The curtains came down last September on the landmark Summit on Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases with the adoption of a fourteen-point declaration committing regional Heads of Government to collective action to stop the epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

One year later, the Ministry of Health and Social Development spearheaded the Virgin Islands’ participation with regional neighbours to observe the first Caribbean Wellness Day last Saturday.

However, one year later, a critical part of the equation is being downplayed, but not ignored altogether. Downplayed because as a Region, our leaders appear timid to take remedial actions to ensure communities are provided with healthy food choices.

A commendable move would be similar to the Pan American Health Organisation’s (PAHO) campaign to eliminate industrially produced trans fatty acids from foods in the Americas.

A special “Trans Fat Free Americas” expert task force convened by PAHO/WHO recognised that a reduction of trans fat consumption by just two to four percent of total calories could prevent up to 225,000 heart attacks in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In light of the critical threat posed by chronic diseases, some countries have taken a firm stand against trans fat and other unhealthy practices by introducing new legislation to govern their respective food industries.

Regional heads must be commended for their immediate pursuance of a legislative agenda for passage of the legal provisions related to the International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, but further steps are needed to address dietary needs.

Clearly, contemptible health practices –lack of exercise and poor diets – have brought unwelcome weight to bear on the Caribbean.

In the Caribbean, the chronic diseases of concern are heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

These are caused by biological factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, high blood sugar, and high blood cholesterol.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, chronic diseases are now the leading cause of premature mortality, accounting for nearly half of deaths of persons under 70 years, and for two out of three deaths

Minister of Health and Social Development, Honourable Dancia Penn-Sallah noted the upward spiral in the number of persons who require dialysis treatment at Peebles Hospital. 

She noted that the treatment started in 2000 with only three persons, but to date there are a staggering 30 persons receiving regular treatment – a total of 63 since implementation.

More grippingly, 33 dialysis patients have died within the last five years and of those currently receiving treatment, the youngest is 13 years while the oldest is over 80.

During Saturday’s commemorative activities which included a walk hearth healthy walk, the Minister made an appeal for the public to take preventive measures to reduce their chances of contracting chronic non-communicable diseases. These includes engaging in regular physical exercise, avoiding tobacco and other harmful drugs, reducing their intake of salty foods and alcoholic beverages, and following a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

A wonderful encouragement thrown out to the public and indeed everyone has a choice, but Governments should strive to raise the bar further to ensure healthier choices are available to its citizenry.

A good way to start in the Virgin Islands is to pay zealous attention to the fast food industry not to condemn, but to encourage healthy practices whether by enforcing existing laws or introducing additional legislation.

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