VI Standpoint.com: Chronic Diseases remains high priority for Gov’t

Chronic Diseases remains high priority for Gov’t
================================================================================
 on 17/02/2011 14:18:30

Tortola - The prevention and control of chronic diseases remains of highest
priority to the Government of the Virgin Islands, given the fact that these
diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the Virgin Islands,
the Caribbean region, and worldwide.

The Government is also aware that the onset of these diseases is occurring at
much younger ages as a result of unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco
use, obesity and unhealthy weight management, abuse of alcohol and drugs and
unmanaged stress.
Taking this into consideration, the Ministry of Health and Social Development
successfully conducted the STEPS Risk Factor Survey to assess the risk factors
of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs). The survey was conducted among a
sample of adults aged 25 to 64 years across the Territory, in partnership with
the BVI Social Security Board, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC).
The final report will soon be submitted to Cabinet. Minister for Health and
Social Development, Hon. Dancia Penn, at a recent press conference, explained
that reducing the risk factors for chronic diseases is not something that can be
successfully tackled by the heath sector alone.
It is with this in mind that the Health Ministry has embarked on the process of
developing a Chronic Disease Policy and Strategy for the Virgin Islands. It is
being done in collaboration with stakeholders from across all sectors of
Government and the wider community.
“Our consultant on this initiative, Dr. Mary Collins, a very accomplished
woman in her own right, she is a former Minister of Health of Canada. We are
pleased to have her able services and she is currently here working with us and
a number of stakeholders at various levels,” Minister Penn said.
The Health Minister explained that chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes
and heart disease impact everyone, as the social and economic costs continue to
increase.
“I would like to encourage everyone to participate in these public meetings
and do your part to help foster a healthier community, and reduce the burden
that the chronic diseases place on individuals, families, and the wider
community.”
The Ministry’s Heart Healthy Walks will continue and Caribbean Wellness Day in
September promises to be a big event.
Minister Penn made a special appeal to the men in the community to be more
aware- to take better care of their health and to make sure that they get
regular medical check - ups and regular testing.
“Don’t be afraid and don’t think it is a woman’s thing. Your health is
just as important as ours,” she stressed.