AGP Executive Report

Back-to-school health support: Church of God in Christ outreach in Brittons Hill registered 289 students for health screenings and vaccinations with help from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the One Family Programme. Breastfeeding push: QEH and breastfeeding advocates say mothers often stop before six months due to returning to work, and healthcare professionals are calling for workplace spaces to pump and store milk; separately, Dr. Alison Bernard urges a comprehensive national breastfeeding policy for Barbados. Healthy ageing call: BARP backs BAMP’s message that many Barbadians over 65 live with non-communicable diseases, stressing healthier habits should start long before retirement. Nursing workforce boost: QEH’s Nursing Services received a $100,000 donation from the Olga Worrell Memorial Scholarship Trust to strengthen critical care nursing education and improve patient outcomes. Telemedicine upgrade: American University of Barbados donated 100 digital stethoscopes to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to support telemedicine. Funeral home health concerns: A multi-ministry crackdown led to a temporary closure of Two Sons Funeral Home after complaints about formaldehyde smells and residents’ wellbeing. COVID-19 update: BAMP says there’s no sign of increased COVID-19 cases, pointing to respiratory surveillance for influenza and flu-like illness trends.

Breastfeeding Support in Focus: Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is pushing Breastfeeding Awareness Month after experts said many mothers stop exclusive breastfeeding before six months, with returning to work and lack of workplace support topping the list; QEH advocates are calling for breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and safe pumping/storage spaces. Nursing Education Boost: The Olga Worrell Memorial Scholarship Trust made an inaugural $100,000 donation to QEH’s Nursing Services to strengthen critical care nursing education and improve patient outcomes. Telemedicine Upgrade: The American University of Barbados donated 100 digital stethoscopes to the Ministry of Health and Wellness to help advance telemedicine in Barbados. Workplace Health & Safety: A senior nursing officer urged employers to provide dedicated spaces for expressing and storing breast milk, warning that without facilities mothers may switch to formula. Public Health Monitoring: Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners says doctors are seeing more flu-like illnesses, but there’s no sign of a COVID-19 surge, pointing to respiratory surveillance. Community Health Alert: A multi-ministry crackdown temporarily closed Two Sons Funeral Home after residents complained of strong formaldehyde odours, with authorities seeking removal of unclaimed bodies. Cancer Data Move: Saint Lucia launched a National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance and guide prevention and care using reliable national data. Women’s Youth Sports (Health Angle): Cricket West Indies kicked off the 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship in Antigua (Aug 8–15), featuring teams including Barbados, as part of talent development for the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Breastfeeding Support: QEH experts say mothers often stop exclusive breastfeeding before six months mainly due to returning to work and lack of workplace pumping spaces, urging breastfeeding-friendly policies and facilities. Maternal & Child Health: A QEH Breastfeeding Awareness Month pop-up highlighted that even with extended maternity leave, many women still face time and money pressures once they go back to work. Cancer Care Data: Saint Lucia launched a National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance, improve planning, and guide prevention and treatment using reliable national data. Nursing Workforce: QEH received a $100,000 donation to boost critical care nursing education, described as an investment in safer, higher-quality patient care. Health Tech for Barbados: The American University of Barbados donated 100 digital stethoscopes to the Ministry of Health to support telemedicine. Public Health in Sport: The CPL is rolling out free fan health screenings across eight host venues, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing to support early detection of non-communicable diseases. Infectious Disease Readiness: A PAHO/WHO and CARPHA workshop in Barbados strengthened Eastern Caribbean lab capacity for rapid detection of diseases like measles, leptospirosis and hantavirus using a One Health approach. Food & Nutrition: A nutrition roundup on cherries notes potential benefits but flags sugar, pesticide residue, pits, and processing concerns—reminding readers to watch portions and product choices. Workplace Safety & Law: Barbados’ Protection of Wages Bill was discussed in the Senate as part of a wider labour framework, with emphasis on how it should be read alongside existing worker protections. Community Health Alert: Police are investigating an unnatural death after a decomposed body was found in St John, with public asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information.

