PAHO will guide the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s new mental health facility.
Retrofitting work is expected to start after technical recommendations arrive.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph said the government relies on PAHO for design and operations guidance.
The facility is being converted from a former religious building.

“We decided to rely on experts,” Joseph said.
He noted the project also benefits from WHO resources.

PAHO is expected to submit its recommendations by the end of this month or early next month.
After that, the government will begin physical retrofitting and legislative steps.

Joseph emphasized the building needs major modifications before it can serve as a behavioral health unit.
“You just don’t move a behavioral health unit into a church,” he explained.

The facility’s opening also depends on updated mental health legislation.
“The Mental Health Act must pass before we begin operations,” Joseph added.

Governance and management structures will follow PAHO’s guidance.
“We won’t know the management framework until we see PAHO’s recommendations,” he said.

Joseph praised PAHO’s expertise and long history.
“PAHO existed before WHO and is highly experienced,” he said.

He expressed confidence in PAHO’s role in shaping both program effectiveness and facility design.
“We are confident they will guide us to create one of the most effective programs,” Joseph said.

Health officials confirmed implementation will likely begin in February.
This marks a key step in expanding and modernizing mental health services.

Ultimately, PAHO’s involvement aims to ensure a safe, modern, and effective facility.
The government hopes the project will significantly improve behavioral health care nationwide.

In the meantime, planning continues alongside legislative preparation.
Officials say the facility will serve as a cornerstone of mental health development.

Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to support the process.
The government stressed that expert guidance ensures quality and sustainability for years to come.

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