AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Tech & Policy: CARICOM ministers, with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, moved to advance a regional digital health strategy aimed at strengthening primary care, public health surveillance, health financing and workforce planning. Maternal & Child Health: Dominica’s Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including a possible dedicated neonatal/pediatric corner and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. Cardiac Care at Home: Dominica China Friendship Hospital completed four successful permanent pacemaker implantations—ending the need for patients to travel abroad for permanent procedures. Youth Wellness: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” event encourages ages 16–35 to make healthier lifestyle choices through guided conversations on nutrition and wellbeing. Community Neonatal Support: The Caring for Miracles Foundation marked five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns at UHWI NICU in Jamaica, including equipment, training and family support. Health Systems Focus: PAHO’s Director called for faster action on emerging health challenges while highlighting gains in primary care, vaccination and digital health. Local Health Promotion: Dominica’s Teachers Week 2026 includes “Wellness Wednesday” with screenings and wellness checks for educators. Health & Wellness Education: A calm, judgment-free childhood vaccines conversation features Dr. Nawab, tackling common myths and what parents can expect.

Regional Health Policy: CARICOM is moving to advance a regional digital health strategy, with health ministers backing a plan led by CARICOM and driven by Member States, supported by PAHO, the IDB and the World Bank. Neonatal Care Milestone: The Dominican-founded Caring for Miracles Foundation marked five years supporting premature and critically ill newborns at the UHWI NICU in Jamaica, including equipment donations, training and family support. Local Cardiac Upgrade: Dominica Hospitals Authority says four permanent pacemaker implantations were successfully done at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, meaning patients who previously had to travel can now get the procedure at home. Youth Wellness Push: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” event is set to encourage healthier eating and lifestyle choices among youth aged 16–35, with admission details and a Roseau venue listed for today. Maternal & Child Health at Community Level: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including plans for a dedicated neonatal/pediatric corner and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. Health Outreach for Drivers: During Caribbean Wellness Month, the Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus operators at Mahaut Bus Stop, with referrals for follow-up care. Climate Resilience & Health Facilities: President Sylvanie Burton urged UN action to finance resilience before disasters, stressing protection for roads, water systems and health facilities. Education & Skills for Health Systems: OECS training for services trade stakeholders continues across member states, aiming to strengthen policy and negotiating capacity. International Health Context: PAHO’s Director called for faster action on emerging health challenges while highlighting progress in primary care, vaccination and digital health across the Americas. Health-Related Travel Training: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new destination training course for UK travel advisers focused on Dominica’s health and wellness experiences.

Cardiac Care at Home: Dominica has completed its first permanent pacemaker implantations at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, with four procedures successfully done on Sept. 25 under local cardiologist Dr. Rachel Andrew, trained by a specialist from Georgia—meaning patients no longer need to travel overseas for permanent devices. Neonatal Support & Training: The Caring for Miracles Foundation, founded by Dominican-born doctors, marked five years of neonatal care support at UHWI’s NICU in Jamaica, focusing on equipment donations, staff education, and family support. Youth Wellness Push: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” returns today (4:30–7:00 PM at The Realm) to encourage ages 16–35 to make healthier food and lifestyle choices through guided conversation. Primary Health Outreach: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus operators at Mahaut bus stop, offering screenings and referrals as part of Caribbean Wellness Month. Regional Digital Health: CARICOM health ministers moved to advance a regional digital health strategy with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, aiming to strengthen care delivery, surveillance, workforce management and health financing. Climate Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton urged UNGA action to finance resilience before disasters, citing Hurricane Maria and calling for investment in roads, water systems and health facilities. Health Policy Debate: Commentary and letters continue to spotlight contraception access and safe abortion rights, including World Contraception Day messaging and calls to decriminalize abortion. Education & Health Skills: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) for frontline staff.

Neonatal Care Milestone: The Caring for Miracles Foundation marks five years of supporting premature and critically ill newborns, with programmes piloted at UHWI NICU in Jamaica through equipment donations, training, and family support. Regional Digital Health Push: CARICOM health ministers, with PAHO, IDB and World Bank support, moved to advance a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, primary care, workforce management, surveillance, and health financing. Youth Wellness Event: DOMDA’s “Sip N Chat” invites people ages 16–35 to talk openly about healthier eating and lifestyle choices, with the event running 4:30–7:00 PM at The Realm in Roseau. Local Cardiac Upgrade: Dominica China Friendship Hospital completed four permanent pacemaker implantations, bringing a service that previously required patients to travel overseas. Community Neonatal & Pediatric Care: Castle Bruce Health Centre explores expanding neonatal and pediatric services, including refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe. Health Outreach on the Move: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus operators at Mahaut bus stop as part of Caribbean Wellness Month. Global Health Context: PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa says the Americas are improving health but must accelerate action on emerging challenges. Health & Wellness Education: Dominica State College’s Confucius Classroom marked Mid-Autumn Festival, continuing Chinese-language education and cultural exchange that also includes health fair activities.

