GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Because the Caribbean marks Caribbean Wellness Day, the Caribbean Group (CARICOM) reaffirms its dedication to addressing the Area’s persistent well being disaster brought on by non-communicable illnesses (NCDs).
CARICOM Secretary-Common Dr. Carla Barnett, in an announcement to commemorate the day, famous that whereas the Area continues to advance sustainable growth, NCDs comparable to coronary heart illness, stroke, most cancers, and diabetes stay the main causes of sickness and dying throughout member states.
She mentioned these situations, primarily pushed by life-style elements like tobacco use, unhealthy diets, bodily inactivity, and extreme alcohol consumption, not solely undermine public well being but in addition impede financial development and place a big burden on healthcare techniques.
“Whereas life expectancy continues to extend, individuals spend extra years managing diseases and a diminished high quality of life,” she famous.
In response, member states are adopting new approaches to strengthen public well being, together with Caribbean Strikes, a marketing campaign selling energetic existence; HEARTS protocols for enhanced hypertension and cardiovascular care; and psychological well being first help coaching for youth leaders and growth staff. Governments are additionally enhancing using legal guidelines, taxes, and laws to assist more healthy environments and decisions.
Dr Barnett additionally highlighted CARICOM’s advocacy on the worldwide stage, particularly on the United Nations Excessive-Degree Conferences on NCDs, the place the issues of Small Island and Low-Mendacity Coastal Creating States (SIDS) are being vigorously championed.
This 12 months’s CARICOM Excessive-Degree Breakfast Assembly on NCDs, to be held in the course of the UN Common Meeting, will as soon as once more exhibit the Area’s management, spotlight classes realized, and reinforce the decision for collective international motion.
“We should proceed to work collectively—as governments, civil society, academia, personal sector, and worldwide companions—to create a neighborhood the place all individuals can reside longer, more healthy, extra productive, and extra fulfilling lives,” the Secretary-Common mentioned.
