Antigua and Barbuda’s Health Minister participates in PAHO/WHO orientation

Bridgetown, Barbados, 18 August 2026 (PAHO/WHO) - The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries hosted Antigua and Barbuda's recently appointed Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the Honourable Michael Joseph, for an orientation on PAHO/WHO, its governance mechanisms and ongoing technical cooperation with Antigua and Barbuda.

The virtual meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs and members of the PAHO/WHO country team, led by Interim PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Prabhjot Singh.

The orientation provided an overview of the history and mandate of PAHO/WHO, its Governing Bodies and Programme of Work, as well as ongoing technical cooperation activities with Antigua and Barbuda. The presentation provided a basis for further discussion on current priorities and opportunities to strengthen collaboration.

Building on the orientation, Minister Joseph and the PAHO/WHO team discussed current and emerging health priorities in Antigua and Barbuda and opportunities to further strengthen collaboration. Particular attention was given to improving access to essential and high-cost medicines, including medications for mental health conditions and cancer treatment.

The discussion explored opportunities to strengthen access to these medicines through regional and pooled procurement mechanisms, including the PAHO Strategic Fund and the OECS Pharmaceutical Procurement Service (PPS). These mechanisms can support countries in improving access to quality-assured medicines and health technologies while strengthening procurement efficiencies and affordability.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss Antigua and Barbuda's participation in the upcoming PAHO Directing Council, where Ministers of Health and other high-level representatives from across the Americas will consider regional health priorities, policies and strategies and contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the Organization.

Dr. Singh reaffirmed PAHO/WHO's commitment to working closely with Minister Joseph, the Ministry and other national partners to advance Antigua and Barbuda's health priorities.

The orientation forms part of PAHO/WHO's ongoing engagement with national authorities to strengthen understanding of the Organization's governance and technical cooperation mechanisms and to ensure that its support remains responsive to country priorities.