GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – As the Caribbean marks Caribbean Wellness Day, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) reaffirms its commitment to addressing the Region’s persistent health crisis caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett, in a statement to commemorate the day, noted that while the Region continues to advance sustainable development, NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes remain the leading causes of illness and death across member states.
She said these conditions, primarily driven by lifestyle factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption, not only undermine public health but also impede economic growth and place a significant burden on healthcare systems.
“While life expectancy continues to increase, people spend more years managing illnesses and a reduced quality of life,” she noted.
In response, member states are adopting new approaches to strengthen public health, including Caribbean Moves, a campaign promoting active lifestyles; HEARTS protocols for enhanced hypertension and cardiovascular care; and mental health first aid training for youth leaders and development workers. Governments are also improving the use of laws, taxes, and regulations to support healthier environments and choices.
Dr Barnett also highlighted CARICOM’s advocacy on the global stage, especially at the United Nations High-Level Meetings on NCDs, where the concerns of Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) are being vigorously championed.
This year’s CARICOM High-Level Breakfast Meeting on NCDs, to be held during the UN General Assembly, will once again demonstrate the Region’s leadership, highlight lessons learned, and reinforce the call for collective global action.
“We must continue to work together—as governments, civil society, academia, private sector, and international partners—to create a community where all people can live longer, healthier, more productive, and more fulfilling lives,” the Secretary-General said.
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