AGP Executive Report

School Health Alert: A Barbadian virologist is urging caution and transparency after a confirmed scarlet fever case at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it may be a small cluster but more surveillance and lab data are needed before calling it an outbreak. Clinical Accountability: Local doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report suspected child neglect, with the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners highlighting that neglect can occur in any household. NCD Prevention Push: Nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters from eight Caribbean countries met in Barbados to map sodium reduction targets and policies to eliminate industrially produced trans fats, warning that processed foods are driving preventable deaths. Hospital Digital Care: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s digital transformation is gaining momentum, with digitised records aimed at improving efficiency and patient care. Childhood Obesity Focus: The Heart & Stroke Foundation warns that ultra-processed food marketing is increasing childhood obesity, calling for healthier school food environments. Policy for Chronic Disease: The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners says doctors must help shape public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, citing high adult prevalence and major health spending.

Infectious Disease Watch: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after a scarlet fever case was reported at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak without surveillance and lab data. School Health & Oversight: The Barbados Union of Teachers says concerns about rashes, fever and other infections shouldn’t be dismissed even as officials say there’s no need to close the school. Digital Health Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s digital transformation is moving from plan to reality, with digitised records aimed at improving efficiency and patient care. NCD Prevention Push: Doctors are being urged to help shape policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with calls for stronger action on diet-related risk. Childhood Obesity & Food Marketing: The Heart & Stroke Foundation warns ultra-processed foods and aggressive marketing are driving childhood obesity, calling for healthier school food environments. Regional Governance & Trust: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean while Barbados and others remain stronger performers. Environment & Health Risks: Scientists warn more Saharan dust could reach Barbados, while officials step up action against illegal dumping around wetlands. Data Sharing for Health: Barbados and the wider region face gaps in climate and health-related decision-making due to limited data sharing.

Infectious Disease Watch: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after scarlet fever concerns at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak without surveillance and lab details. Health Systems Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s digital transformation is gaining momentum, with digitised records aimed at improving efficiency and patient care. NCD Policy Push: Barbados doctors are being urged to help shape public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, as regional leaders call for urgent, evidence-based healthy food policy to curb diet-related illness. Child Health & Safety: Parents and the Barbados Union of Teachers are asking authorities not to dismiss ongoing health concerns at the school, while doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect. Public Health & Prevention: The Heart & Stroke Foundation warns that ultra-processed food marketing is driving higher childhood obesity, and environmental officials call for behaviour change to tackle illegal dumping ahead of World Environment Day. Regional Governance: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Haiti lowest in the Caribbean, with Barbados among stronger performers.

NCD Policy Push: Barbados doctors are being urged to step beyond clinics and help shape public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases, with local figures cited showing NCDs drive most deaths and heavy costs for care and productivity. Healthy Food Advocacy: Regional leaders and health experts are calling for faster, evidence-based healthy food policy to curb the NCD crisis, pointing to ultra-processed foods and high barriers to healthier diets. Junk Food Marketing Crackdown: Youth advocates warn that aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods is fuelling ultra-processed consumption and childhood obesity, urging stronger protections around schools. School Health Vigilance: Barbados Union of Teachers says Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary should not be dismissed after health concerns, including reports of rashes/fever and other infections, even as officials say there’s no scarlet fever outbreak. Child Neglect Reporting: Doctors are reminded of their legal duty to report suspected child neglect, including cases showing physical and developmental warning signs. Environment & Health Links: Environmental officials urge behaviour change to stop illegal dumping, while scientists warn more Saharan dust may reach Barbados, raising public concern about air quality. Wellness Travel Trend: Coverage highlights how Caribbean wellness travel is shifting toward nature, food, movement and reconnection—an angle relevant to health-focused visitors.

Healthy Food Policy Push: Caribbean leaders and public health experts are urging faster action on evidence-based healthy food policy to tackle the region’s NCD crisis, warning that ultra-processed foods and high costs of healthier diets are driving obesity and diet-related disease. School Nutrition & Marketing: Youth and civil society are calling for a ban on marketing ultra-processed foods in and around schools across several Caribbean islands, saying early exposure shapes preferences and harms long-term health. Measles Alert: PAHO reports a sharp rise in measles cases across the Americas, with many infections among unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status—an urgent reminder for vaccination ahead of major travel events. Barbados Health Updates: Barbados’ Ministry of Education says it met parents multiple times and worked with health officials after concerns at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary, including follow-ups on cleanliness and rodents. Child Safety: Doctors in Barbados are reminded of their legal duty to report suspected child neglect. Environment & Health: Environmental officials in Barbados are urging behaviour change to curb illegal dumping, while scientists warn more Saharan dust may reach the island in coming days. Wellness & Community: PickUp Barbados and PwC are partnering to support blood donation efforts. Local Research Hope: A St Philip tissue culture lab assistant is aiming to contribute to Alzheimer’s research, inspired by mentorship and teamwork.

