OPEN LETTER
The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment
And
The Honourable Ryan R. Straughn, M.P.
Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment

15 March, 2024

Dear The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley and The Honourable Ryan R. Straughn,

The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC) in partnership with our member organisation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados and the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, extends its congratulations to the Government of Barbados for its bold decision to implement a 20 percent excise tax on snacks high in salt and to remove import duties and VAT on selected fruits and vegetables, effective June 1st, 2025.

The Caribbean has the highest noncommunicable disease (NCD) mortality rate in the Americas, with 40 percent of these deaths occurring prematurely before the age of 70. This disproportionately affects the most productive members of society, leading to severe socioeconomic consequences, particularly as aging populations place increasing strain on already vulnerable economies. According to data from the Health of the Nation Survey (2011), 41 percent of Barbadian adults aged 25 and older are diagnosed with high blood pressure and more than half of all men and women above the age of 45 were hypertensive.

The introduction of the excise tax on snacks with high salt content is a proactive measure aimed at reducing the consumption of unhealthy, ultra-processed products high in salt, sugar and fat, while the removal of taxes on fruits and vegetables will improve affordability and accessibility to healthier dietary options for all citizens. These interventions, which form a broader strategy to tackle the pressing health and economic impacts of obesity and NCDs in Barbados, complement the 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and the National School Nutrition Policy, These policy measures align with the Declaration of Mission Barbados, which sets a target of achieving a 50 percent reduction in new cases of NCDs. Additionally they reflect the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.

As we build on the progress of the 2007 Port-of-Spain Declaration and look ahead to the Fourth United Nations High-Level Meeting (HLM4) on NCDs in September, strong leadership remains essential in reducing the NCD burden and improving the quality of life for those affected. We trust that the Government of Barbados will continue to demonstrate strong leadership and serve as a model for CARICOM by prioritizing the implementation of cost-effective high-impact interventions outlined in the WHO Best Buys and other evidence-based strategies for NCD prevention.

Signed 

The President and Board of Directors of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition

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On the 13 March, 2025 in commemoration of World Obesity Day and under the theme “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives”, the HCC hosted a webinar, “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives: The Caribbean Road to UN High Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health” attended by over 150 people it covered the following:

• it outlined key advocacy priorities for Caribbean countries in preparation for the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs.
• it presented examples of ongoing efforts and success stories in NCD prevention, control, and advocacy within the Caribbean region, highlighting potential progress or setbacks if advocacy priorities are not addressed.
• it explored how attendees can amplify the Regional Advocacy Priorities through their local, regional and global work.

Useful resources:

• Conflict of Interest in Policymaking for Non-communicable Diseases a Primer for Public Sector Policymakers in the Caribbean
• Safeguarding Public Health Nutrition in the Caribbean During Emergencies: Guidelines for Managing Donations from the Commercial Sector
• GCHA’s Latin America Caribbean Network is one of those spaces where we can begin strategizing and collaborating around climate change and health. Become a member:
• WHO Best Buys

Presenters

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March 4 is recognised as World Obesity Day, with the theme “Changing Systems: Healthier Lives.” This theme is a significant call to action for governments, healthcare institutions, and communities to confront one of our time’s most critical health challenges. Obesity has emerged as a global epidemic, and the Caribbean region is not exempt from its impact.

Despite positive developments, the region continues to face considerable obstacles in reversing trends that place millions at risk for the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. To create a meaningful and lasting impact on public health, we must assess where we are today, celebrate our achievements, and strategically reinforce our systems.

The Caribbean’s Chronic Struggle with Obesity

Obesity has been rising at an alarming rate in the Caribbean, with many countries in the region experiencing a sharp increase in persons living with overweight and obesity across all age groups. According to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), over 50% of adults in the region are categorized as  overweight or obese, and childhood obesity has more than doubled in the last three decades. As of 2022, 8.6% of children under five in Latin America and the Caribbean were overweight, surpassing the global average of 5.6%. This trend has been escalating, with the region experiencing a 1.2 percentage point increase between 2012 and 2022, compared to a 0.1 percentage point rise globally. The burden of obesity-related illnesses continues to strain our fragile healthcare systems, reducing productivity and increasing premature mortality.

This surge in obesity is attributed to several factors, including the widespread availability of ultra-processed products, decreased physical activity (PA), and socioeconomic disparities that limit access to healthy food options and safe recreational spaces. These elements contribute to obesogenic environments, particularly in urban areas where more than 81% of the population resides. Despite these challenges, there are some promising efforts.

