Bridgetown, Barbados, 4 March 2026 (PAHO) - Senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) convened on 4 March 2026 to advance joint planning for the Biennium Work Plan (BWP) 2026-2027, reaffirming Montserrat's commitment to strengthening primary health care, health financing, integrated care, and digital transformation.

The session included participation from the Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Ingrid Buffonge, Permanent Secretary Ms. Viola Alexander Smith, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharra Greenaway-Duberry, and the PAHO team led by PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Amalia Del Riego.

The meeting reviewed progress from the previous biennium, examined the impact of global budget reductions on PAHO operations, and outlined priority areas for technical cooperation for the upcoming two-year cycle.

Montserrat's leadership underscored the urgency of advancing the essential package of services, improving the overseas care pathway, and finalising the national health financing model. The Chief Medical Officer highlighted the need to define the essential basket of services to enable clearer cost projections, support budget negotiations, and strengthen sustainability of health spending.

Participants also stressed the importance of continued work in primary health care, legislative updates for the nursing and midwifery framework, and support for future work in data and baseline assessments.

Dr. Del Riego reiterated PAHO's commitment to continued collaboration despite funding challenges, noting that technical assistance will continue to be aligned with the priorities set jointly with the Government of Montserrat. She also acknowledged the development of a national voluntary contribution by Montserrat, noting it as the first in recent history of the Eastern Caribbean:

"It provides for us not only the perception of reassurance and trust in PAHO, but at the same time it provides an incredible level of commitment to advance the health agenda in Montserrat."

A key moment in the meeting came when Mary Miller Sallah, Montserrat's Project Manager for Health Service Transformation, delivered a powerful endorsement of PAHO's partnership with Montserrat. She emphasized the exceptional quality and impact of PAHO's work with the island:

"I really cannot underscore enough the quality of work and relationship that has been developed with this team, and I think whenever possible I certainly will encourage other markets to look at PAHO as intentional way to build capacity. The technical expertise is certainly the best in the region in terms of value for investment. It has been excellent"

During the meeting, both sides agreed to explore:

• Enhance PAHO presence on island to support coordination.
• Advancing telemedicine, especially for acute care, stroke management, and specialist consultations, areas seen as immediately beneficial to patient care.
• Continued integration of digital health tools, including electronic health records and DHIS2-based data systems.

PAHO and the Ministry agreed to revisit the list of priority outcomes considering updated national needs and potential funding allocations and convene regular monitoring sessions to ensure progress remains on track throughout the biennium.

The BWP 2026-2027 planning meeting demonstrated the strength of the partnership between Montserrat and PAHO and reaffirmed Montserrat's commitment to building a resilient, equitable, and efficient health system. With renewed focus on financing reform, integrated care, and digital innovation, Montserrat is positioned to advance key health sector improvements in the years ahead.