AGP Executive Report

BiMPay Launch: Barbados’ instant digital payments system, BiMPay, has officially gone live, letting people and businesses send and receive money 24/7—an upgrade that can also support smoother access to health services and care payments. Scarlet Fever Check: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children from the same household tested positive for streptococcal infection; the Chief Medical Officer says there’s no cause for public alarm. Blood Supply Pressure: Health officials say murders, shootings and road crashes are stretching Barbados’ blood supply, with a call for consistent, voluntary donations since blood lasts about 35 days. Prostate Screening Push: The Barbados Cancer Society reports more men are coming forward for prostate cancer screening and urges continued testing ahead of its awareness walk. Drought Warnings: Barbados remains under drought warnings into late July, with below-normal wet season rainfall risking strain on groundwater and agriculture. Sugar Reform & Obesity: Health advocates welcome reduced-sugar beverage moves, while a new campaign targets junk food advertising around schools as childhood obesity rises. Vector Control Fogging: A scheduled fogging exercise will run across Christ Church, St Thomas and St Michael, then St Michael and St Michael districts, as part of mosquito control efforts. Fisheries Loss: Barbados’ fishing community mourns Dr Shelly-Ann Cox, Chief Fisheries Officer, who died suddenly while presenting awards.

Drought & Water Security: Barbados remains under drought warnings despite the wet season starting June 1, with the Barbados Meteorological Services warning groundwater reserves are already “at a deficit” and issuing agricultural and hydrological drought alerts through end of July, plus watches to October. Blood Donation Drive: Health officials say shootings, stabbings and road crashes are stretching Barbados’ blood supply, urging consistent voluntary donations because blood lasts about 35 days. Scarlet Fever Check in Schools: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection; the Chief Medical Officer says there’s no cause for public alarm. Prostate Cancer Screening: The Barbados Cancer Society reports more men are coming forward for prostate cancer testing, and is encouraging continued screening ahead of its awareness walk. Sugar Reduction Momentum: Health advocates welcome beverage makers’ reduced-sugar moves, linking reformulation to childhood obesity prevention and noting the role of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax. Medical Regulation Reform: Senators advanced legislation to establish a Barbados Medical Products Authority, aiming to modernise medicine and health device regulation and improve access to safe, effective products. Elder Abuse Alert: BARP is calling for stronger enforcement and community vigilance as it warns of a growing pattern of elder abuse, including financial exploitation of isolated seniors. Syphilis Rising: Health officials report an increase in syphilis cases in Barbados, urging people to get tested.

Public Health Alert: The Ministry of Health and Wellness is investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children in the same household tested positive for streptococcal infection, with the Chief Medical Officer stressing there’s no cause for public alarm. Blood Supply: Barbados is calling for regular, voluntary blood donations as murders and other incidents have stretched the national blood bank, with officials reminding residents blood lasts about 35 days. Vector Control: The Ministry’s Vector Control Unit will run a fogging programme across Christ Church, St Thomas and St Michael from June 15–19, with specific spray routes listed by parish. Nutrition & Childhood Health: Health advocates welcomed reduced-sugar beverage reformulations and renewed focus on school nutrition, while a new four-week campaign targets junk food advertising around schools to protect children’s health. Health Policy & Medicines: Senators advanced the Barbados Medical Products Bill to establish a new Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and devices to international standards. Digital Health & Services: BiMPay has officially gone live, enabling instant payments 24/7, with government linking the rollout to broader health system digitisation. Community Health: The Barbados Cancer Society says more men are coming forward for prostate cancer screening and urges continued testing. Elder Care: BARP is urging stronger action on elder abuse ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, warning laws need enforcement and community vigilance. Regional Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states on safely transporting infectious substances and diagnostic specimens to strengthen regional lab readiness. Wellness in the Region: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb harmful consumption.

