Antigua and Barbuda’s influence on the world stage was on full display Tuesday, as the international community overwhelmingly responded to its call to come together to address the issue of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which has emerged as a major socioeconomic burden on many small states.
The Global Group of Heads of State and Government for the prevention and control of NCDs meeting was co-sponsored by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the World Health Organisation. Joining the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne as co-chairs in leading the proceedings were the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed and Director General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus.
Joining Prime Minister Browne was Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph, who has emerged as a tireless advocate for the prevention and control measures against those illnesses that constitute NCDs to include stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Also in attendance was Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Walton Webson.
The meeting, held on the margins of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations, comes as preparations are being made for the 4th UN High Level meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs in 2025.
In sharing his vision and optimism for t a future where NCDs are no longer a major worry for not only Antigua and Barbuda but island nations around the globe, Prime Minister Browne spoke of the meaningful gains his country has been making.
“My government has invested considerable resources in combating the devasting impact and cost of NCDs on our population and our economy including diabetes, hypertension, and cancer,” he informed colleagues around the table.
“In this regard, with the support of PAHO and WHO, Antigua and Barbuda anticipates eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. To this end we have instituted cervical cancer screening at the community clinic level,” Prime Minister Browne revealed.
Prime Minister Browne also seized the opportunity to shift the attention of the audience of top officials from around the world to an issue that is close to his heart and a growing concern globally. He implored his colleagues and top UN officials gathered for the meeting to take bold action and prioritize the issue of mental health as he reflected on the life of his mother who suffered with the condition before her passing earlier this year.
Prime Minister Browne’s heartfelt appeal resonated deeply around the room as his words visibly moved a number of officials, including the Assistant Secretary of Global Affairs in the US’ Department of Health and Human Services Loyce Pace, all of whom pledged to redouble their commitment and efforts on this important issue.
“It is up to us to set the stage for global progress on NCDs and mental health,” Prime Minister Browne stressed, as he made a call for the UN to convene a high level meeting dedicated specifically to address the issue of Mental Health.
Also coming in for praise was Antigua and Barbuda’s First Secretary at the Antigua and Barbuda Mission in New York Claxton Duberry who collaborated with the various offices across the UN system, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health in Antigua and Barbuda in coordinating the event and ensuring that it was a resounding success.
Other members of the Mission in attendance were Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Tumasie Blair and Counsellor Glentis Thomas.
Climate Ambassador Ruleta Camacho Thomas, who has been attending bilateral meetings and other activities of the UN General Assembly with Sir Molwyn, was also present. (Ends)
Digital photos compliments Antigua and Barbuda Mission at the United Nations
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