Healthy Food Policy Push: Caribbean leaders and public health experts are calling for urgent action on healthy food policy to tackle the region’s NCD crisis, highlighting gaps between what’s recommended and what’s implemented. Regional NCD Focus: A webinar taking stock of “wins, gaps and the road ahead” stresses that ultra-processed foods and high costs of healthier diets are driving heart disease, diabetes, cancers, obesity and chronic respiratory illness. School Food Marketing: Youth and civil society groups are urging a ban on marketing ultra-processed foods in and around schools, warning it shapes preferences early and increases long-term NCD risk. Measles Alert: PAHO reports a sharp rise in measles cases across the Americas, with most cases among unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status—an urgent reminder for vaccination ahead of major travel events. Barbados Health & Safety at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary: The Ministry of Education says it met parents multiple times and coordinated with health officials while monitoring concerns; authorities maintain there’s no scarlet fever outbreak, but vigilance continues. Data Sharing for Health & Climate: Barbados-based CIMH leadership says weak data-sharing across the region is limiting health and wellbeing planning, including links to food production and decision-making. Women’s Wellness & Wealth: Egi Women and JMMB International hosted a Women & Wealth Masterclass, focusing on financial wellness as part of broader quality-of-life support. Local Health System Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is advancing a digital overhaul and major capital works to modernise patient records and improve care delivery. Child Protection Reminder: Doctors are being reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect when medical signs suggest harm. Blood Donation Drive: PickUp Barbados and PwC are partnering to support blood donation efforts through workplace and community drives.

NCD & Healthy Food Policy: A regional webinar (HCC, PAHO, CARPHA, OECS) says progress on NCD prevention is slow, with only Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, and Grenada on track for 2025 targets, while diet-related disease continues to strain health systems. Child Health & Safety: Doctors in Barbados are reminded of their legal duty to report child neglect, while the Ministry of Education says it’s been meeting parents at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary amid ongoing health concerns; authorities maintain there’s no scarlet fever outbreak but vigilance continues. Measles Alert: PAHO reports a fourfold rise in measles cases across the Americas in early 2026, with most cases among unvaccinated or unknown-status people—an urgent reminder ahead of the World Cup. School Food Marketing Push: Youth and civil society across the region are calling for a ban on marketing ultra-processed foods in and around schools, linking it to early unhealthy habits and higher future NCD risk. Environment & Health Risks: Barbados officials urge behaviour change to curb illegal dumping after an environmental tour, and scientists warn more Saharan dust may reach the island, even as the last plume clears. Local Wellness: PickUp Barbados and PwC are expanding blood donation efforts to support community health.

Child protection reminder: Barbados doctors are being reminded of their legal duty to report suspected child neglect, after concerns that some children show signs of neglect even outside poverty. School health vigilance: The Barbados Union of Teachers says Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary should not be dismissed as “no outbreak” after reports of rashes, fever, dengue exposure and Group A Streptococcus, urging continued scrutiny while health officials monitor. Climate data for health decisions: CIMH warns that poor data-sharing across Barbados and the wider Caribbean is limiting climate research and weakening decisions that link weather, food production, labour and wellbeing. Measles watch for World Cup travel: PAHO reports a sharp rise in measles cases across the Americas, with many cases among unvaccinated people, urging vaccination and preparedness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Food marketing in schools: Youth and civil society across the region are pushing for a ban on marketing ultra-processed foods around schools, linking ads to unhealthy habits and early risk of non-communicable diseases. Medicines access push: PAHO and OECS-PPS are advancing joint work to improve access to safe, effective essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean states.