Prostate Cancer Screening Push: The Barbados Cancer Society says more men are coming forward for prostate cancer testing, urging continued screening for early detection and better outcomes. Blood Donation Call: Barbados’ blood supply is under strain from shootings, stabbings and road crashes, with officials stressing that blood has a short shelf life and needs steady, voluntary donors. Scarlet Fever Watch: Health officials are investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection, while the CMO says there’s no need for public alarm. Sugar Reduction Momentum: Health advocates welcome beverage makers’ reduced-sugar moves, linking reformulation to childhood obesity prevention and school nutrition standards. BiMPay Launch: Barbados’ instant digital payments system, BiMPay, went live, enabling 24/7 transfers for people, businesses and government. Syphilis Rising: The Ministry of Health reports syphilis cases increasing (156 new cases in 2025 vs 107 in 2024) and urges safer sex, regular testing and prompt treatment. Drug Regulation Reform: Senators debated a bill to create a Barbados Medical Products Authority to modernise medicine and device regulation, improve access and strengthen public health protection. School Food Marketing Campaign: A regional push targets unhealthy food marketing around schools, with activities planned across multiple Caribbean islands including Barbados. Elder Abuse Alert: BARP warns of a growing, often hidden pattern of elder abuse and calls for stronger enforcement and community vigilance. Pre-Primary Expansion: Universal free pre-primary education for eligible three- and four-year-olds is set to begin in September, with officials stressing structured learning (not daycare).

Prostate Cancer Screening: The Barbados Cancer Society says more men are coming forward for prostate cancer testing, with steady turnout growth linked to its Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk, and renewed calls for regular screening for early detection. Blood Donation Drive: Health officials warn Barbados’ blood supply is under sustained pressure from shootings, stabbings and road crashes, urging consistent, voluntary blood donations as blood has a limited shelf life. Scarlet Fever Check: The Ministry of Health is investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children tested positive for streptococcal infection, with the Chief Medical Officer stressing there’s no need for public alarm. Sugar Reform Welcome: Health advocates applaud beverage makers for reducing sugar and expanding no-added-sugar options, calling it a key step amid childhood obesity concerns and school nutrition policy tightening. Digital Health & Services: Barbados’ instant payments system BiMPay has gone live, supporting 24/7 transactions and aligning with broader digital upgrades that include progress at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Syphilis Rising: The Ministry reports syphilis cases are increasing (156 new cases in 2025 vs 107 in 2024) and urges safer sex, regular testing and prompt treatment. Drug Regulation Overhaul: Senators back major reform to create a Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices to meet international quality, safety and efficacy standards. School Food Marketing Push: A regional campaign is targeting unhealthy food marketing around schools, building on Barbados’ push to protect children’s health environments.

Scarlet fever watch: Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness is investigating a suspected scarlet fever case at a St Michael primary school after two children from the same household tested positive for streptococcal infection; the Chief Medical Officer says there’s no cause for public alarm as contact tracing and antibiotics are underway. Syphilis rise: Health officials report syphilis cases are increasing, with 156 new cases in 2025 (up from 107 in 2024) and higher testing/positivity rates, urging safer sex, regular testing and prompt treatment. Medical regulation overhaul: The Senate has passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a new Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices to meet international quality, safety and efficacy standards. School food and marketing push: Health advocates back reduced-sugar beverage reformulations and a new campaign targeting unhealthy food marketing around schools, as childhood obesity concerns grow. Regional health policy: PAHO says alcohol and sugary drink taxes across the Americas are too low to curb harmful consumption, calling for stronger tax levels to reduce non-communicable diseases. Elder abuse alert: BARP warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse, including financial exploitation of isolated seniors, ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. CARPHA training: CARPHA trained staff across member states on safely transporting infectious substances to strengthen regional lab and pandemic preparedness. Digital health support: Barbados’ BiMPay instant payments system went live, while officials also point to ongoing health system digital upgrades like faster access to imaging backlogs.

Childhood nutrition push: Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados launches a four-week campaign, “Enough. If it harms our children’s health, it must be regulated,” targeting junk food marketing around schools as youth obesity rises. Syphilis alert: Barbados Ministry of Health and Wellness reports syphilis cases up (156 new cases in 2025 vs 107 in 2024) and urges safer sex, regular testing and prompt treatment. Drug regulation reform: Senate passes the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a new Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices to international standards. School food policy support: Advocates call for legislation to back Barbados’ National School Nutrition Policy so it has enforcement and accountability. Elder protection: BARP warns of a “silent crisis” of elder abuse, urging stronger enforcement and community vigilance. Regional health capacity: CARPHA trains staff across member states on safe transport of infectious substances to strengthen lab and pandemic preparedness. Education access: Universal free pre-primary education for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds is set to begin in September.

