Michael Joseph with health Care workers( PC- Ministry of Health)

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s investment in strengthening the national healthcare workforce has reached an important milestone with the successful completion of studies by the first cohort of Master of Public Health (MPH) graduates from the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus.

Minister of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, the Honourable Michael Joseph, has extended congratulations to the eight graduates, seven of whom are nurses employed within the Government’s healthcare system who received Prime Minister’s Scholarships through the Ministry of Health to pursue the advanced qualification.

The graduates are Nurse Roselia Carriere-Joseph, Miasha John-Carr, Nollareen Andrew-Richards, Tanasha Roberts, Joyann Richardson-Fiedtkou, Chelly Humphrey and Elaine Davis.

The eighth graduate, Dr. Jonathan Macomie also works within the healthcare system.

The achievement represents a significant investment in the people responsible for delivering and supporting healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda.

By facilitating advanced training for healthcare professionals already serving within the public healthcare system, the Government is strengthening the capacity of its existing workforce, equipping professionals with specialised knowledge in public health and helping to build the expertise required to address current and emerging health challenges.

Minister Joseph said the completion of the programme demonstrates the importance of sustained investment in human resource development as the Government continues to advance its healthcare agenda.

“This is what investment in our people looks like. We are not simply supporting individuals to obtain additional qualifications; we are strengthening the knowledge, skills and capacity within our own healthcare system.

The fact that these healthcare peofessi are already working within the Government’s healthcare services means that the benefits of this investment can extend directly to the institutions, communities and people they serve,” the Minister stated.

He added that public health training is particularly important to national development, as it supports disease prevention, health promotion, health surveillance, evidence-based policymaking and the design of interventions that respond to the health needs of the population.

The Minister also acknowledged Dr. Macomie’s achievement, noting that his successful completion of the programme adds to the expertise available within the healthcare system.

He congratulated all eight graduates for their commitment, perseverance and dedication in completing the demanding programme while pursuing their professional responsibilities.

In recognition of the graduates’ accomplishment, Minister Joseph presented each with a gift basket and a bottle of wine as a token of appreciation and congratulations on reaching this important professional milestone and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to investing in the development of healthcare personnel, emphasising that a well-trained workforce remains central to improving the quality of healthcare and advancing better health outcomes for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs extends its congratulations to all eight graduates and looks forward to their continued contributions to the advancement of public health and healthcare delivery in Antigua and Barbuda.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Government Investment in Healthcare Workforce Yields First Cohort of Master of Public Health Graduates.