Ministry of Health & The Environment, Antigua and Barbuda

09/10/2026

💚 ONLY 3 DAYS TO GO! 💚🎉

The countdown is getting real! ⏰ In just 3 days, we’re bringing health, wellness, fitness, education and family fun together at the MBS Community Health & Wellness Fair!

📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
📍Villa Primary School
🎟️ FREE!

From health screenings and wellness services to nutrition, fitness, children's activities and more there’s something for everyone!

👀 When was the last time you checked in on your health?

Don’t wait for another day. Make time for YOU and your health! 💚

📲 Save the date, share this post and tag someone you’re bringing!

Each endeavouring, all achieving towards a healthier nation💚

CHECK. LEARN. MOVE. LIVE WELL.

08/10/2026

👁️ Happy World Sight Day 2026!

This World Sight Day, the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs reminds everyone that protecting our vision is essential to our health, independence and quality of life.

Adults aged 40 and over are encouraged to get screened through the Prime Minister's Vision Initiative, with free reading glasses provided to eligible persons. At the same time, the National School Screening Programme continues to screen students across Antigua and Barbuda, supporting early detection of vision problems and helping children see clearly as they learn and grow.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to promoting eye health, strengthening early detection and expanding access to quality eye care for people of all ages.

Healthy Eyes, Brighter Futures! 💚💛

08/10/2026

Breast Friends Cancer Awareness & Support Group will be hosting their Annual FREE Breast Cancer Screening on Saturday, 17 October, 2026 in the SLBMC Outpatient Clinic.

Registration is within the hours of 7am and noon. All women are asked to bring along their MBS card with them on the screening day.

For more information on this screening, you may contact:
Breast Friends- 728-9884
SLBMC- 484-2792/11 or 484-2788

08/10/2026

💚 ONLY 4 DAYS TO GO! 💚🎉

What can you expect at our Health Fair? We have activities for all!

🩺 Check your health - dental care, diabetic foot care and more!
🥗 Learn something new - basic first aid, fire safety and more!
💚 Hand and shoulder massages and much more!
💪🏾 Get moving with dancer boy Shan!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring the family, friends, neighbours, coworkers

📲 Save the date, share this post and tag someone who should be there!

📅 Sunday, October 11, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
🎟️ FREE!
📍Villa Primary School

CHECK. LEARN. MOVE. LIVE WELL.

08/10/2026

Antigua and Barbuda is pressing the Organization of American States to turn its mental health commitments into services people can use.

The twin-island state led the OAS’ observance of the second Inter-American Mental Health Week, during a meeting of the Permanent Council on Wednesday.

Health Minister Hon. Michael Joseph told the meeting in a recorded message, “No one should be left to navigate a crisis alone.”

https://youtu.be/kBZruNyyclg

Antigua and Barbuda is pressing the Organization of American States to turn its mental health commitments into services people can use. The twin-island state

07/10/2026

(Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister Joseph delivers poignant call for climate action following Tuvalu visit)

Following his visit to Tuvalu on 5–6 October 2026, the Honourable Michael Joseph, Minister for Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, shared his reflections at the Pre-COP31 Leaders’ Plenary in Fiji on the evening of 6 October, just hours after returning.

His remarks drew congratulations from participants and were described as poignant—a reality check that will help frame the high-level ministerial sessions on 7 and 8 October.

Drawing parallels between Tuvalu’s vulnerability and Barbuda’s experience following Hurricane Irma, Minister Joseph stressed that climate action must protect people, culture, livelihoods, dignity and sovereignty. He made clear that keeping 1.5°C within reach means keeping islands liveable and enabling communities to remain in the places they call home.

The Minister called for transformational investment and accessible, predictable climate finance, while affirming Antigua and Barbuda’s strong endorsement of the Taku Pakasoa Declaration and solidarity with the Pacific.

Minister Joseph is one of only two ministerial representatives from the Caribbean participating in the meeting, with Barbados also represented.

06/10/2026

The Prime Minister’s Vision Initiative is off to a great start in St John's Rural East! 👓

The initiative, being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and RestoringVision, is currently underway at the St. John’s Rural East Community Centre.

Persons 40 years and over are encouraged to come out, have their eyes screened and, where eligible, receive free reading glasses.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take care of your vision. Come out, get screened and see the difference!

06/10/2026

(Minister Michael Joseph Participates in Pre-COP31 Activities in Tuvalu)

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Michael Joseph, is in Tuvalu participating in the high-level Pre-COP31 activities, as Pacific leaders and partners gather to highlight the region’s climate vulnerabilities, resilience and adaptation priorities.

The programme has provided an opportunity for leaders to see firsthand some of Tuvalu’s climate adaptation and renewable energy initiatives, including solar farm installations, scientific research sites, reclaimed areas of land and the Funafuti causeway.

Minister Joseph joined Pacific leaders and development partners for the welcome activities, which featured youth representatives and traditional community welcome ceremonies.

The programme also included a visit to Vili Tavita (David’s Drill), a historic research borehole site, highlighting Tuvalu’s long-standing scientific efforts to understand its geological and environmental conditions.

The Pre-COP31 activities continue with visits to coastal adaptation project sites and a high-level Sautalaga at the Sir Tomasi Puapua Convention Centre.

Minister Joseph is participating in the discussions as Antigua and Barbuda continues to engage with regional and international partners on climate resilience, adaptation and the priorities of vulnerable Small Island Developing States.

06/10/2026

🚨AOSIS is live at Pre-COP!

SIDS Ministers and climate change leaders are coming together to build momentum for COP31, and we have an important announcement to make 🔊👀

Join us!

🗓 This Wednesday 7th October
⏰ 9:00am - 9:45am FJT
📍Ballroom 1, Sofitel Resort, Fiji

05/10/2026

(Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Participates in NCD Training in China)

Antigua and Barbuda was represented at a Training Workshop on Non-communicable Disease (NCD) Prevention and Control for Developing Countries, held in Beijing, China, from September 10–23, 2026.

The training was sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and organized by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC).

The four-member delegation comprised Samantha Moitt, Chief Nutrition Officer, Ministry of Health; Dr. Akweta Alexander, Medical Doctor, Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre; Caryl Michael, Matron, Hannah Thomas Hospital; and Patrice Defoe, Senior Clerk, Medical Benefits Scheme.

The two-week programme included lectures, visits to health centres and hospitals, study tours, health demonstration areas, and cultural experiences. Participants were exposed to China’s approaches to NCD prevention and control, including strategies addressing cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and major NCD risk factors.

A key focus of the training was the Healthy China 2030 Initiative, particularly the use of surveillance data to identify health priorities, guide interventions, and monitor progress. Participants also explored innovative approaches to health-care delivery, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support outpatient services, monitor vital signs, and provide patients with reminders related to medication and healthy lifestyle practices.

For the Antigua and Barbuda delegation, the experience highlighted the importance of long-term planning, strong surveillance systems, innovation, and the effective use of data to guide health priorities.

While recognizing the differences between China and Antigua and Barbuda in population size, resources, and economic circumstances, the delegation noted that the experience demonstrated how sustained development can be achieved through a clear plan, consistent implementation, and regular review of progress.

The knowledge and experiences gained are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen NCD prevention, management, surveillance, health promotion, and the use of technology within Antigua and Barbuda’s health system.