KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The regional consultation on the framework for the Caribbean Moves Initiative has been told that the region is moving closer towards the implementation of the initiative that is aimed at reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The two-day consultation, which ends later on Wednesday, is by the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and focuses on presenting the significant components of the proposed Caribbean Moves Framework, developed by the Caribbean Training and Education Center (C-TECH).
It also seeks to provide an overview of the proposed governance structure, gain stakeholder input and buy-in, and collaboratively develop an implementation plan.
The regional consultation is attended by chief medical officers, regional NCD coordinators, public health promotion coordinators, and behavior change and nutrition specialists, among other stakeholders.
Caribbean Moves was conceptualized and received the endorsement of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders in 2018, against the background of NCDs accounting for 70 percent of all deaths in the region.
It models Jamaica Moves, which engages all sectors of society in behaviors aimed at NCD prevention and control, such as physical activity, healthy eating, and routine health checks.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton said NCDs “are public enemy number one,” Caribbean Moves can lead to a better region once people see and adopt the initiative as a lifestyle.
“Noncommunicable diseases are linked to the lifestyle choices that we make, and so [Caribbean Moves] is an intervention that is necessary,” he told the consultation.
CARPHA’s executive director, Dr. Joy St. John, said she was pleased to be at the consultation stage of the process.
“What we must do over the coming days is to ensure the sustainability of this unique product. This is a Heads of Government-approved initiative and a tangible way of involving people in their communities in achieving optimal health and wellbeing, in fulfillment of the Port-of-Spain Declaration,” she added.
In 2007, CARICOM held the first global summit on NCD prevention and control and issued the landmark Declaration of Port-of-Spain: Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic NCDs.
Dr. St. John said the goal is to leave the two-day consultation with a “clear implementation plan,” enabling the region to provide coordination, technical and execution support for each country’s launch.
Meanwhile, CARICOM Secretariat Director of Human Development, Helen Royer, commended member states for launching their national Caribbean Moves initiatives, pointing out that the consequences of NCDs on Caribbean countries are significant and multifaceted.
“The impact not only includes increased mortality rates and reduced quality of life for affected individuals, but it places an economic burden on countries that affects healthcare systems and national budgets [due to] increased healthcare expenditure and lost productivity.”
Royer said comprehensive prevention strategies targeting risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyles are required to address the problem.
and then 