Epidemiological indicators identified Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as the leading cause of death on Montserrat, which has prompted a consultative forum to be held at the Montserrat Cultural Center on September 12, 2012. The event is one of several activities organized to commemorate Caribbean Wellness Day, observed on Saturday, September 8.
The Initiative was launched under the theme, “Uniting to Stem the Tide of Chronic Disease in Montserrat,”
According to a release from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the event is a collaborative effort between the Ministry and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), to inform stakeholders of the emerging health crisis.
The release stated that, “If the current trend is allowed to continue, the disease burden of NCDs will pose a direct threat to the sustainable development of the country. Engaging all sectors in consultative dialogue so as to find an appropriate solution for the prevention and control of NCDs is a pivotal starting point for the national response.”
Some of the activities organized during the weeks leading up to Caribbean Wellness Day included a hike from Bottomless Ghaut through the Furlonge Estate Trail. An aerobics exercises session, dancercise; a walk around Little Bay town, beach activities and Physical Fitness Jamboree.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health & Social Services, Mr. Elijah Silcott discussed the Ministry’s plans for the event, “Leading up to Caribbean Wellness Day in September we have organized a series of activities that we hope church groups, schools, civil servants and the public at large will join in.”
The two main activities to celebrate the occasion will be the Forum and the Fitness Jamboree. The forum is expected to take a Multi-Sectorial Approach to combat the challenges faced with NCDs such as; Diabetes and Hypertension, Silcott explained. The jamboree is scheduled for Saturday, September 15 at the Little Bay Playing Field.
“We are very conscious of the need to get people active, because physical activity is one of the required elements to combat these non-communicable diseases,” he added “We will also be looking at other initiatives to take our campaign into our December 2012 Festival.”
To date, diabetes and hypertension are the highest recording NCD’s among locals.
