Historic Signing in Washington, D.C.
Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing public health and regional solidarity by signing the Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026–2031 with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The signing ceremony took place on September 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the 62nd Directing Council of PAHO.
Representing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Senator Michael Joseph, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, formally signed the agreement. He was accompanied by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro.
Addressing Critical Health Challenges
The MCCS 2026–2031 outlines a medium-term vision for health and development across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This comprehensive strategy is designed to strengthen health systems, confront emerging challenges, and ensure equitable, people-centred care for all citizens in the region.
Senator Joseph highlighted the significant health challenges facing the Caribbean, stating, 'Our countries stand at a pivotal moment. We face the dual burden of high rates of non-communicable diseases alongside persistent infectious threats, now compounded by the growing reality of climate-related disasters.' He also noted that despite relatively high life expectancy, 'equity gaps persist, widened by income inequality, vulnerabilities among marginalised groups, and long-standing health system challenges such as workforce shortages, financing constraints, and high out-of-pocket spending.'
Strategic Priorities and Future Outlook
Developed through extensive consultations with governments, civil society, and development partners, the MCCS identifies five strategic priorities and sixteen deliverables. These priorities aim to:
- Strengthen health governance and leadership for equitable and sustainable systems.
- Combat communicable diseases through innovative, people-centered services and enhanced immunization programs.
- Reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health burdens by promoting healthy lifestyles and integrating care into primary health systems.
- Transform health systems to deliver person-centered, equitable care across the life course.
The strategy builds upon previous cooperation frameworks, including the 2018-2024 Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy, marking a continued commitment to regional health resilience. Senator Joseph emphasized the significance of the new agreement, stating, 'This is more than a signing ceremony. It is a renewal of our promise to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and to the wider region, that we will build sustainable, inclusive health systems that leave no one behind.'
6 Comments
Habibi
Senator Joseph's emphasis on 'leaving no one behind' is a powerful sentiment for public health. However, the success of this strategy hinges on translating these words into tangible improvements for every individual, especially those who struggle most with healthcare access and affordability.
Coccinella
Acknowledging the dual burden of NCDs and infectious diseases, plus climate impact, is crucial. Yet, without seriously addressing the chronic workforce shortages and high out-of-pocket costs, progress will be severely limited for many citizens.
Matzomaster
These international agreements often sound good but lack tangible local impact. Skeptical.
Rotfront
Addressing NCDs and climate impacts directly is exactly what our islands require. Hopeful!
Karamba
We've seen these 'visions' before. Our health systems still struggle with basic issues.
lettlelenok
The focus on equitable, person-centered care is a positive direction for healthcare transformation. Still, ensuring these services genuinely reach marginalized and vulnerable groups, beyond policy documents, remains a significant challenge.