Scarlet fever at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary: Barbados health and education officials moved fast after 13 students were investigated for symptoms like rash, fever and sore throat; lab testing found only one Group A Strep case, and follow-up meetings with parents and staff focused on safety and cleanliness. QEH digital overhaul: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is rolling out a major digital transformation plus equipment upgrades, including a new linear accelerator that has already delivered 1,500 cancer treatments and helped cut waiting times for outpatient consultations. Measles warning for the region: PAHO reports a sustained rise in measles cases across the Americas ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with most cases among unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status. Food marketing pushback in schools: Youth and civil society across the region are calling for a ban on marketing ultra-processed foods in and around schools, linking it to unhealthy eating habits and early risk of non-communicable diseases. Blood donation drive: PickUp Barbados and PwC are teaming up to boost awareness and encourage regular blood donations as a community health priority. Youth vaping concern: A new call urges Caribbean policymakers to act on a surge in teen vaping, warning that nicotine can harm mental health, learning and long-term wellbeing. Access to medicines in the Eastern Caribbean: PAHO and OECS-PPS are advancing joint work to improve sustainable access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines and health technologies. Climate and health risks: CIMH’s lead climatologist warns that even with fewer storms forecast, drought, delayed rains, extreme heat and sudden flooding could still threaten health and water supplies. Lab food safety capacity: A regional meeting in Barbados focused on strengthening laboratory testing and food safety systems across CARIFORUM countries.

School Health Update: Barbados’ Ministry of Education says it met with Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School parents three times while health officials monitored concerns, including reports of rodents; follow-up inspections found the school maintained a high cleanliness standard and was safe for teaching. Scarlet Fever Clarification: The Ministry of Health and Wellness says there was one confirmed Group A Strep (scarlet fever) case at the school, with other symptoms investigated; with antibiotics started, children were no longer considered infectious within 24 hours, and officials urged standard hygiene and staying home when unwell. Hospital Digital Overhaul: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is rolling out a major digital transformation and capital works, including progress on cancer care after commissioning a new linear accelerator. Measles Watch: PAHO warns measles cases are rising across the Americas, with a fourfold increase versus last year, stressing vaccination and vigilance ahead of major travel events. Youth Vaping Alert: A new report highlights a nicotine crisis among Caribbean youth as vapes become easier to access, calling for faster policy action. Medicines Access in the Region: PAHO and OECS-PPS are pushing joint work to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across Eastern Caribbean small states. Blood Donation Push: PickUp Barbados and PwC are partnering to expand corporate blood donation drives and boost community awareness. Offshore Energy, Climate Conditions: Barbados launched 2026 offshore oil and gas direct negotiations for 19 blocks, requiring stronger climate and environmental standards and methane stewardship. Regional Resilience Funding: CDB President Daniel Best urged a stronger, greener, more resilient Caribbean as development finance shrinks and public health risks grow.

Measles Alert: PAHO reports a sustained rise in measles across the Americas, with 20,521 cases and 25 deaths confirmed so far in 2026—up sharply from 2025—urging vaccination, especially for people unvaccinated or with unknown status. School Food Marketing Push: Caribbean youth and civil society are calling for an end to harmful ultra-processed food and beverage marketing in and around schools, warning it undermines healthy eating and fuels childhood overweight and obesity. Vaping and Youth Health: A regional youth advocate warns governments are moving too slowly as vapes become easy to buy for teens, with flavours and online sales masking nicotine risks. Hillaby Turner’s Hall Update: Barbados health officials say Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School will not be closed after scarlet fever concerns; 13 suspected cases were investigated, with only one Group A Strep case confirmed, and standard hygiene and respiratory precautions remain key. QEH Modernisation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is advancing a digital overhaul and major capital works, including new oncology equipment that has already delivered thousands of cancer treatments. Medicines Access in the Eastern Caribbean: PAHO and OECS partners are advancing joint action to improve access to essential medicines and health technologies across small island states. Local Health Workforce: AUB students begin clinical rotations at QEH, marking a long-awaited expansion of training opportunities. Wellness Tourism: Royalton Vessence Barbados opens on the Platinum Coast with an adult-oriented, wellness-led all-inclusive concept.

Scarlet fever at Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary: Barbados health officials say 13 suspected cases were investigated after students reported rash, fever and sore throat; lab testing found only one positive for Group A Strep, and the school will not be closed, with guidance on hygiene, cleaning and keeping unwell children home. QEH modernisation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is rolling out a digital overhaul and major capital works, including a new linear accelerator that has already delivered 1,500 cancer treatments and helped cut early consultation waiting times. Teen vaping warning: A youth advocate says Caribbean governments are moving too slowly as vapes become easy to buy for students, with flavours and marketing masking nicotine risks and even “0% nicotine” products still normalising vaping. Medicines access push (Eastern Caribbean): PAHO and OECS-PPS advanced joint work to improve access to safe, effective, quality-assured medicines and health technologies across OECS states. AUB clinical rotations at QEH: American University of Barbados students begin placements at QEH after a 13-year wait, expanding hands-on training for future clinicians. Climate risk note: Even with fewer storms forecast, CIMH’s lead climatologist warns drought, delayed rains, extreme heat and sudden flooding could still threaten Barbados and the region. Labour and citizenship process debate: Parliament heard calls to publish Barbados labour/skills deficits and concerns about citizenship passport speed, with officials stressing due diligence while seeking efficiency.