Public Health & Safety: Barbados’ Ministry of Health has secured a court-ordered temporary closure of Two Sons Funeral Home for six weeks after complaints from nearby residents about exposure to formaldehyde embalming chemicals, with authorities moving to remove 17 unclaimed bodies. Breastfeeding Support: QEH-linked breastfeeding advocates say mothers often stop exclusive breastfeeding when returning to work, urging employers to provide proper pumping spaces and workplace support. Maternal & Child Health: A QEH Breastfeeding Awareness Month pop-up highlighted barriers at home and work, with experts questioning whether the maternity leave extension will be enough without breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Healthcare Capacity: The American University of Barbados donated 100 digital stethoscopes to boost telemedicine, while the Olga Worrell Memorial Scholarship Trust gave $100,000 to strengthen critical care nursing education at QEH. Infectious Disease Preparedness: PAHO/WHO and CARPHA trained Eastern Caribbean lab professionals in molecular diagnostics in Barbados to improve detection of threats like measles, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. Chronic Disease Screening: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is rolling out free fan health checks across eight venues, including blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis, and PSA testing. Workplace Health Policy: Barbados’ Protection of Wages Bill is being framed as part of a wider labour framework, with lawmakers stressing it must be read alongside existing worker protections.

Breastfeeding Support: QEH experts warn mums often stop exclusive breastfeeding before six months due to returning to work, limited workplace support, and lack of safe spaces to pump/store milk—despite maternity leave extension. Nursing & Critical Care: The Olga Worrell Memorial Scholarship Trust donates $100,000 to QEH’s Nursing Services to train future critical care nurses and strengthen specialist patient care. Telemedicine Boost: The American University of Barbados hands over 100 digital stethoscopes to the Ministry of Health to advance telemedicine. Early Cancer Planning: Saint Lucia launches a National Cancer Registry to improve cancer surveillance, prevention planning, and resource allocation using national data. Infectious Disease Readiness: A regional PAHO/WHO molecular diagnostics workshop in Barbados strengthens lab capacity for diseases like measles, leptospirosis and hantavirus, using a One Health approach. Fan Health Checks: CPL expands free screenings across all eight host venues—blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing—to catch non-communicable diseases early. Public Health Clarity: Barbados medical practitioners say there’s no sign of a COVID-19 surge, while influenza and flu-like illnesses are being monitored through respiratory surveillance. Workplace Safety & Policy: Senate discussions stress the Protection of Wages Bill must be read alongside existing labour laws, including maternity protections and workplace safety rules. Community Health & Environment: A climate-and-health warning highlights Saharan dust impacts on respiratory health across the region, including Barbados.

NCD Screening Push: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is rolling out free health testing at all eight host venues across the region, with checks including blood pressure, blood glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA—aimed at early detection of hypertension, diabetes and cancers. Critical Care Nursing Investment: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital received a $100,000 inaugural donation from the Olga Worrell Memorial Scholarship Trust to fund critical care nursing education and professional development. Telemedicine-Ready Equipment: The American University of Barbados donated 100 digital stethoscopes to Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness to support telemedicine. COVID-19 Clarity: Barbados doctors are treating more flu and flu-like illnesses, but the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners says there’s no evidence of a COVID-19 case increase, pointing to respiratory surveillance. Cancer Data Upgrade (Region): Saint Lucia launched a National Cancer Registry to strengthen cancer surveillance and guide prevention and care using reliable national data. Lab Preparedness (Region): A PAHO/WHO and CARPHA workshop in Barbados boosted Eastern Caribbean molecular diagnostic capacity for diseases like measles, leptospirosis and hantavirus using a One Health approach. Food & Health Caution: A look at cherries highlights potential benefits, but flags sugar load, pesticide residues, pits and processing concerns. Public Health & Climate Pressure: Caribbean climate impacts are linked to rising respiratory and other health disruptions, with advocates warning slow-onset effects need urgent attention. Local Safety Note: Police continue investigating an unnatural death after a decomposed body was found in St John.

Digital Health Boost: American University of Barbados donated 100 state-of-the-art digital stethoscopes to Barbados’ Ministry of Health, aiming to strengthen telemedicine and improve remote care. Nursing Workforce Investment: The Olga Worrell Memorial Scholarship Trust gave $100,000 to Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Nursing Services to fund education for future critical care nurses and boost specialist patient care. Cancer Screening in the Community: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is rolling out free health testing at all eight host venues, with checks for blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA—targeting early detection of non-communicable diseases. Regional Lab Preparedness: PAHO/WHO and CARPHA trained Eastern Caribbean lab professionals in molecular diagnostics for diseases like measles, leptospirosis and hantavirus, using a One Health approach to improve outbreak readiness. Climate & Health Pressure: A new report says climate-fuelled disasters caused $53.2bn in damage across Caribbean nations (2000–2024), while recent Saharan dust has triggered respiratory health warnings in the region. Festival Safety & Heat: Grand Kadooment wrapped up with praise for a violence-free day, alongside reminders for revellers to guard against extreme heat.

