Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda’s National Strategic Plan for Health (2016–2020) aimed to enhance healthcare delivery, improve public health outcomes, and strengthen governance. The strategy aligned with the country’s Medium-Term Development Strategy and focused on three overarching goals: empowering individuals and families to manage their health, strengthening health systems and community support, and expanding strategic partnerships. Efforts were directed at universal health coverage, disease prevention, and system resilience. Progress was made in reducing maternal mortality, improving childhood immunization, and enhancing access to essential services. However, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), high under-five mortality rates, and rising HIV infections remained significant public health concerns. The plan emphasized strengthening epidemiological surveillance, health information systems, and pharmaceutical management to address these challenges. Despite improvements, key challenges persisted, including fragmented health financing, governance inefficiencies, and gaps in human resources and infrastructure. Emergency response mechanisms required strengthening, and efforts to integrate digital health solutions were still in early stages. Financial constraints and inefficiencies in procurement and service delivery also limited progress. The plan underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, with the government, private sector, and international partners playing essential roles. While strategic partnerships were expanded, the sustainability of interventions depended on stronger coordination, policy continuity, and long-term investment in health system strengthening. Continued focus on public health education, chronic disease management, and digital health integration is critical for achieving sustained healthcare improvements​.