CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – Health authorities warn that the current alcohol consumption rate in St. Lucia is one of the highest compared to other Caribbean countries and across genders.
In a statement in observance of World Health Day on Friday, the Ministry of Health said tobacco use also remains high and that deaths associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCD) were as high as 82 percent.
The ministry said that the 2019 Behaviour Risk Factor Survey results showed that NCD conditions are preventable and related to people’speople’s lifestyles.
“The survey indicated that 83.2 percent of the population does not meet the WHO (World Health Organization) requirement for daily servings of fruits and vegetables. We note higher levels of salt consumption in younger individuals aged 18-44 years.”
The ministry said that St. Lucia’sLucia’s current alcohol consumption rate is one of the highest compared to other Caribbean countries and across genders.
“Of concern is the significant increase in women drinkers from 2012 to 2019. Tobacco use remains high at 25.2 percent. On a positive, encouraging note, physical activity has increased nationally and individually, as on average, people spend more time engaging in physical activity in 2019 compared to 2012.”
But the authorities said the data calls for urgent collective action by all stakeholders to improve the country’scountry’s health status.
It said during the management of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Generally, healthcare services were diverted to reduce the impact of this severe respiratory disease on the population.
“This led to reduced access to regular health services, reduced screening among at-risk and healthy populations, and delayed management of patients with chronic diseases. The childhood immunization program was also affected, which now puts St. Lucia and the region at risk of introducing vaccine-preventable illnesses previously eliminated.
“In light of this, deliberate efforts were made during 2022 to facilitate the integration of COVID-19 case management into regular health services and priority placed on the other regular health programs, particularly primary health care programs.”
The Ministry of Health said it is committed to developing programs and working with multiple stakeholders at various levels to reverse the noted trends.
It said one such policy is universal health care (UHC) with a phased approach, adding, “This will ensure accessible, affordable, quality health care for all.
“The primary health care system is being strengthened through the health systems strengthening project. This will provide support with equipment, supplies, and training,” the ministry said, adding that improvements to hospital care are also being managed.
The ministry said that to foster healthy lifestyles quickly yet sustainably, it has instituted “St.Lucia Moves,” which includes increased physical activity in all settings, including workplaces, healthy eating habits, and attempts at screening the entire population to facilitate early diagnosis and care.
It urged St. Lucians to use World Health Day as a call to action towards better health, noting that the day, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the WHO, is being observed under the theme “Health for All.”
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