CABINET NOTES: The Minister for Health and Wellness, the Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, addressed the Cabinet regarding the importance of launching a public awareness campaign on prostate cancer. This initiative would run alongside the government’s ongoing education efforts on cervical cancer. The Cabinet endorsed the Minister’s proposal and approved the engagement of a local expert to advise on and oversee this aspect of the campaign.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the deployment of a mobile testing unit to regularly travel across the country, offering screenings for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). This initiative will involve both health professionals and trainee nurses and aligns with current programmes supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

Cabinet also endorsed the initiative to support and encourage the training of a greater number of nurses, aimed at strengthening both the Antigua and Barbuda health sector and the international community.

The Cabinet further agreed to enlist two prominent doctors to help design and implement a public education campaign on NCDs. This campaign will also highlight the risks associated with smoking and will utilize the Government Information Service (GIS) along with all major social media platforms to reach the public. The Cabinet expects this programme to be implemented in 30 days.