Regional Lab Readiness: PAHO/WHO and CARPHA trained Eastern Caribbean lab teams in molecular diagnostics in Barbados (measles, leptospirosis, hantavirus), using a One Health approach to boost detection and pandemic preparedness. NCD Screening at CPL: Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is rolling out free health testing at all eight host venues—blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA—aimed at early detection of hypertension, diabetes and cancers. Nursing Leadership: Barbados Chief Nursing Officer Annastacia Jordan highlighted nurses’ resilience and growing influence at the 53rd Regional Nursing Body meeting in Guyana, as the region faces workforce shortages and rising chronic disease. Heat Safety for Kadooment: Doctors are warning of increased heat-related illnesses ahead of Grand Kadooment, urging hydration and extra care for elderly and vulnerable people. Medical Tech in Barbados: The eighth Chinese Medical Team says it has introduced two new technologies to strengthen local care, including Barbados’ first IVUS-guided coronary intervention and first salivary gland imaging. Safe Festival Policing: Police report Grand Kadooment ended without major incidents, citing high-visibility policing, CCTV/drone monitoring, traffic management and rapid response.

Heat Safety for Crop Over: Barbados’ medical practitioners are warning revellers about rising heat and dry conditions ahead of Grand Kadooment, citing more heat-stroke and heat-related illness cases and urging hydration and extra care for elderly relatives. Fan Health at the Stadium: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is rolling out free health screenings at all eight host venues, with blood pressure, glucose, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing to support early detection of non-communicable diseases. Breast Cancer Screening Push: The Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme launches its 26th Annual Walk for Breast Cancer and plans a new Automated Breast Ultrasound System to cut wait times and improve detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Local Health Tech Upgrade: Barbados’ healthcare system is set to benefit from the Chinese Medical Team’s introduction of two new technologies, including IVUS-guided coronary intervention and salivary gland imaging, alongside skills training and community outreach. Nursing Leadership in Focus: Barbados’ Chief Nursing Officer highlights the pressures facing regional health systems at the 53rd CARICOM nursing meeting, praising nurses and midwives as leaders in health system transformation. Community Food Security: A new backyard farming initiative will support 600 households through demonstration farms and resources like seedlings, grow bags, chicken coops and technical support. Environment & Health Link: A Caribbean-wide climate impacts update flags health risks from Saharan dust and sargassum, including respiratory flare-ups and coastal disruptions that affect livelihoods.

Community Health at the Stadium: The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League is rolling out free health screenings at all eight host venues across the region, with blood pressure, glucose checks, BMI, urinalysis and PSA testing available to fans—aimed at early detection of non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and some cancers. Heat Safety for Crop Over: Barbados doctors are warning of rising heat-related illnesses ahead of Grand Kadooment, urging hydration and extra care for elderly and vulnerable people as temperatures and dry conditions increase risks of heat stroke. Breast Cancer Screening Boost: The Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme is launching its annual Walk for Breast Cancer and raising funds for a Caribbean-first Automated Breast Ultrasound System to cut wait times and improve detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Medical Tech in Barbados: The eighth Chinese Medical Team to Barbados introduced two new technologies to strengthen local care—IVUS-guided coronary intervention and salivary gland imaging—alongside training and community outreach. Climate and Health Alerts: A new regional report highlights massive damage from climate-fuelled disasters since 2000, while Caribbean health warnings point to respiratory strain from Saharan dust and other slow-onset impacts. Disaster Preparedness Training: Barbados’ DEM interns wrapped up a youth camp with a hands-on emergency simulation covering radio communication, fire safety, hazard spotting, CPR, first aid and emergency go-bags.

