The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of a Department of Public Health Intelligence and Surveillance (DPHIS) within the Ministry of Health, marking a significant step in the modernisation and integration of the nation's public health infrastructure.
The new department will merge the existing Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and the Health Information Division into a single, coordinated body. The consolidation is designed to eliminate fragmentation, reduce duplication of effort, and strengthen the country's capacity to generate timely, accurate, and actionable health data to guide policy, planning, and emergency response.
The DPHIS will enhance real-time data integration, improve surveillance and early warning systems, and support evidence-based decision-making across the health sector. Cabinet also approved a comprehensive governance framework for the department, including the establishment of appropriate leadership structures, coordination mechanisms, and reporting requirements to ensure accountability.
In line with global best practices, the new department will adopt a One Health approach — recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This framework will strengthen national capacity to address zoonotic diseases, environmental hazards, and climate-related health risks.
Cabinet further endorsed a phased transition away from predominantly paper-based systems toward fully integrated digital surveillance and health information platforms. This includes the implementation of electronic surveillance tools, early warning and response systems, and interoperable data infrastructure to support comprehensive public health intelligence.
To operationalise the department, Cabinet approved the allocation of the necessary financial, human, and technical resources. Investments will be directed toward health informatics, data analytics, systems integration, and workforce development to ensure a sustainable rollout.
The Ministry of Health has been directed to implement the approved measures and provide periodic progress reports to Cabinet on the department's performance and outcomes.
