Global Week for Action on NCDs: Address by the Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Hon. Dr Terrance Drew
Last Updated on September 14, 2023
The Global Week for Action on NCDs commences on September 14th 2023, uniting civil society organisations and individuals worldwide in a collective call to action for governments to address the pressing issue of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
In a video address, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, the Prime Minister and Minister for Health of St. Kitts and Nevis, highlights the Ministry of Health’s three-pronged strategy to combat NCDs:
Alleviating the NCD Burden: The primary focus is on promoting healthy lifestyles to diminish the burden of NCDs.
Reducing NCD Risk Factors: Efforts are directed at reducing the prevalence of common NCD risk factors within the population.
Providing Evidence-Based Treatment: The Ministry aims to provide integrated and evidence-based treatment options for NCDs, ensuring quality care for affected individuals.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health is actively implementing a range of specific measures to tackle NCDs:
Universal Healthcare Coverage: The establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme ensures that healthcare is accessible to all citizens.
SKN Moves Initiative: This initiative prioritises healthy eating, physical activity, and regular health check-ups, promoting a holistic approach to well-being.
Policy Development: Policies are being developed to regulate the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and to enforce tobacco control measures.
Public Education and Health Promotion: A concerted effort is being made to increase public awareness and engagement through extensive education and health promotion campaigns.
Screening: Early diagnosis of NCDs is being facilitated through outreach screening programs, enhancing the chances of timely intervention.
HEART Initiative: The Ministry is scaling up the treatment and management of NCD patients through the HEART initiative, ensuring comprehensive care for affected individuals.
Collaboration: Collaborative efforts with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other key stakeholders play a pivotal role in the comprehensive approach to tackling NCDs, fostering a united front against these health challenges.
Through these multifaceted approaches, the Ministry of Health in St. Kitts and Nevis is demonstrating its commitment to addressing NCDs and improving the overall health and well-being of its population.
More information about the Global Week for Action on NCDs can be found here: https://actonncds.org/
