In the area of noncommunicable diseases and mental health, PAHO supported Barbados in strengthening governance, service capacity, and the integration of mental health into primary health care. 

Through direct technical cooperation, Barbados advanced workforce development and service delivery reforms using evidence-based tools such as the global Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) and QualityRights approaches. These efforts equipped primary care providers with standardized competencies for the early identification, management, and referral of mental health conditions. Complementary actions supported communication strategies, youth engagement, and suicide prevention, helping to reduce stigma and increase demand for services. 

Embedding mental health within primary care contributes to services that are more accessible, rights-based, and people-centered, thereby strengthening health system responsiveness and advancing the Better Care for Noncommunicable Diseases initiative with tangible benefits for population well-being.

Photo caption: Discussion during the Youth suicide prevention workshop 
Photo credit: PAHO/Brenda Lashley