St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, 21 February 2017 (PAHO/WHO) - PAHO Director Dr Carissa Etienne met with the Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, as part of her official visit to Antigua. Dr. Etienne is also attending the Caribbean Country and subregional managers meeting this week.
During her meeting with the Prime Minister, the Director emphasised the importance of prevention of non-communicable diseases, which she explained are not only causing the majority of deaths in Antigua and Barbuda, but are the main cause of premature deaths and disability in this twin island state.
The Director congratulated the Government of Antigua and Barbuda on the advances they have made in their health systems, and for publishing the first national health plan which not only covers treatment, but also looks at wellness issues. The Hon. Browne expressed his concern about the impact of noncommunicable diseases to the economy of the country, not only due to treatment costs, but also because of the societal costs of young persons not being fully productive due to disease. Prime Minister Browne pledged his support to PAHO and will be supporting any proposal that will be raised by CARICOM Heads of government, related to the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases.
Prime Minister Browne thanked PAHO for its continued support and for being a good partner in the health progression of Antigua and Barbuda.
