Antigua & Barbuda has officially joined a regional health strategy aimed at building stronger health systems, tackling risks from climate change, and closing gaps in access to care.

The country signed the Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (2026–2031) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean during a session of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in Washington, D.C. Senator Michael Joseph signed on behalf of the government, alongside Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kamaria DeCastro.

Officials say the region is facing the “dual burden” of high rates of non-communicable diseases and persistent infectious diseases, all while coping with increased climate threats. The new strategy centers on five priority areas and 16 commitments. Key goals include improving health information systems, fair distribution of resources, sustainable health financing, and building facilities resilient to climate impacts.

Senator Joseph noted that while life expectancy is relatively high in the region, serious equity challenges remain—especially for marginalized groups. He praised recent regional steps: stronger primary care, national health insurance efforts, more focus on mental health, and adoption of digital health systems.

He called today’s signing more than symbolic, saying it reaffirms Antigua & Barbuda’s promise to build inclusive health systems “that leave no one behind.”