CARICOM Ministers of Health Support PAHO's Initiatives
~~Adz:Right~~ WASHINGTON, 2 OCTOBER 2008: - CARICOM Ministers of Health participating in the 48th Directing Council of the PAHO continue to lend vocal support and commit to implementing several initiatives to promote optimal health of the populations of the Americas.
St Kitts and Nevis' Minister of Health, Social, Community Development and Gender Affairs, Mr. Rupert Herbert speaking in support of the resolution- "Population-based and individual approaches to the prevention and management of diabetes" - stressed the importance of an integrated, multi-sectoral, well resourced response to combat diabetes and its related conditions which he identified as one of the leading causes of illness and deaths in the region, including St Kitts and Nevis.
The Minister informed delegates of the burden of the disease in St Kitts and Nevis, when he cited research which suggests that about 15 per cent of the population may be affected by diabetes.
In highlighting the need for a holistic, integrated approach to the prevention and management of diabetes, the Minister remarked, "My Ministry continues to make the point that the prevention and control challenge lies ostensibly at the individual level."
The public sector, the Minister assured "will continue to ensure that there are no financial or geographic barriers to accessing diabetes prevention and control services, but there are too many persons not following through on the expert advice, care, treatment and the support services they receive."
In St Kitts and Nevis, evidence shows that about (75%) seventy per cent of our women, (60%) sixty per cent of men and (20%) twenty per cent of our youths are identified as being overweight, one of the conditions associated with the onset of diabetes. Amputations resulting from diabetes stand at eight (8) per thousand (1000) diabetics.
Delegates from Jamaica, Suriname, Barbados, Dominica and the Bahamas also spoke in support of the resolution, noting the concerns of the CARICOM Heads of Government during their Summit in 2007 when they considered and agreed on a number of collective actions designed to ensure reduction of all non communicable diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure which continue to negatively impact the health of the region's people.
The resolution endorsed by delegates mandates PAHO to assist member States to develop integrated interventions for the prevention and control of obesity and diabetes, including norms, protocols, focusing on the need of low-income countries and vulnerable populations.
PAHO is also expected to support all member States to strengthen health information systems and capacity to conduct research, diagnosis and treatment as well as skills of the health systems for an integrated management of obesity and diabetes.
The Government of St Kitts and Nevis will continue working with PAHO and other partners in support of efforts, nationally, to further strengthen the health sector to prevent and or manage diabetes mainly through the primary health care services.
