AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Data Systems: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at JNF General Hospital, part of a wider push to modernise care and make services more integrated and patient-centred. Workforce Planning: PAHO/WHO has praised the Ministry of Health’s start of data entry into the Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+), with a technical mission supporting the move from setup to full operations. Public Health Promotion: The Health Ministry is gearing up for Caribbean Wellness Month in September, focusing on moving more, eating well, resting adequately, and learning how to prevent illness. Community Support: The Elevate Program donated to Kentab Tyson to help cover medical expenses ahead of upcoming surgery. Household Relief: The Government launched a 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, providing EC$250 per eligible child for school costs. Environment & Health Risk: Drought conditions continue through November, with rainfall far below normal—raising concerns for water conservation and health impacts. Local Agriculture: Coconut seedlings were distributed to farmers to help revive local production, supported by CARDI. Wellness Abroad: St. Kitts and Nevis debuted at I Am Caribbeing Open Streets in Brooklyn, featuring a health and wellness corner.

Health & Wellness Programming: The Ministry of Health is gearing up for September’s Caribbean Wellness Month with federation-wide activities focused on moving more, eating well, getting adequate rest, and learning practical ways to prevent illness. Digital Health: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at JNF General Hospital, part of a broader push to modernise care and make services more integrated and patient-centred. Health Workforce Planning: PAHO/WHO has praised the start of data entry into the Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+), supporting stronger planning for the health workforce. Water & Health Risk: Drought conditions are continuing through at least November, with rainfall far below normal—an alert for vigilance and water conservation. Household Support: The Government launched a 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, providing EC$250 per eligible child to ease school costs. Community & Prevention: The new ambulance fleet investment (over EC$2 million) aims to improve emergency response and save more lives. Agriculture for Resilience: Coconut seedlings were distributed to farmers to help revive local production and strengthen food security.

Back-to-School Support: The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis launched its 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, providing EC$250 per eligible child for uniforms, supplies and other school needs from Aug. 17 to Dec. 31, 2026. Health System Upgrade: PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Health marked progress on workforce planning with the start of data entry into the Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+), built on DHIS2. Digital Care at JNF Hospital: The Ministry also deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, aiming for a more integrated, patient-centred system beyond paper records. Emergency Care Investment: Prime Minister Drew highlighted EC$2 million spent over four years on a new ambulance fleet to strengthen emergency response. Community Wellness & Youth Empowerment: The Joy Project ran financial literacy sessions for girls as part of the Girls Illuminated Health and Wellness effort, pairing practical money skills with empowerment. Environment & Health Risk: Drought conditions are persisting into the wet season, with officials urging vigilance and water conservation.