Pacemaker milestone: Dominica has completed four permanent pacemaker implantations at the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, ending the need for many patients to travel abroad for permanent procedures. Teachers’ wellbeing: The Dominica Association of Teachers kicks off Teachers Week 2026, with “Wellness Wednesday” offering screenings and wellness checks in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Newborn and child care push: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric services, including refresher training for Helping Babies Breathe. Bus stop health drives: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to Mahaut bus operators during Caribbean Wellness Month, with referrals for follow-up care. Regional health leadership: PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa says the Americas are making progress but must speed up action on emerging health challenges. Climate resilience at UNGA: President Sylvanie Burton urged global partners to finance resilience before disasters, including roads, water systems and health facilities. OECS services training: OECS launched EU-funded specialised training for regional trade in services stakeholders across member states, including Dominica. Safety update: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man wounded and receiving medical attention.

Cardiology Milestone: Dominica China Friendship Hospital completed four permanent pacemaker implantations on Sept 25—bringing a service that previously required patients to travel overseas under local cardiologist Dr. Rachel Andrew. Maternal-Child Health: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including a possible dedicated corner and refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe. Wellness in the Community: Roseau’s health team held a bus-stop outreach in Mahaut with blood pressure and blood sugar checks, screenings, and referrals—aimed at early prevention during Caribbean Wellness Month. Teachers’ Health & Support: The Dominica Association of Teachers launched Teachers Week 2026, with “Wellness Wednesday” offering screenings and wellness checks for educators. Public Safety: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man wounded; investigators say assailants arrived by motor vehicle. Climate Resilience Push: President Sylvanie Burton urged UNGA partners to finance resilience before disasters, citing Hurricane Maria’s lessons and Dominica’s renewable energy progress. Regional Training for Services: OECS delivered EU-funded specialised training for trade in services stakeholders across Dominica and other member states. Global Health Debate: World Contraception Day commentary renewed calls for safe, reliable contraceptive access and better prevention of unintended pregnancy.

Cardiac Care Upgrade: Dominica recorded a major healthcare milestone at DCFH, completing four permanent pacemaker implantations on Sept. 25—meaning patients no longer need to travel overseas for permanent devices. Newborn & Child Health Focus: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanded neonatal and pediatric services, including a possible dedicated care corner and refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) for staff. Wellness Outreach on the Move: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks, basic screenings, and referrals to the Mahaut bus stop as part of Caribbean Wellness Month, targeting drivers who struggle to visit clinics. Teachers’ Well-being: The Dominica Association of Teachers launched Teachers Week 2026, with “Wellness Wednesday” offering health screenings and wellness checks for teachers islandwide. Climate Resilience Push: President Sylvanie Burton urged UNGA partners to finance resilience before disasters strike, citing Hurricane Maria’s lessons and calling for stronger health facilities, water systems, and resilient infrastructure. Policy & Access Debate: World Contraception Day commentary renewed calls for better contraceptive access and accurate information, linking unintended pregnancy to abortion rates. Community Safety: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds.

Pacemaker milestone: Dominica has completed its first permanent pacemaker implantations at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital, with four successful procedures on Sept. 25—meaning patients no longer need to travel overseas for permanent devices. Teachers’ wellbeing: The Dominica Association of Teachers kicked off Teachers Week 2026 and will hold “Wellness Wednesday” on Sept. 30 with health screenings and wellness checks in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Newborn and child care push: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric services, including a possible dedicated corner and refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe. Preventive health outreach: Roseau’s health team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus drivers at the Mahaut bus stop, with referrals for follow-up care. Regional health leadership: PAHO’s Director told ministers the Americas are making progress but must speed up action on emerging public health challenges. Climate resilience call: President Sylvanie Burton urged UN partners to finance resilience before disasters strike, citing Hurricane Maria’s lessons for health facilities and other critical infrastructure. Community safety: Police are investigating a Pointe Michel shooting that left a 37-year-old St. Lucian man with multiple gunshot wounds.

