Ministry of Health & The Environment, Antigua and Barbuda

22/08/2026

(Direct Relief Representatives Visit Antigua and Barbuda to Advance Health Partnership)

Direct Relief Regional Director for the Caribbean, Ms Genevieve Bitter, and Data Scientist, Ms Rachel Green, are in Antigua and Barbuda for a visit to review the organisation's work with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs and to explore opportunities for continued collaboration.

Direct Relief has supported Antigua and Barbuda through its partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with investments in epidemiological and entomological surveillance, the District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2), workforce capacity, transportation, technology and equipment for field operations. These interventions are improving the collection, validation, analysis and use of surveillance information, while enhancing field operations and supporting stronger links between data and public health action, including earlier identification of risks and more targeted prevention and response.

On Thursday 20 August, the Direct Relief representatives met with Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the Honourable Michael Joseph, for discussions on national health priorities and opportunities to further advance the partnership.

The meeting also included Acting Permanent Secretary - Primary Health Care, Mrs Marvo Newton-Richards; Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Teri-Ann Joseph; Deputy Chief Health Inspector, Mr Daryl Spencer; and other technical officers from the Ministry. As part of the visit, they also engaged with the technical team to review Phases 1 and 2 of the initiative, discuss implementation experiences and identify priority areas for future support.

Ms Bitter said the partnership has reached an important point as Direct Relief and the Ministry consider the way forward.

“The partnership between Direct Relief and the Ministry of Health Antigua is at a pivotal point to identify solutions for the enhancement of patient care services. We are committed to supporting the public health sector through material resources, strengthening preparedness initiatives and addressing regional issues including climate effects and resilience."

Minister Joseph emphasised that continued collaboration must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for the population.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every investment in health translates into stronger services and better outcomes for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. The partnership with Direct Relief has already strengthened critical areas of our public health system, particularly surveillance, preparedness and the use of health information to guide action. This visit allows us to build on those gains and, importantly, to look ahead. We are identifying where the next phase of collaboration can have the greatest impact - strengthening patient care, expanding prevention and early intervention, and continuing to build a health system that is proactive, responsive and resilient, with the needs of our people at its centre.”

The Ministry of Health welcomes Direct Relief's continued engagement and the opportunity to build on the work already undertaken, with future discussions focused on areas of mutual priority that can deliver meaningful and sustainable benefits for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

21/08/2026

Lace up your walking shoes and wear gold for a cause that touches all our hearts!

​We are honored to team up with the Micah Kitt Foundation to support the Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk. Bring the whole family and join us as we walk for hope, strength, and cures.

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20/08/2026

IMPORTANT BENEFICIARY ADVISORY

If you received Atorvastatin 10 mg or 20 mg from an MBS pharmacy during June 2026, please review this advisory and check the lot number on your medication package.

Medication matching either affected lot should be returned to the MBS Nevis Street Pharmacy for replacement.

For your convenience, our Nevis Street Pharmacy will be open on Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to facilitate returns and replacements.

Please do not discontinue any prescribed medication without first consulting a medical doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Read the advisory carefully and share it with anyone who may be affected.

20/08/2026

What began as a vision has now become a reality through collaboration, dedication and a shared commitment to improving the lives of persons living with sickle cell disease.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs officially opened the Sickle Cell Unit as a part of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center. This is a significant milestone in strengthening care, support and services for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.

A vision brought to fruition. A new chapter in sickle cell care begins.

Here are some of the highlights from the opening ceremony.

20/08/2026

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre opened the new Sickle Cell Unit on Monday 17 August 2026.

The specialised centre will provide medical care and family support to persons living with Sickle Cell Disease in Antigua and Barbuda. Outpatient services, preventative monitoring, and patient education are services that the Sickle Cell Unit will provide.

Medical Director of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre Dr Shivon Belle-Jarvis highlighted that, “for someone living with Sickle Cell Disease, care is not limited to what happens during a hospital visit. It is about having access to knowledgeable health professionals, receiving consistent follow-up, understanding your condition and knowing where to turn when you need support. This unit gives us an opportunity to bring that care together in a more coordinated way, and importantly, to listen more closely to what our patients and families need.”

