BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Sept. 07.2018 – JUNIOR Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration, Hazel Brandy-Williams says that the growing public health threat of Non-communicable Diseases (NCD’s) such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancers, has created debilitating effects on many country’s health, social and economic development.
She pointed out that Nevis is no different, as NCDs pose significant challenges to the health system as they account for, 75 percent of the overall visits to health facilities and 40 percent of the hospital admissions.
While delivering an address to recognized today, September 7, Caribbean Wellness Day, the Minister emphasized that NCDs contribute significantly to the overall burden of morbidity and 83 percent of the overall mortality in the Federation.
Nevis is not alone, as St. Kitts has also seen challenges with federal ministers calling on the public to take their health seriously.
Williams called for greater attention to be placed on the workforce within the federation, underscoring that it is that sector that is the driving force behind the economy, the health care system; and provides financial support for families.
“While NCDs place strain on our health resources, local businesses face reduced productivity and economic losses, due to absenteeism, and loss of workers due to disability, early retirement and even death.
“Reduced productivity will ultimately impact our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Persons who are engaged in active living and healthy eating tend to be more resilient to illness and injuries.
“A healthy workforce can translate to a productive workforce and by extension a wealthy nation.”
Against that backdrop, the Ministry of Health encourages businesses to introduce and promote workplace health promotion programmes, as an initiative geared towards improving the health and wellbeing of their workers.
“It may be as simple as organizing monthly walks, onsite group exercise or health seminars or they could even find a small space to set up a small gym or workout area.
“If we are to achieve the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.3 “Ensure healthy lives and wellbeing for all at all ages” we must engage all of society.
A number of activities have been planned as part of a week of events to promote health and wellness, during Caribbean Wellness Week which runs from September 7-14.