Travel & Training: Discover Dominica Authority launched a free, self-paced Online Travel Training (OTT) course for UK and US travel advisers, covering Dominica’s seven tourism pillars (Adventure, Health & Wellness, Romance, Aqua, Culture/Events, Agro, Kalinago) and key experiences like rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, diving and wellness; completers get a Certificate of Completion. Maternal & Child Health: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanding neonatal and pediatric care, including a neonatal/pediatric “corner” idea and refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) for staff. Preventive Care on the Move: Roseau Health Team brought Caribbean Wellness Month screenings to the Mahaut bus stop, offering blood pressure and blood sugar checks plus referrals for follow-up. Health Services Update: Marigot Hospital temporarily suspended all services on Sept 22–23 for maintenance, directing residents to Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre for emergencies. Climate Resilience & Health Infrastructure: President Sylvanie Burton urged UNGA action to finance resilience before disasters, stressing protection for roads, water systems and health facilities ahead of future storms. World Contraception Day: ASPIRE marked Sept 26 with a push for reliable contraceptive access, linking improved contraception use to fewer unintended pregnancies and abortions.

Travel & Tourism Training: Dominica launched a new self-paced Online Travel Training course for UK travel advisers, giving destination-specific guidance across seven pillars including Health & Wellness, adventure, romance, aqua, culture/events, agro and Kalinago, with a Certificate of Completion for those who finish. Maternal & Child Health: Castle Bruce Health Centre explored expanding neonatal and pediatric care, including a plan for a dedicated neonatal/pediatric corner and refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB). Preventive Care on the Road: Roseau’s health team held “Health Drives for the Drivers” at the Mahaut bus stop, offering blood pressure and blood sugar checks, basic screenings and referrals. Hospital Update: Marigot Hospital temporarily suspended services for scheduled maintenance, directing residents to the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre for emergencies. Climate Resilience Push: President Sylvanie Burton urged UNGA partners to finance resilience before disasters, citing Hurricane Maria and calling for stronger health facilities, water systems and resilient infrastructure. Health Policy Debate: World Contraception Day commentary highlighted Dominica’s push for better contraceptive access, linking unintended pregnancy to abortion rates.

Maternal & Child Health: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including a possible dedicated “neonatal and pediatric corner,” plus refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) for staff. Preventive Care on the Move: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks, basic screenings, and referrals to bus drivers at the Mahaut bus stop during Caribbean Wellness Month. Hospital Update: Marigot Hospital will temporarily suspend services for maintenance on Sept. 22–23, with residents advised to use the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre for emergencies. Climate & Health Infrastructure: President Sylvanie Burton urged UN partners to finance resilience before disasters strike, stressing protection for roads, water systems, and health facilities. Health Policy Debate: World Contraception Day commentary from ASPIRE highlights access to reliable contraceptives as a way to reduce unintended pregnancy and abortions, following a landmark High Court ruling. Community Health & Aging: Dominica Council on Ageing marked Centenarian Day, calling for stronger care and dignity for older people. Travel & Wellness Training: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new OTT destination training course for travel advisers, featuring Dominica’s Health & Wellness pillar.

World Contraception Day: ASPIRE marks Sept. 26 with a push for “No Barriers, Just Choices,” arguing that better access to reliable contraceptives can reduce unintended pregnancy and abortions, pointing to Dominica’s High Court ruling that struck down the abortion law as unconstitutional. Newborn & child care: Castle Bruce Health Centre explores expanding neonatal and pediatric services, including a dedicated corner and refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) with support from the World Pediatric Project. Preventive health outreach: Roseau Health Team brings blood pressure and blood sugar checks to the Mahaut bus stop, offering screenings and referrals during Caribbean Wellness Month. Climate resilience at UNGA: President Sylvanie Burton urges global partners to finance resilience before disasters, citing Hurricane Maria and calling for investment in roads, water systems and health facilities. Health services update: Marigot Hospital temporarily suspends services Sept. 22–23 for maintenance, directing residents to the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre. Tourism & wellness training: Discover Dominica Authority launches a new Online Travel Training course for UK/US travel advisers, highlighting Dominica’s Health & Wellness pillar and other key experiences.

