Online Guide to Antigua and Barbuda's Government Information and Services
Scores of bed nets donated by PAHO

23rd May 2016

Some one hundred (100) pregnant women in Antigua and Barbuda will be the recipients of a timely donation from the Pan American Health Organization {PAHO}.

In a brief ceremony at the Ministry of Health and the Environment's headquarters today (Monday), a total of one hundred (100) bed nets were presented to the Ministry by PAHO's Country Programme Specialist Reynold Hewitt.

The donation of the bed nets according to Hewitt is another indication of PAHO's commitment to enable member states in the region, including Antigua and Barbuda, to be in a better position to respond to the Zika virus.

The bed nets will assist in protecting the mothers-to-be from being bitten by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito which is responsible for the spread of the Zika Virus.

Permanent secretary in the Ministry Walter Christopher accepted the gift on behalf of the Minister of Health and the Environment, Hon. Molwyn Joseph who is presently attending the World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Walter recognized the important role that PAHO continues to play in enhancing the health care delivery system in Antigua and Barbuda.

"The people of Antigua and Barbuda express its deep appreciation for the bed nets and continue to look forward to PAHO's contributions whether it is financial or material or in the area of communicable and non-communicable diseases` control and awareness", Walter stated.

The Pan American Health Organization PAHO is a specialized International health agency for the Americas that continues to work with countries throughout the region in an effort to improve and protect the health of all peoples.

Over the Past months, the Ministry of Health and the Environment has been intensifying its mosquito-eradication campaign throughout the country as countries throughout the region and further afield implement concrete measures to control the Zika virus which was declared by the World Health Organization as a Public Health Emergency.

For More Information Contact:
Debbie Francis
Communication Officer
Tel: (268) 464-8026