Heat & health warnings: As Grand Kadooment nears, Barbados doctors are seeing more heat-related illness and BAMP head Dr Lynda Williams is urging hydration, shade, and extra care for elderly relatives and vulnerable people. Cancer screening push: The Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme is ramping up with its annual Walk for Breast Cancer and plans to buy a Caribbean-first Automated Breast Ultrasound System to cut waits and improve detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Local medical upgrades: Barbados’ healthcare capacity gets a boost as the eighth Chinese Medical Team introduces two first-of-their-kind technologies, including IVUS-guided coronary intervention and salivary gland imaging. Community health & prevention: The Breast Screening Programme also highlights how early detection is working, while the Walk for the Cure returns Oct 4 with a revised route and more support activities. Disaster readiness: DEM interns wrapped up a summer camp with a multi-station emergency simulation covering radio comms, fire safety, hazard ID, CPR, first aid, and go-bags. Food security: A new backyard farming boost will support 600 households through the One Family Programme, with seedlings, grow boxes, chicken coops, and technical help. Wellness travel trend: A new travel wave is shifting from fitness-only to connection-focused self-care and intimacy experiences. Environment & public health: Sargassum seaweed is described as a self-sustaining “disaster” that can affect coastal work, marine life, and public health as it decomposes. Sports with a health angle: CPL’s Step Challenge returns with a 200 million-steps goal, and CPL’s Hall of Fame gala in Barbados will raise funds for prostate cancer awareness and testing.

Heat Safety for Crop Over: Doctors say heat-related illnesses are rising ahead of Grand Kadooment, with Dr Lynda Williams warning revellers and vulnerable people to hydrate early and watch for symptoms like dizziness and heat stroke. Cancer Screening Boost: The Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme launched its annual Walk for Breast Cancer and is raising $600,000 for a Caribbean-first Automated Breast Ultrasound System to speed up detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Medical Tech in Barbados: China’s eighth medical team introduced two new technologies to strengthen local care, including Barbados’ first IVUS-guided coronary intervention and first salivary gland imaging exam. Community Health & Food Security: A new backyard farming push will support 600 households through the One Family Programme, pairing seedlings, grow systems, and technical help. Mental Health & Justice: A Barbadian mental health advocate is calling for stronger crisis response and forensic mental health services after an inmate’s death following an incident at prison. Sports With a Health Angle: The Republic Bank CPL Step Challenge returns, inviting fans to log steps across host nations with a shared fitness goal. Public Health Risks on Beaches: Reports highlight sargassum as a growing, self-sustaining beach problem that can affect marine life and raise public health concerns as it decomposes.

Breast Cancer Care: Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme launched its 26th Annual Walk for Breast Cancer and is raising about $600,000 for a Caribbean-first Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) to cut waits and improve detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Cancer Awareness Event: The Walk for the Cure returns Sunday, October 4, with organisers keeping the revised route and adding more post-walk fun, while urging early registration. Heat Health Warning: As Grand Kadooment approaches, doctors are warning of rising heat-related illnesses and urging hydration and extra care for elderly and vulnerable people. Medical Technology Boost: The eighth Chinese Medical Team to Barbados introduced two first-of-their-kind technologies, including Barbados’ first IVUS-guided coronary intervention and first salivary gland imaging exam, alongside training and outreach. Mental Health & Justice: A Barbadian mental health advocate is calling for stronger crisis response and forensic mental health services after the death of an inmate transported to Sir Lester Bird Medical Center. Regulating Medicines: Barbados is advancing toward its Medical Products Authority with PAHO support after the Barbados Medical Products Act passed, focusing on staffing, legal setup and digital systems. Food Security: A new community farming push will support 600 households through the One Family Programme with backyard farming resources and technical support. Sports & Wellness: Republic Bank CPL Step Challenge returns for 2026, aiming for 200 million steps across host nations, including Barbados. Community Health in Action: DEM interns led a disaster preparedness simulation for youth, featuring CPR, first aid, hazard ID and go-bag packing.