Signs of Progress: The Good Things We’re Seeing

Several Caribbean nations, NGOs, and health agencies have launched initiatives to combat obesity and promote healthier lifestyles. Among these successes:

School Nutrition Policies

• In 2022, Barbados approved the National School Nutrition Policy (NSNP), representing a significant advancement in efforts to combat childhood obesity. The subsequent launch of this policy in 2023 demonstrates the island’s commitment to implementing structured nutritional guidelines within educational institutions. Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago (2017) implemented a ban on the sale of sugar-sweetened beverages in primary and secondary schools. These frameworks enhance the nutritional quality of school meals by establishing dietary guidelines. Many other countries like Jamaica and Grenada are pursuing similar policies as advocates continue to seek a better Caribbean food environment. By integrating nutrition-focused policies within educational settings, these initiatives aim to instill lifelong healthy eating habits from an early age.

Increased Awareness Campaigns

• Governments and NGOs have intensified their public health campaigns to raise awareness about obesity and the vital benefits of active living. Leveraging social media, television, and community outreach, these initiatives are reshaping health perspectives across the region. Notably, Jamaica’s Jamaica Moves Campaign, launched in 2017, Dominica’s Fit for Life Campaign, which began in 2020 and the 2024 Caribbean Moves initiative stand as powerful testament to this commitment, effectively encouraging citizens to embrace regular PA, nutritious eating habits, and routine health screenings.

Legislation and Advertising

• The Caribbean has been slow to adopt clear food labelling and strict regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods targeted at children. Nevertheless, some member states have taken significant steps in this area. Barbados, for instance, introduced a 10% excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in 2015, and increased it to 20% in 2022, to decrease consumption and encourage healthier choices. Following suit, Jamaica and Grenada established the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Restrictions in Schools in 2019 and 2020 respectively, which imposed limits on the sugar content of beverages available in educational institutions, promoting the adoption of healthier alternatives.

Community-Based Wellness Initiatives

• The rise of community-driven wellness programs has encouraged participation in healthier habits at the local and national levels. Saint Lucia’s National Physical Activity Program (2017) encourages exercise through community fitness sessions and the development of walking trails. The Bahamas’ Healthy Lifestyles Initiative (2018) enhances this effort by offering nutrition workshops, fitness classes, and community gardens to improve access to healthy food. Additionally, the Medical Benefits Scheme of Antigua and Barbuda implements community-based events that aim to raise awareness regarding NCDs while providing opportunities for increased levels of physical activity (PA). Ultimately seeking to promote informed health choices and enhance the overall well-being of communities.

Multilateral Agencies, NGOs, and Government Partnerships

• Obesity prevention in the Caribbean has progressed due to the collaboration of governments, NGOs, and international agencies. From the Healthy Caribbean Coalition’s Childhood Obesity Prevention Action Plan (2017-2021) which has been instrumental in engaging civil society to address this health issue and the CARPHA Six-Point Policy Package in 2019. To the Creative Play Initiative in Barbados (2024), developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which promotes PA in schools. These and other programs such as the Reversing the Rise in Childhood Obesity Project (2017-2020) in Saint Lucia and Grenada have focused on reducing obesogenic environments through policy reforms and educational efforts, encouraging healthier choices in communities. While progress has been made, continued investment in preventative strategies remains crucial to reversing obesity trends in the region.

Strengthening Our Systems for Greater Impact

For the Caribbean to see a significant and lasting reduction in obesity rates, we must move beyond isolated programs and create sustainable frameworks that integrate health into every aspect of society. Here’s how we can strengthen our systems:

1. Enhancing Policy Implementation and Enforcement – Policies like school nutrition policy  must be enforced strictly, with harsh penalties for non-compliance, in addition to being adopted. Taxing sugar-sweetened drinks and offering subsidies for locally grown, fresh fruit are two bold measures that governments must adopt. This two-pronged strategy will enable communities to make better decisions and ensure that everyone has access to wholesome food.
2. Strengthening Primary Healthcare Systems – Prevention and management must become the cornerstones of our primary healthcare systems if we are to effectively tackle obesity. We need to increase access to bariatric services, fund aggressive early intervention programs, and make large investments in nutrition counselling.
3. Integrating Physical Activity into Daily Life – Urban planning must prioritize the development of safe and inviting green spaces, walking paths, and recreational facilities. We should mandate daily physical education in schools and implement workplace wellness policies that actively encourage movement throughout the day. By embedding PA into our daily routines, we foster a culture of health and vitality.
4. Expanding Food Security and Access to Healthy Choices – The Caribbean must champion sustainable agriculture to reduce our reliance on imported processed foods. Strengthening partnerships among farmers (including young agripreneurs), manufacturers, retailers, and governments is essential to guarantee that nutritious foods are not only available but also affordable for all citizens. This collaborative effort will lay the groundwork for a healthier future.
5. Education and Behaviour Change – To effectively transform cultural attitudes toward food and PA, we must weave health education into the very fabric of school curricula. Launching powerful media campaigns that normalize balanced lifestyles, coupled with leveraging digital platforms to enhance health literacy, will profoundly influence societal norms and inspire meaningful behaviour change. Together, we can shift mindsets and create a healthier, more vibrant Caribbean.

Where Do We Go From Here?

