directing Council of PAHO. The signing ceremony was attended by PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Barbados’ Minister of Health Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, and Grenada’s Minister of Health Hon. Philip Telesford, with other Ministers of Health set to follow suit. The MCCS aims to enhance health and development across seven nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These countries, with a combined population of over 886,000, are characterized by stable parliamentary democracies and a predominantly African descent population, alongside indigenous Kalinago and Garifuna communities. The strategy was developed through extensive consultations with Member States, civil society, and development partners, focusing on critical health issues such as high rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), persistent infectious diseases, and the growing impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Despite high life expectancy, health inequities driven by social and economic factors remain a challenge, compounded by health system issues like workforce shortages and high out-of-pocket spending. The MCCS prioritizes strengthening health systems, expanding primary health care, and building climate-resilient infrastructure through initiatives like PAHO’s Smart Hospitals program. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized the shared commitment to transform health systems, address inequities, and build resilience against climate and health threats. The strategy outlines five Strategic Priorities and 16 Strategic Deliverables, focusing on strengthening health governance, combating communicable diseases, reducing NCDs and mental health burdens, transforming health systems, and building climate-resilient health systems. These priorities align with regional frameworks like the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), fostering collaboration to address shared challenges such as economic dependencies and climate risks, exemplified by the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The MCCS builds on progress in NCD prevention, mental health integration, and digital health transformation, while strengthening partnerships with organizations like CARPHA, UNICEF, and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition to ensure inclusive, community-driven solutions. It is a call to action for governments, communities, and partners to work together toward a healthier, more resilient Caribbean.
PAHO/WHO and Antigua and Barbuda sign multi-country cooperation strategy 2026-2031 to advance health and resilience
