Consume more fresh food, increase activity – CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett on Caribbean Wellness Day

Posted: Friday, September 13, 2024. 5:12 pm CST.

Photo Credit: CARICOM

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Caribbean Wellness Day 2024 will be observed on Saturday, 14 September, under the theme ‘Power through Collective Action’ and the sub-theme ‘Good Health is our Right!’. This day, rooted in the 2007 Port of Spain Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), underscores CARICOM’s commitment to the health and well-being of its people.

Dr. Carla N. Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM, emphasized the importance of collective action and a multisectoral approach in influencing and empowering individuals to make healthier choices. She highlighted that national policies supporting education on healthy food options, physical activity, and access to quality health services are essential to effectively address NCDs.

The Caribbean Community, in collaboration with agencies like the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), has been actively working to combat NCDs, a leading cause of death in the region. Initiatives such as ‘Tobacco-Free Caribbean’ and ‘Caribbean Moves’ are part of these efforts.

Dr. Barnett also noted the Community’s focus on addressing crime and violence as public health issues and the ongoing efforts to increase agricultural production to promote healthier food options.

As we mark Caribbean Wellness Day, Dr. Barnett urged all Member States to adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackle the region’s health challenges and encouraged individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices by consuming more fresh food and increasing activity.

 

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