The first group of Ghanaian nurses recruited to support Antigua and Barbuda’s public health system is expected to arrive by the end of the month, with additional arrivals planned in phases, health officials said.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health said the deployment will take place gradually, based on institutional readiness and staffing needs, rather than all at once. Officials said the phased approach is intended to ensure patient safety and smooth integration into the health system.

Before beginning clinical duties, the incoming nurses will undergo a structured onboarding process lasting approximately three weeks. Health authorities said the orientation will include familiarization with Antigua and Barbuda, workplace standards, and the local healthcare system, followed by department-specific training aligned with assigned roles.

Officials said the nurses will be deployed across public health institutions, including hospitals, mental health services and community clinics, to help reduce overtime, ease burnout among existing staff and improve service delivery.

The government has described the recruitment as a short- to medium-term stabilization measure, to be carried out alongside expanded local nurse training through the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

Health officials said further updates will be provided as additional cohorts complete regulatory clearances and travel arrangements.