Household Relief: The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is keeping pressure off families with a 2026 Back-to-School Voucher Programme, offering EC$250 per eligible child; applications opened Aug. 17 and run until Dec. 31, 2026. Health Workforce Planning: PAHO/WHO has praised the Ministry of Health’s push to operationalise the Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+), with data entry starting as a technical mission supports the move from system build to full use. Digital Healthcare Upgrade: The National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) has been deployed at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, part of a wider effort to modernise records and improve patient-centred care. Hospital Comfort Boost: PM Dr. Terrance Drew reopened the refurbished JNF Private Ward after EC$400,000 in upgrades, including 15 private rooms, new equipment, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, and a buzzer system. Medicinal Cannabis Pathway: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug. 20–22) to prepare residents for the regulated medicinal cannabis sector. Community Wellness & Youth Empowerment: The Joy Project delivered financial literacy sessions for young girls through the Girls Illuminated St. Kitts and Nevis Health and Wellness Program, led by Davinia Tomlinson. Energy Cost Concerns: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley warned that indefinite fuel subsidies aren’t sustainable amid Middle East-driven shipping disruptions and rising costs. Geothermal Progress: The Nevis Electricity Company has made a US$5.9M down payment to begin geothermal drilling preparations on Nevis.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France General Hospital, moving beyond paper records toward a more integrated, patient-centred system. Workforce Planning Boost: PAHO/WHO and the Pandemic Fund-backed mission has begun data collection for the Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+), helping the Ministry of Health operationalise standardised workforce planning. Hospital Comfort & Care: The refurbished Private Ward at JNF General Hospital has reopened after EC$400,000 in upgrades, including 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, and a new buzzer system. Emergency Response Investment: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says more than EC$2 million has gone into a new ambulance fleet over four years to strengthen emergency care. Energy Costs & Health: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley warned that rising fuel and living costs from the Middle East conflict are pressuring governments, but said endless subsidies could bankrupt the country. Local Health Pathways: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug 20–22) to support regulated medicinal cannabis cultivation.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, moving beyond paper records toward a more integrated, patient-centred system. Emergency Care Investment: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says the country has put more than EC$2 million into a new ambulance fleet over the past four years to strengthen emergency response. Hospital Comfort & Care: The refurbished JNF General Hospital Private Ward has reopened after EC$400,000+ in upgrades, including 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, and a new buzzer system. Workforce Planning Boost: A Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+) is now entering operationalisation, with PAHO/WHO support, to standardise health workforce data for better planning. Nursing Reinforcements: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme to ease staffing pressure across hospitals and clinics. Women’s Wellness & Empowerment: The Joy Project delivered financial literacy sessions for girls as part of the Girls Illuminated St. Kitts & Nevis Health and Wellness Program, pairing money skills with confidence-building. Youth & Health Future: The OECS unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, aiming to protect and empower children across the region.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System at JNF General Hospital, aiming for a more integrated, patient-centred system beyond paper records. Hospital Comfort & Care: PM Terrance Drew reopened the refurbished Private Ward at JNF after more than EC$400,000 in upgrades, including 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, and a new buzzer system. Nursing Workforce Boost: The Federation welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana to work across hospitals and clinics for two years, easing pressure on local staff and improving nurse-to-patient ratios. Health Workforce Planning: A mission is underway to operationalise a Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to strengthen planning and pandemic readiness. Youth Financial Wellness: The Joy Project ran financial literacy sessions for young girls as part of the Girls Illuminated St. Kitts & Nevis Health and Wellness Program, teaching practical money habits. Agriculture for Resilience: Coconut seedlings were distributed to farmers with hands-on training on propagation, agronomy, and pest and disease management to support food security and local livelihoods.