Childhood obesity push: Heart & Stroke Foundation of Barbados launches a four-week campaign, “Enough. If it harms our children’s health, it must be regulated,” targeting junk food advertising around schools, after ultra-processed products were removed from classrooms but marketing still surrounds children. Health funding plan: Finance Minister Ryan Straughn says savings from a proposed $1.2 billion debt buyback would help fund health and nutrition initiatives, including behaviour change and regional food security, as nearly one in two children are overweight or obese. Syphilis alert: Barbados’ Ministry of Health reports syphilis cases rising—156 new cases in 2025 vs 107 in 2024—and urges safer sex, regular testing, and prompt treatment. Drug regulation reform: The Senate passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a new autonomous Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices, improve access, and strengthen public health protection. Elder abuse warning: BARP calls for stronger enforcement and community vigilance as elder abuse—especially financial exploitation of isolated seniors—remains a “silent crisis.” Regional public health policy: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are too low to curb harmful consumption, urging higher tax levels to reduce NCD risk. Air quality relief: Barbados Meteorological Services reports Saharan dust levels easing after days of poor air quality and respiratory irritation.

Syphilis Alert in Barbados: The Ministry of Health and Wellness says syphilis cases are rising, with 156 new cases in 2025 versus 107 in 2024 (about a 46% jump). Testing also increased (14,835 tests in 2025 vs 12,731 in 2024), and officials are urging safer sex, regular testing, and prompt treatment—especially for adults with new or multiple partners. Elder Abuse “Silent Crisis”: BARP is calling for urgent action on elder abuse, warning that laws are not enough without enforcement and community vigilance, with particular concern about isolated seniors being targeted for financial gain. Barbados Medical Products Authority: Senators passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a modern, autonomous regulator for medicines and health devices to improve quality, safety, and access, and strengthen public health protection. Regional Public Health Capacity: CARPHA trained 18 people from 15 member states to safely transport infectious substances and diagnostic specimens, boosting regional lab and pandemic preparedness. Healthy Food Policy Push: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption, while a regional campaign is also challenging unhealthy food marketing to children in and around schools.

Barbados Medical Products Act: The Senate has passed the Barbados Medical Products Bill, setting up a new autonomous Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines, medical devices and other health products, with the aim of boosting access to safe, effective treatments and strengthening public health protection. Syphilis alert: Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness reports syphilis cases rising—156 new cases in 2025 versus 107 in 2024—urging adults to get tested, practice safer sex and seek prompt treatment. Healthy school food push: Advocates are calling for legislation to back Barbados’ National School Nutrition Policy, arguing a legal framework is needed for standards, accountability and long-term impact. PAHO alcohol & sugar taxes: PAHO says health tax levels on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption, with Caribbean countries highlighted among the highest consumers. Kidney care gap: A Barbados Kidney Association panel hears that dialysis demand at QEH is outpacing treatment capacity, and calls for organ donor legislation to enable kidney transplants. Regional preparedness: CDEMA urges stronger emergency communications and information-sharing after lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, including faster regional health support during disasters.

Syphilis Alert: Barbados’ Ministry of Health and Wellness says syphilis cases are rising, with 156 new cases in 2025 versus 107 in 2024 (about a 46% jump). Officials point to higher burden among ages 20–29 and urge safer sex, regular testing, and prompt treatment to prevent serious long-term complications. Drug Regulation Reform: Barbados has passed the Barbados Medical Products Act, 2026, setting up a new Barbados Medical Products Authority to regulate medicines and health devices under international quality, safety, and efficacy standards—aimed at strengthening oversight and improving access. Senate Oversight: Senators weighed in on the Medical Products Act as fees and transparency concerns were raised, alongside calls for a science-based regulatory framework. Health Taxes Push: PAHO reports health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas remain too low to curb consumption, renewing calls for stronger tax policy to reduce non-communicable disease risk. School Nutrition & Food Marketing: Advocates urge legislation to back Barbados’ National School Nutrition Policy, while a regional campaign targets junk food and drink marketing in schools to protect children’s health. Kidney Care: A Barbados Kidney Association panel highlights pressure on dialysis services and calls for organ donor legislation to enable kidney transplants. Regional Preparedness: CDEMA reflects on lessons from the 2025 hurricane season, stressing better emergency communications and information sharing, including rapid deployment of regional field medical support.