Cruise & Wellness Tourism: Corendon is offering a one-off 14-day Caribbean cruise (13 nights) on the Renaissance, departing Bonaire on Dec 26 and calling at Dominica, with onboard wellness and fitness facilities plus Dutch/English guides. Maternal & Child Health: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring expanded neonatal and pediatric care, including a possible dedicated corner and refresher training in Helping Babies Breathe (HBB). Childhood Vaccines Conversation: A calm, judgment-free interview with Dr. Nawab tackles common vaccine questions, including the autism myth and what happens when children go unvaccinated. Community Health Outreach: Roseau’s health team held “Health Drives for the Drivers” at the Mahaut bus stop, offering blood pressure and blood sugar checks plus referrals. Dementia Awareness: The State House lit purple for World Alzheimer’s Day, with the Dominica Dementia Foundation urging early detection, healthy living, and support for caregivers. Climate Resilience Push: President Sylvanie Burton told the UN General Assembly that resilience must be financed before disasters, citing Dominica’s Hurricane Maria experience and calling for faster, concessional funding. Local Health Services Disruption: Marigot Hospital will temporarily suspend services for maintenance on Sept 22–23, with residents advised to use the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre. Agriculture & Food Security: A national seminar prepares poultry and pig farmers for expanded production and upcoming abattoir operations, focusing on biosecurity, nutrition, and supply consistency. Sports Update: Dominica opened its Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against the Cayman Islands, with coach Kurt Herd citing missed chances ahead of Puerto Rico on Sunday.

Child health push: Castle Bruce Health Centre is exploring a dedicated neonatal and pediatric corner after a SMART upgrade, with support from the World Pediatric Project and refresher training like Helping Babies Breathe. Vaccines conversation: A calm, judgment-free discussion with a pediatrician tackles common childhood vaccine fears, the autism myth, and what happens when kids go unvaccinated. Community wellness outreach: Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks to bus drivers at the Mahaut bus stop, offering referrals and urging people to know their numbers early. Hospital services pause: Marigot Hospital will temporarily suspend services for maintenance, with residents directed to the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre for emergencies. Climate resilience at UNGA: President Sylvanie Burton urged global partners to finance resilience before disasters, citing Hurricane Maria and calling for investment in roads, water systems and health facilities. Tourism training: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new Online Travel Training course for UK and US travel advisers, focused on Dominica’s health & wellness and other tourism pillars. Health policy debate: Letters to the editor continue the abortion law discussion, arguing for separation of religion and state and criticizing blame placed on women.

Climate & Health Resilience: President Sylvanie Burton urged the UN General Assembly to fund climate resilience now, saying Dominica’s Hurricane Maria experience shows small islands can’t rely on rebuilding after disasters. She called for investment in resilient roads, bridges, buildings, communications, water systems and health facilities, alongside a push to scale renewable energy (geothermal already powers about 84% of electricity, targeting 100% by 2030). Preventive Care on the Road: During Caribbean Wellness Month, the Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks, basic screenings and referrals to bus operators at the Mahaut bus stop, targeting drivers who struggle to access routine care. Local Health Service Disruption: Marigot Hospital will temporarily suspend services for maintenance on Sept 22–23, with residents advised to use the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre for emergencies. Dementia Awareness: The State House lit up purple for World Alzheimer’s Day (Sept 18–21), with the Dominica Dementia Foundation urging early detection, healthy living and support for caregivers. Youth & Wellness: JCI Dominica’s Future Fest 2026 (Sept 25) will offer career guidance plus wellness initiatives and interactive activities for young people.

Climate Resilience at UNGA: President Sylvanie Burton urged global partners to fund resilience before disasters strike, saying Dominica’s Hurricane Maria experience shows small islands can’t keep borrowing for reconstruction; she called for investment in roads, bridges, buildings, communications, water systems and health facilities, alongside a push to scale renewable energy (geothermal already powers about 84% of electricity). Health Outreach on the Move: The Roseau Health Team brought blood pressure and blood sugar checks, basic screenings and referrals to bus drivers at the Mahaut bus stop during Caribbean Wellness Month, targeting people who struggle to reach clinics and stressing “know your numbers” prevention. Tourism & Wellness Boost: Discover Dominica Authority launched a new free online destination training course for UK and US travel advisers via OTT, covering Dominica’s seven tourism pillars with a focus on Health & Wellness experiences. Festival VIP Upgrade: Rize & Whine and Tipsy Music Festival teams will curate the WCMF 2026 VIP/VVIP experience, adding premium hospitality, wellness services, upgraded viewing and food options. Parliament & Finance: Finance Minister Dr Irving McIntyre sought parliamentary approval for an EC$68.6m IDA credit facility to strengthen fiscal and climate resilience. Marigot Hospital Maintenance: Marigot Hospital will temporarily suspend services for maintenance, with emergency care directed to the Nurse Doris Musgrave Health and Wellness Centre.