he Cabinet has approved the reactivation of a mobile health unit to conduct free screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Antigua and Barbuda, in an effort to strengthen early detection and prevention.

The mobile unit, which was previously deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, will now be repurposed to test for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. The announcement came during this week’s post-Cabinet media briefing.

According to Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant, the initiative forms part of a wider public health campaign aimed at reducing the burden of NCDs on the healthcare system.

“The Cabinet has agreed that the Ministry of Health should utilise the mobile unit to provide screenings across the country,” Merchant said. “This is in line with a regional programme supported by PAHO and CARPHA.”

The screenings will be conducted by senior health officials, with assistance from trainee nurses, allowing residents to access health services in their own communities.

Health officials say the initiative will help identify undiagnosed cases and encourage healthier lifestyles through public education and early intervention. The renewed effort follows previous campaigns targeting cervical and prostate cancer.