Public Health Policy: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, with beer and spirits taxed below global averages and one-third of countries not taxing sugary drinks at all. School Nutrition & Marketing: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition has launched “Make it Make Sense” to push back on ultra-processed food and drink marketing in schools, with a petition running across 11 territories. Kidney Health: A Queen Elizabeth Hospital transplant specialist says dialysis demand is rising (about six new patients a month) and is urging organ donor legislation to enable more kidney transplants. Digital Health: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital digital transformation is gaining momentum, including digitising records to improve efficiency and patient care. Infectious Disease Watch: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after a scarlet fever concern at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak. Regional AMR & Sepsis Support: PAHO highlights Belize sepsis-care pathway work and Fleming Fund progress across Caribbean labs, including more testing and training.

School Food Marketing Crackdown: The Healthy Caribbean Coalition has launched “Make it Make Sense,” urging Caribbean governments to curb ultra-processed food and sugary drink advertising in schools, with a petition running May 25–July 16 across 11 territories, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados and other regional groups. Kidney Care Urgency: At a Barbados Kidney Association event, Queen Elizabeth Hospital transplant specialist Dr Margaret O’Shea said new dialysis patients are rising (about six per month) and called for organ donor legislation to enable more kidney transplants. NCD Policy Push: PAHO reports alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverage taxes across the Americas are still too low to curb harmful consumption, while a Barbados meeting of nutritionists and legal drafters focused on sodium reduction and eliminating industrial trans fats. Infectious Disease Watch: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after parents raised concerns about a scarlet fever case at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak. QEH Digital Upgrade: Barbados’ Queen Elizabeth Hospital transformation is progressing, with digitisation of records highlighted as improving efficiency and patient care. Regional Wellness & Lifestyle: A “wellness travel” roundup spotlights Caribbean destinations shifting toward nature, movement, clean food and slower recovery-focused trips.

PAHO Policy Watch: PAHO says health taxes on alcohol and sugary drinks across the Americas are still too low to curb consumption, with sugary drink intake in the region far above the global average—another push for stronger fiscal measures to tackle NCDs. Healthy Food & NCD Prevention: In Barbados, nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters met to map sodium reduction and policies to eliminate industrial trans fats, warning that most sodium comes from processed foods and no country has fully met targets yet. School Health Alert: A virologist is urging caution and transparency after a scarlet fever concern at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary, saying it’s too early to know if it’s a wider outbreak without surveillance and lab data. Childhood Obesity Focus: The Heart & Stroke Foundation warns that ultra-processed food marketing aimed at children is driving rising childhood obesity, calling for healthier school food environments. Care Delivery Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s digital transformation is progressing, with digitised records flagged as improving efficiency and patient care. Community Health & Environment: Health and environmental officials are tackling illegal dumping ahead of World Environment Day, linking waste behaviour to ecosystem risk and public health.

School Health Watch: Parents and the Barbados Union of Teachers are pushing for continued scrutiny at Hillaby/Turner’s Hall Primary after reports of scarlet fever-like illness, dengue exposure, and Group A Streptococcus concerns—despite officials saying there’s no unusual outbreak. Infectious Disease Caution: Virologist Dr Camille Lange says it’s too early to confirm a wider outbreak without surveillance and lab/clinical data, urging transparency as families question how information is being handled. Digital Care Upgrade: Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s shift to a fully digital operation is gaining momentum, with digitised records aimed at improving efficiency and patient care. NCD Prevention Push: PAHO/WHO convened nutritionists, NCD focal points and legal drafters in Barbados to map sodium reduction targets and policies to eliminate industrial trans fats. Food Policy & Childhood Obesity: The Heart & Stroke Foundation warns that ultra-processed food marketing to children is driving rising childhood obesity, calling for healthier school food environments. Local Doctors’ Role: Barbados medical practitioners are urging doctors to help shape public policy to tackle non-communicable diseases beyond the clinic. Wellness Travel Trend: Caribbean wellness travel is shifting toward nature, movement, food and deeper rest—highlighting islands positioning for this demand.

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.