PAHO/WHO and Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries sign multi-country cooperation strategy 2026-2031 to advance health and resilience

Washington, D.C., 29 September 2025 (PAHO)- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the governments of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries today signed the Multi-Country Cooperation Strategy (MCCS) 2026-2031 in Washington, D.C., in the sidelines of the 62nd Directing Council of PAHO.

The agreement, signed by PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Barbados' Minister of Health Senator Dr. The Most Hon. Jerome Walcott, and Grenada's Minister of Health Hon. Philip Telesford, with signatures from the other Ministers of Health to follow, sets a shared vision for advancing health and development across Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

These seven nations, with a combined population of over 886,000 people-ranging from approximately 47,000 in Saint Kitts and Nevis to 282,000 in Barbados-are stable parliamentary democracies with regular elections. Most inhabitants are of African descent, with a roughly 1:1 sex ratio, while an indigenous Kalinago population remains in Dominica and a Garifuna population in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These countries cooperate closely through regional governance and functional mechanisms, including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Developed through consultations with Member States, civil society, and development partners, the MCCS 2026-2031 addresses critical health challenges in the region, including high rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), persistent infectious threats, and the growing impacts of climate change and natural disasters.

Despite high life expectancy, health inequities driven by social and economic factors persist, alongside health system challenges like workforce shortages and high out-of-pocket spending. The strategy prioritizes strengthening health systems, expanding primary health care, and building climate-resilient infrastructure through initiatives like PAHO's Smart Hospitals program.

"This MCCS reflects the shared commitment of Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean to transform health systems, address inequities, and build resilience against climate and health threats," said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director. "PAHO will work closely with these nations to turn this vision into reality."

The strategy outlines five Strategic Priorities and 16 Strategic Deliverables, focusing on:

1. Strengthening health governance and leadership to ensure equitable and sustainable systems.
2. Combating communicable diseases through innovative, people-centered services and enhanced immunization programs.
3. Reducing NCDs and mental health burdens by promoting healthy lifestyles and integrating care into primary health systems.
4. Transforming health systems to deliver person-centered, equitable care across the life course.
5. Building climate-resilient health systems to mitigate and adapt to climate change and health emergencies.

These priorities align with regional frameworks like the OECS and CARICOM, fostering collaboration to address shared challenges such as economic dependencies and climate risks, exemplified by the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. The Ministers of Health of Barbados and Grenada, present at the signing, highlighted the strategy's role in fostering regional unity and resilience.

The MCCS builds on progress in NCD prevention, mental health integration, and digital health transformation, while strengthening partnerships with organizations like CARPHA, UNICEF, and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition to ensure inclusive, community-driven solutions. It is a call to action for governments, communities, and partners to work together toward a healthier, more resilient Caribbean.