The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is moving to deepen international partnerships aimed at strengthening the nation's healthcare system, following high-level discussions with representatives from Mercy Ships Australia and the Margo Hartley Foundation.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Health Minister Michael Joseph, and Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez recently met with Alan Burrell, Founder of the Burrell Family Office and Managing Director of Mercy Ships Australia, and Margo Hartley, Founder of the Margo Hartley Foundation. The talks centred on future healthcare collaboration and sustainable development initiatives.
Prime Minister Browne expressed gratitude for the support Antigua and Barbuda has received from Mercy Ships Australia and its partners over the years, highlighting the organisation's contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it donated personal protective equipment and medical supplies to the country. Officials also acknowledged the assistance provided during Antigua and Barbuda's hosting of the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) in 2024.
The partnership has been facilitated in part through the efforts of Antigua and Barbuda's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Aurbry Webson, and is expected to continue through collaboration with the SIDS Centre of Excellence based in Antigua and Barbuda. Discussions focused heavily on improving healthcare resilience, strengthening mental health initiatives, and identifying practical areas for future support and cooperation.
As part of their visit, Burrell and Hartley toured the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where they met with the hospital's leadership team headed by Acting Medical Director Dr. Acheabea Dyer. Hospital officials thanked the visiting delegation for donating two 40-foot shipping containers packed with medical supplies, describing the contribution as timely and significant for the healthcare sector.
Talks at the hospital also addressed Antigua and Barbuda's ongoing battle against non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, as well as innovative screening programmes for children and adults, nutrition and wellness initiatives, and the Government's growing focus on mental health awareness and care. Burrell and Hartley commended the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre for its continued efforts to improve patient care and public health outcomes.
The Government says the administration remains committed to building meaningful international partnerships that strengthen healthcare delivery, improve public health services, and enhance national resilience.