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France General Hospital, aiming for a more integrated, patient-centred system beyond paper records. Emergency Care Investment: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says the government has put over EC$2 million into a new ambulance fleet to strengthen emergency response. Hospital Comfort & Care: The refurbished Private Ward at JNF General Hospital has reopened after more than EC$400,000 in upgrades, including 15 private rooms and improved patient and staff facilities. Workforce Strengthening: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme to ease pressure on local teams and improve nurse-to-patient ratios. Health Workforce Planning: A mission is underway to operationalise the Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to support better planning and pandemic readiness. Youth Wellness & Empowerment: The Joy Project and Girls Illuminated ran financial literacy sessions for girls as part of the Girls Illuminated St. Kitts & Nevis Health and Wellness Program, teaching practical money habits and future planning. Agriculture for Resilience: Coconut seedlings were distributed to farmers in St. Kitts, with training on propagation, agronomy, and pest and disease management. Child Well-Being Policy: OECS launched a regional child policy and strategic plan for 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, using a whole-of-the-child approach focused on protection and rights.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has successfully deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, with officials saying it’s more than replacing paper records and is meant to support a more integrated, patient-centred system. Hospital Care Improvements: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew reopened the refurbished Private Ward at JNF General Hospital after more than EC$400,000 in upgrades, including 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, and a new buzzer system to speed nurse-to-patient communication. Workforce Strengthening: The Federation welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, aiming to ease pressure on local staff, improve nurse-to-patient ratios, and strengthen care across hospitals and clinics. Health Workforce Planning Tools: A mission is underway to operationalise St. Kitts and Nevis’ Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+), built on DHIS2, to improve workforce planning and decision-making. Community Wellness & Prevention: The Joy Project and Girls Illuminated ran a financial literacy session for young girls as part of a broader health and wellness empowerment effort. Local Food Resilience: Coconut seedlings were distributed to farmers across St. Kitts, alongside training on propagation, agronomy, and pest and disease management to boost local production. Child Well-Being Policy: OECS launched a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 with UNICEF support, using a whole-of-the-child approach focused on protecting and empowering children across the region. Medicinal Cannabis Pathway: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug 20–22) to help residents transition from informal cultivation into the regulated medicinal cannabis sector.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, with officials saying it goes beyond replacing paper records to support a more integrated, patient-centred system. Emergency Care Investment: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says the Federation has put more than EC$2 million into a new ambulance fleet over four years to strengthen emergency response. Hospital Comfort & Care: The refurbished JNF General Hospital Private Ward has reopened after a EC$400,000+ upgrade, adding 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs, and a new buzzer system. Workforce Strengthening: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, aiming to ease pressure on local staff and improve nurse-to-patient ratios. Health Workforce Planning: A mission is operationalising a Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to improve planning and pandemic preparedness. Regional Child Well-Being: The OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 built on a whole-of-the-child approach. Community Health Planning: Residents attended a consultation on the proposed Conaree Health Centre, sharing feedback to shape local public healthcare services. Youth Empowerment: The Joy Project delivered financial literacy for girls through the Girls Illuminated St. Kitts & Nevis Health and Wellness programme, pairing money skills with empowerment.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has successfully deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France General Hospital, moving beyond paper records toward a more integrated, patient-centred system. Hospital Comfort & Care: The refurbished JNF General Hospital private ward has reopened after a more than EC$400,000 upgrade, adding 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs and a new buzzer system. Emergency Response Investment: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says the Ministry of Health has put over EC$2 million into a new ambulance fleet to strengthen emergency care and save more lives. Workforce Strengthening: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana to ease staffing pressure across hospitals and clinics, while officials continue pushing for better nurse-to-patient ratios. Health Planning Data: A mission is underway to operationalise the Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to improve workforce planning and pandemic readiness. Child Well-Being Policy: OECS, with UNICEF support, unveiled a Regional Child Policy and Strategic Plan 2026–2032 built on a whole-of-the-child approach. Community Input: Residents in Conaree took part in a consultation on a proposed Conaree Health Centre, shaping local public healthcare plans. Youth Wellness & Empowerment: The Joy Project delivered financial literacy for girls through the Girls Illuminated St. Kitts & Nevis Health and Wellness Program.

