Antigua & Barbuda Recruits Nurses From Ghana, Says Cuba Program Continues

Antigua & Barbuda will recruit over 100 nurses from Ghana to address a critical staffing shortage in its public health system, the government announced following a Cabinet meeting. Officials, however, denied reports of formally ending a long-standing program that brings health professionals from Cuba.

Approximately 120 Ghanaian nurses are set to arrive by late January 2026. They will be deployed primarily at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, as well as in community clinics and schools, to bolster both hospital and primary care.

Maurice Merchant, the Director-General of Communications, stated the recruitment aims to strengthen healthcare sustainability and reduce pressure on existing staff. He attributed the shortage to the emigration of highly-trained local nurses, who are often recruited by institutions in North America and Europe offering higher pay.

Merchant emphasized that the arrangement with Cuba – a mainstay of the system for years – remains active but is “going through a period of transition.” He dismissed public speculation about its termination as attempts to “muddy the waters” between Cuba and the United States.

Concurrently, the government is funding scholarships for local nurses to pursue advanced degrees, aiming toward long-term self-sufficiency in its healthcare workforce.

The announcement follows recent criticism from the United States, which condemns Cuba’s medical missions as “forced labor,” alleging the Cuban government retains most of the professionals’ salaries. The U.S. has urged Caribbean nations to end participation in the program.