Assertion by Dr Lisa Indar, Advert Interim ExecutiveDirector – Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD) is likely one of the regional responses geared in direction of rising consciousness and selling measures amongst CARICOM Member States and their populations to handle the epidemic of non-communicable illnesses (NCDs), which proceed to severely impression the well being, financial system and growth of the Caribbean area.
Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD) might be celebrated this yr on Saturday, 14 September 2024. The theme is – Energy By way of Collective Motion: Good Well being is Our Proper
“Your well being is your wealth” has been repeated so usually that it nearly appears clichéd. Nevertheless, the reality of this highly effective message is plain throughout all geographic borders and cultures. The fact is… NO ONE can really take pleasure in life with out good well being. It’s, subsequently, unlucky once we see thousands and thousands of individuals globally wrestle to realize good well being.
At residence within the Caribbean, we face a crucial challenge-the highest burden from non-communicable illnesses amongst creating nations within the Americas. Continual illnesses corresponding to most cancers, coronary heart illness, and diabetes will not be simply well being issues. They’re the main explanation for loss of life, answerable for greater than 70% of deaths on this Area. However I’m assured that we CAN beat this risk! It’s no coincidence that Caribbean individuals are identified for his or her resilience. In 2007, the heads of the federal government of the Caribbean group declared the second Saturday in September as Caribbean Wellness Day, a robust demonstration of our resolve – United to Cease the Epidemic of Continual Non-communicable Ailments. It’s not only a day however an emblem of our united power.
At CARPHA, we’re grounded within the philosophy of regional cooperation. We recognise {that a} ‘entire of society’ strategy is required to win this battle, one that features all sectors: non-public, governments, producers, academia, non-governmental organisations, skilled associations, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, civil society, and people. Every sector has a novel position, from advocating for coverage modifications to selling wholesome life of their communities.
Subsequently, it ought to come as no shock that for the final 5 years, together with 2024, the overarching theme for Caribbean Wellness Day has been Energy by way of Collective Motion. This theme, along with the subtheme for 2024, is “Good Well being is Our Proper.”
It’s Our Proper to:
- transparency in meals labeling. Labels that alert all of us about excessive ranges of substances like sugar, salt and fat, which might be dangerous to our well being
- more healthy meals choices which are out there, accessible and actively promoted
- correct details about the advantages of making ready and maintaining a healthy diet meals, limiting household display screen time and rising bodily exercise
- wellness programmes at our faculties and workplaces that encourage us to try for optimum well being
- insurance policies that promote common well being protection that incorporate accessibility, affordability, patient-centered care, security, well timed analysis and remedy
For Caribbean Wellness Day 2024, I urge you to unite and be part of us on this battle towards NCDs. Allow us to all do our half to lift consciousness and advocate to positively affect well being and strengthen group motion as a result of every one among us not solely deserves Good Well being…it’s Our Wealth… it’s Our Proper.
