Representatives of Caribbean civil society have committed to contributing, at the personal, family, community, national and regional levels to avoiding, slowing and reversing the development of chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCDs).
Civil society representatives made this commitment last weekend at the closing of the ‘Healthy Caribbean 2008 – a wellness revolution’ conference, which was held at the Accra Beach Hotel, in Barbados.
The conference saw the recognition by civil society that CNCDs, which include heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and lung diseases occur in epidemic proportions in all countries of the region, resulting in the majority of ill health, suffering and premature death, producing tremendous financial and personal burden on the people of the region, and requiring urgent, comprehensive intervention.
According to the Bridgetown Declaration, which emerged from the conference, Caribbean civil society noted the increase in several risk factors, as well as an inadequate societal response to prevent, screen and treat persons with these conditions.
It was further noted that the prevention of disease and promotion of good health was affordable and effective and would avoid much suffering for the people of the Caribbean. The statement also declared that CNCDs might be prevented and even reversed in an environment supportive of healthy lifestyles, such as regular physical activity, healthy eating and weight control, no alcohol abuse and no consumption of tobacco or exposure to tobacco smoke.
Acknowledging the daily opportunities to pursue healthy lifestyles including at school, the workplace, and the home, the declaration said civil society was sensitive to the fact that it has at its disposal a variety of methods to mobilize and drive change such as advocacy, coalition building, service delivery programmes, and resource mobilization.
Civil society also declared its commitment to “Support fully the Caricom Heads of Government Declaration of Port-of-Spain: ‘Uniting to stop the epidemic of CNCDs’.”
It will also set up a Caribbean civil society coalition for tackling CNCDs by December 31. Existing country level networks/coalitions will be supported and National Commissions for Chronic Diseases set up in all countries of the Caribbean where they do not already exist.
Civil society will also advocate for and participate actively in partnerships with government and the private sector in developing and implementing strategies for preventing and managing CNCDs including policies and programme for prevention and control, mindful of the special situation of women, youth and the elderly.
The commitment also extends to promoting physical activity among all sectors of the population,
healthier diets by ensuring the availability of affordable and nutritious foods, banning trans fats, reducing salt, harmful fats and sugar, establishing regional standards for food labelling and services and encouraging breast feeding.
It will seek the strongest possible implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in those countries that have ratified this treaty, and support ratification in those that have not and promote reduction in harmful alcohol use through policy change among other measures.