Scarlet Fever Response in Barbados: Health and education officials moved fast after Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School reported symptoms consistent with scarlet fever; CMO Dr Kenneth George said 13 cases were investigated but lab testing found only one positive for Group A Streptococcus, and the school will not be closed, with parents urged to keep unwell children home and follow hygiene and cleaning guidance. QEH Modernisation: Queen Elizabeth Hospital is rolling out a sweeping digital overhaul and major capital works, including a new linear accelerator already delivering 1,500 cancer treatments and helping cut waiting times for outpatient consultations. Youth Vaping Warning: A Caribbean youth advocate is urging governments to act as teens gain easy access to vapes, including flavoured products that may contain nicotine even when marketed as “0%,” warning of serious mental health and learning harms. Adult-Only Resort Opening (Tourism & Wellness Angle): Royalton Vessence Barbados opened on the Platinum Coast as an adult-oriented all-inclusive concept, adding swim-out suites and butler service—another sign of how travel experiences are being marketed as more immersive. AUB Clinical Rotations at QEH: After a 13-year wait, American University of Barbados students began clinical rotations at QEH, strengthening local training pathways for future health workers.

Vaping & youth health: A Caribbean youth advocate warns that teens can buy vapes easily via shops and social media, with flavours masking nicotine risks—urging governments to act faster as World No Tobacco Day and Mental Health Awareness Month overlap. Local health updates: Barbados’ Ministry of Health says Hillaby Turner’s Hall Primary School won’t close after scarlet fever was detected; officials note antibiotics reduce infectiousness and stress hygiene and mosquito-bite prevention. Training & care access: After a 13-year wait, AUB students begin clinical rotations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, with the hospital now accepting medical students. Wellness in workplaces: CG Zest Wellness launches in Barbados, expanding its corporate wellness programme with screenings, fitness events, and a goal-tracking wellness app. Public health & environment: CDEMA warns of severe flash-flood risks despite a below-average hurricane outlook, as extreme rainfall and heat stress threaten health and agriculture. Health system & community: Barbados Population Policy planning flags decades-long falling birth rates and an ageing population, raising long-term labour and social sustainability concerns.

Youth Vaping Crisis: A Caribbean youth advocate is warning that teens can buy vapes easily through shops and social media, with flavours masking the risks of nicotine addiction and mental health harm—even when products claim “0% nicotine.” School Health Update: Barbados’ Ministry of Health says Hillaby Turner’s Hall School will not close after scarlet fever was detected; officials note antibiotics make cases non-infectious within 24 hours and urge hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, cleaning, and mosquito-bite prevention. Medical Training in Barbados: After a 13-year wait, American University of Barbados (AUB) students have begun clinical rotations at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), with interns already training and outreach fruit bags distributed to patients. Wellness Access: CG Zest Wellness has launched in Barbados, expanding a corporate wellness programme with screenings, fitness events, farmers’ market tours, and wellness education via its app. Public Health & Climate: CDEMA warns of severe flash-flood risks despite forecasts of fewer storms, stressing whole-of-society preparation as extreme rainfall and heat stress threaten health and agriculture. Health Equity Story: A long-running case on methylmalonic acidemia highlights how QEH access to a vital Vitamin B12 injection changed a patient’s life trajectory over two decades.

Clinical Training: AUB medical students have finally begun clinical rotations at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) after a 13-year wait, with interns starting two months ago and QEH expanding its role as a training centre. Youth Vaping Watch: A Caribbean youth advocate is urging governments to move faster on teen vaping, warning that flavours and online sales make e-cigarettes too easy to access and may fuel nicotine addiction. Wellness at Work: CG Zest Wellness (Coralisle Group) has launched in Barbados, rolling out a corporate wellness programme with screenings, fitness events, farmers’ market tours, and wellness education via its app. Public Health & Care Access: A long-running case of Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA) is highlighted as Thalisa Williams-Waithe, now 24, marks a major milestone after years of needing Vitamin B12 injections at QEH. Disaster Risk: CDEMA warns that even with a below-average hurricane outlook, Caribbean territories face severe flash-flood risks from intense rainfall and lingering drought/heat stress. Population Pressure: Barbados is planning for falling birth rates and an ageing population, with officials developing an implementation plan for the 2023–2040 Population Policy. Health System Strain (Violence): Families report barriers at morgue access after a fatal shooting, while another daylight ambush left a man dead and a woman injured, underscoring ongoing pressure on emergency and hospital services.