Heat Safety: Doctors in Barbados are seeing more heat-related illnesses ahead of Grand Kadooment, with BAMP head Dr Lynda Williams warning revellers and especially older people to hydrate, watch for dizziness and breathing trouble, and prevent heat stroke. Cancer Screening: The Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme launched its 26th Annual Walk for Breast Cancer and is raising $600,000 for a Caribbean-first Automated Breast Ultrasound System to cut waits and improve detection for women with dense breast tissue. Breast Cancer Fundraising: Walk for the Cure returns Oct. 4 with a revised route, park-and-ride options, and early registration encouraged for teams and shirts. Health System Upgrade: Barbados is moving toward its Medical Products Authority with PAHO support after the Barbados Medical Products Act, focusing on staffing, legal setup, digital systems, and public readiness for better access to quality medicines and health technologies. Medical Tech in Barbados: China’s eighth medical team introduced two new technologies—IVUS-guided coronary intervention and salivary gland imaging—along with training and community outreach. Mental Health & Justice: A Barbadian mental health advocate is calling for stronger crisis response and forensic mental health services after the reported death of an inmate taken to Sir Lester Bird Medical Center. Community Health & Fitness: The Republic Bank CPL Step Challenge returns Aug. 1–Sept. 19, aiming for 200 million steps across host nations, including Barbados. Food Security: A new One Family Programme will support 600 households with backyard farming supplies and technical help, starting with demonstration farms. Sports & Wellness: A New Wave Swim School initiative is gaining support to reduce burnout, build athlete development, and grow swim training locally.

Breast Cancer Care: The Barbados Cancer Society launched its 26th Annual Walk for Breast Cancer and is raising $600,000 for a Caribbean-first Automated Breast Ultrasound System (ABUS) to cut waits and boost detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Health System Upgrade: Barbados welcomed the eighth Chinese Medical Team, which introduced two new technologies—Barbados’ first IVUS-guided coronary intervention and first salivary gland imaging—alongside training and community outreach. Regulation for Safer Medicines: Barbados is advancing toward its Medical Products Authority (BMPA) with PAHO support after Parliament passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, focusing on staffing, legal setup, and digital systems. Mental Health & Justice: A Barbadian nurse advocate is calling for stronger crisis response and forensic mental health services after the death of an inmate transferred to Sir Lester Bird Medical Center, stressing specialised first-responder training. Public Health in Heat: Doctors report more heat-related illnesses ahead of Kadooment, with BAMP urging hydration and extra care for elderly and vulnerable people. Community Wellness & Fitness: The Republic Bank CPL Step Challenge returns for 2026, aiming for 200 million steps across host nations, including Barbados. Food Security: A new One Family Programme will support 600 households with backyard farming supplies and technical help. Beach Health Warning: Sargassum seaweed is becoming a self-sustaining coastal problem, with potential public health and environmental impacts as it decomposes. Sports & Training: New Wave Swim School gains government support as a way to reduce burnout, improve athlete development, and grow sports tourism. Local Health Event: The Breast Screening Programme also launched its annual walk and fundraising push to improve early detection and reduce screening delays.

Health & Safety (Heat): Doctors are warning of a rise in heat-related illnesses ahead of Grand Kadooment, urging hydration and extra care for elderly relatives as extreme heat and dry conditions continue. Cancer Care (Breast Screening): The Barbados Cancer Society’s Breast Screening Programme launched its 26th Annual Walk for Breast Cancer and is raising $600,000 for a Caribbean-first Automated Breast Ultrasound System to cut waits and improve detection, especially for women with dense breast tissue. Community Health (Disaster Readiness): DEM interns led a youth disaster preparedness simulation with hands-on stations including CPR, first aid, hazard spotting, fire safety and emergency go-bags. Health System Upgrade (Regulation): Barbados is advancing toward a Medical Products Authority with PAHO support after Parliament passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, focusing on staffing, legal and technical readiness. Medical Innovation (Barbados-China): China’s eighth medical team introduced two new technologies to strengthen cardiology and nuclear medicine, alongside training and community outreach. Mental Health & Justice: A Barbadian mental health advocate is calling for stronger crisis response and forensic mental health services after an inmate’s death linked to an incident at His Majesty’s Prison. Allegations in Healthcare: A former nurse extradited from Barbados to the UK faces charges involving alleged sexual activity with a patient treated for a mental disorder. Wellness & Nutrition (Vitamin C): Health content highlights foods with more vitamin C than bell peppers and strawberries, including acerola (Barbados cherry) and guava. Food Security (Backyard Farming): A new initiative will support 600 households with backyard farming resources to strengthen food security. Sports Wellness (Swim Development): The New Wave Swim School initiative gains support from the Sports Minister, aiming to reduce burnout and build athlete development locally. Public Health (Sargassum): New reporting explains how sargassum blooms may be becoming self-sustaining, raising concerns for coastal health and marine impacts.