Digital Health Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has deployed the National Digital Health Information System (NDHIS) at Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital, with officials saying it’s more than replacing paper records—aimed at a more integrated, patient-centred system. Hospital Comfort & Care: The Prime Minister reopened the refurbished JNF General Hospital private ward after a $400,000+ upgrade, adding 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs, and a new buzzer system to boost dignity and service. Workforce Planning: A five-day mission is underway to operationalise the Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) using the DHIS2 platform, training staff across ministries, hospitals, and health centres in both islands. Nursing Support From Abroad: Government welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, intended to ease pressure on local teams and improve nurse-to-patient ratios. Medicinal Cannabis Pathway: The Medicinal Cannabis Authority opened registration for a Traditional Cultivator Programme orientation (Aug 20–22) to prepare residents for participation in the regulated medicinal cannabis sector.

Healthcare upgrades: St. Kitts and Nevis reopened the refurbished Private Ward at Joseph N. France General Hospital after a $400,000+ upgrade, adding 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs, and a new buzzer system to boost comfort and care. Workforce planning: The Ministry of Health, with PAHO and the Pandemic Fund, began a mission to operationalise a Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to strengthen planning and pandemic readiness. Nursing support: The Federation welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana (32 general, 15 community/public health) to ease staffing pressure across hospitals and clinics, while also reigniting debate on retention and local pay/conditions. Medical education pipeline: Thirty-seven students received Taiwan scholarships for 2026 (28 MOFA, 9 ICDF), and the government is also developing new medical scholarship pathways to grow local specialist capacity. Regional child wellbeing: OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a 2026–2032 regional child policy aiming to protect, empower, and improve everyday outcomes for children across the Eastern Caribbean. Community health access: Residents in Conaree took part in a consultation on a proposed local health centre, shaping how public services will be delivered. Wellness-linked community event: Tridents Trust Day is set for September 10 at Kensington Oval, with free health screenings and fundraising for women’s health and cancer causes.

Hospital Care Upgrade: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew reopened the refurbished Private Ward at Joseph N. France General Hospital after a $400,000+ upgrade, adding 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs, and a new buzzer system to boost comfort and care. Workforce Planning: The Ministry of Health, with PAHO and the Pandemic Fund, began a five-day mission to operationalise St. Kitts and Nevis’ Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+), training staff to enter and use standardised workforce data. Nursing Support: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, aiming to ease pressure, improve nurse-to-patient ratios, and strengthen care across hospitals and clinics. Education for Health: Thirty-seven students received Taiwan scholarships for 2026 (MOFA and ICDF tracks), with government leaders urging recipients to return and contribute—alongside plans to expand medical scholarship pathways. Regional Child Well-Being: OECS, with UNICEF support, launched a regional child policy and strategic plan 2026–2032 built on a “whole-of-the-child” approach across health, education, justice, protection, and social support. Health Costs Watch: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley warned that the US-Iran conflict and shipping disruptions are driving higher energy costs, and cautioned against relief measures that could strain public finances.

Hospital Upgrade: St. Kitts and Nevis has reopened the refurbished Private Ward at Joseph N. France General Hospital after a $400,000+ upgrade, adding 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs and a new buzzer system to boost patient comfort and care. Workforce Planning: The Ministry of Health, with PAHO and the Pandemic Fund, is rolling out a Centralised Health Workforce Database and Dashboard of Indicators (CHWD+) to strengthen planning and pandemic readiness. Nursing Boost: The Federation welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme, with plans to deploy them across hospitals and clinics to ease workload pressure and improve nurse-to-patient ratios. Medical Training Pathway: Prime Minister Terrance Drew says St. Kitts and Nevis is working with Taiwan to expand medical scholarships, including a route for future doctors to study in Taiwan and return for internships and licensing. Scholarships for Public Health & More: A record 37 students received Taiwan scholarships for 2026, including tracks tied to engineering, public health and healthcare workforce development. Community Input: Residents in Conaree took part in a consultation on a proposed Conaree Health Centre, shaping how public services will be delivered locally. Safety Alert: The Bureau of Standards is urging people to stop selling and using squishy dumpling toys after an international recall linked to choking and chemical burn risks. Local Wellness Event: Tridents Trust Day (Sept 10) will feature free health screenings alongside a women’s health and cancer fundraising drive at Kensington Oval.

Hospital Upgrade: Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew officially reopened the refurbished Private Ward at Joseph N. France General Hospital after a $400,000-plus upgrade, adding 15 private rooms, improved bathrooms, air-conditioning, TVs and a new buzzer system to boost comfort and care. Workforce Planning: The Ministry of Health, with PAHO and the Pandemic Fund, began a 10–14 Aug mission to operationalise St. Kitts and Nevis’ Centralised Health Workforce Database (CHWD+) to strengthen planning and pandemic readiness. Nursing Boost: St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed 47 trained nurses from Ghana under the Ghana Labour Exchange Programme—32 general nurses and 15 community/public health nurses—aimed at easing staffing pressure and improving nurse-to-patient ratios. Training & Care Access: A U.S. Embassy delegation visited JNF General Hospital to see improvements firsthand and understand services available to visitors and residents. Education for Health: Government also pushed ahead with Taiwan scholarship pathways, including 37 students awarded MOFA/ICDF scholarships, with disciplines tied to public health and healthcare workforce development.