It is estimated that the number of persons in Antigua & Barbuda living with Sickle Cell Disease is approximately 1000.

19/08/2026

Today, we’re celebrating a very special milestone as Baby Matteo graduates from our NICU!

Born at 29 weeks’ gestation and weighing 1.430 kg (approximately 3 lbs. 2 oz.), Matteo has come a long way. After 30 days of dedicated care, growth and support, he is now ready to head home with his mom, Olivia Davis.

We’re so proud of Matteo’s journey and grateful to our dedicated NICU team for the care they provided along the way.

Congratulations to Olivia and Baby Matteo on this wonderful milestone! Wishing you both a happy, healthy and beautiful journey home.

18/08/2026

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre officially opened its Sickle Cell Unit, marking an important step forward in strengthening care and support for people living with sickle cell disease and their families.

The opening brought together leaders from government and healthcare, members of the sickle cell community, patients and families, and partners and supporters who came together to celebrate this important milestone.

We’re proud to see this dedicated service come to life and look forward to the difference it will make for patients and families across Antigua and Barbuda.

This is about care, connection and a stronger support system for the sickle cell community.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟵, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

18/08/2026

A Sickle Cell Unit has officially opened on the grounds of the Old Holberton Hospital, offering specialised care for people living with sickle cell disease in Antigua and Barbuda.

Patients can begin accessing the unit's services as of Wednesday, August 19.

The unit will be overseen by Dr. Veena Vignarajah and is designed to manage acute pain crises quickly, while also providing wellness checks, patient education and psychosocial support.

It will integrate with the national newborn screening programme to support early diagnosis for affected families.

A Sickle Cell Unit has officially opened on the grounds of the Old Holberton Hospital, offering specialised care for people living with sickle cell disease in Antigua and Barbuda.

Patients can begin accessing the unit's services as of Wednesday, August 19.

The unit will be overseen by Dr. Veena Vignarajah and is designed to manage acute pain crises quickly, while also providing wellness checks, patient education and psychosocial support.

It will integrate with the national newborn screening programme to support early diagnosis for affected families.

More in this evening's edition of ABS News at 7.

18/08/2026

(Sickle Cell Centre Officially Opens in Antigua and Barbuda)

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially opened the Sickle Cell Centre marking an important milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen specialised care for persons living with sickle cell disease.

The new Centre provides a dedicated space for the delivery of more coordinated and patient-centred care, reflecting the Government’s commitment to improving access to specialised health services and enhancing the quality of life of persons living with sickle cell disease.

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the Honourable Michael Joseph, described the opening as more than the establishment of a physical facility, but as a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to persons living with sickle cell disease.

The Minister acknowledged the years of advocacy by patients, families, healthcare professionals and the Antigua and Barbuda Sickle Cell Association, noting that the Centre is an important step in responding to the needs of the sickle cell community.

The opening ceremony was attended by Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady Williams, as well as former Minister of Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, who played a role in advancing the development of services for persons living with sickle cell disease.

Also delivering remarks at the ceremony were Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis, Head of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, and Dr. Edda Hadeed, President of the Antigua and Barbuda Sickle Cell Association. Their participation highlighted the importance of collaboration among Government, healthcare providers, patient advocates and the wider community in advancing sickle cell care.

The establishment of the Centre is expected to strengthen the coordination of services for patients while providing a more supportive environment for the management of sickle cell disease.

Minister Joseph reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare services remain responsive to the needs of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs remains committed to expanding specialised healthcare services and ensuring that persons living with chronic conditions have access to compassionate, quality and equitable care.

The Health Ministry has officially opened the new Sickle Cell Unit ...

17/08/2026

👓 Public Servants Benefit from the Prime Minister’s Vision Programme

Public servants are among those benefiting from the Prime Minister’s Vision Programme, as persons 40 years and older visited the Villa Polyclinic over the past two weeks to receive reading glasses to support their everyday vision needs.

The initiative continues to improve access to basic vision support for people across Antigua and Barbuda, helping beneficiaries to read, work and carry out their daily activities with greater ease.