The Caribbean stands at a defining moment in the fight against obesity. If we choose to maintain the status quo, we are inevitably heading toward skyrocketing healthcare costs and a significant decline in our quality of life. However, by investing in the strengthening of our systems today, we can pave the way for a healthier, more productive region for generations to come. Achieving this vision demands unwavering collaboration between governments, private sector leaders, and community organizations, all united in the pursuit of prioritizing health in every aspect of our lives.

As we commemorate World Obesity Day 2025, let us issue a powerful call to action for our leaders, healthcare professionals, and citizens to embrace real, systemic change. A healthier Caribbean is within our grasp, but it will only become a reality if we boldly take the necessary steps to fortify our systems and champion the well-being of our people. Together, we can transform our future and create a thriving Caribbean region.

Offniel Lamont is a public health advocate with Healthy Caribbean Coalition/Youth (HCC/HCY) and a registered physiotherapist (MSc in Sports Medicine, Exercise & Health).

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With fourteen (14) delegates, the Caribbean was well represented at the recent NCD Alliance Global Forum held in Kigali, Rwanda from 12-15 February 2025. The meeting was the largest yet, bringing together over 700 NCD advocates from across the globe united and moblising around the upcoming 4th UN High Level Meeting on NCDs to be held on 24 September, 2025 at the UNGA in NYC.

The HCC was represented by Vice President Debbie Chen (also CEO of the Heart Foundation of Jamaica); Board Member, Charity Dublin (also Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association and HCY member); Executive Director Maisha Hutton, Advocacy Officer and Lead of Healthy Caribbean Youth, Danielle Walwyn; Project Assistant and HCY Member Dorial Quintyne; HCY Member Simone Mathews; HCC Technical Advisor (and Co-Chair of the NCDA Supporters Group) Professor Alafia Samuels; HCC Technical Advisor Pierre Cooke Jnr; and member of the HCC PLWNCDs High-level Advisory Group (and member of NCDA OVOV) Diana Gittens.

HCC members from across the region were also out in full force including: Trinidad and Tobago NCD Alliance represented by Dr. Andrew Dhanoo (President Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago) and Jessica Johns (President of Trinidad and Tobago Association of Nutritionists and Dietitians); Maria O’Brien (Director, Mindwise TT and Voices of SIDS lead); Michele Baker representing the St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance/ Lake Health and Wellbeing (also Policy Coordinator at the Global Climate and Health Alliance (GCHA) and HCY member); and UNICEF youth activist Jamaica, Cavan Lewis.

The HCC/ Caribbean contingent coordinated, hosted, or participated in a number of sessions including: the Youth pre-meeting, the Our Views Our Voices pre-meeting, Caribbean Civil Society pre-meeting, plenary sessions, a Commercial Determinants of Health/Conflict of Interest session, Roche session launching the East Africa NCD Framework, World Diabetes Session session dedicated to spotlighting civil society contributions to NCD responses, World Obesity Federation session focused on mobilizing change to address obesity and many others.

HCY members participated in the preparation and dissemination of the Kigali Youth Declaration. All are invited to show their support for the NCDA Alliance’s Call to Lead and the Kigali Youth Declaration.

Enjoy our photo gallery below.

 

The post HCC at the NCD Alliance Global Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, 12-15 February 2025 appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

Almost half of all cancer cases can be prevented by improving individual behaviours and implementing supporting policies.

This means there are specific actions we can take to help avoid cancer and there are health policies that can help create environments that make those individual choices
easier and more achievable!

Backed by research and written by experts specifically for the Latin American and Caribbean context, PAHO (The Pan American Health Organization) and IARC (The International Agency for Research on Cancer) have now released 17 individual actions and 17 policy recommendations in the LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN CODE AGAINST CANCER.

Read or download the document
MORE RESOURCES

More resources can be found here

The post Knowledge is Power appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently rejected a global petition calling on them to end their longstanding sponsorship deal with Big Soda giant, Coca-Cola.  The petition, launched during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games this past summer, as part of the global campaign “Kick Big Soda Out!”, garnered over 255,000 signatories from 95 countries (including the Caribbean) and the support of 93 partner organisations, including the Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), Antigua and Barbuda Diabetes Association, EarthMedic and EarthNurse Foundation for Planetary Health, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados, the Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network and Lake Health and Wellbeing St Kitts and Nevis.

The Power of Big Soda

The Olympic Games captured the attention of people across the globe. The 30.6 million average primetime viewership was 82% higher than the audience of the 2020 Tokyo Games – an incredible feat for the broadcast networks behind the Games. However, Olympic viewers were not just taking in the incredible achievements of athletes – viewers were also bombarded with overt and more surreptitious adverts for the Games’ longest standing partner: Coca-Cola – the largest soda company in the world.

The Olympic Games have been sponsored by this single beverage company since 1928 and their current contract extends until the 2032 Brisbane Games. The term ‘Big Soda’ refers to the global multimillion dollar soft drink industry giants. Sponsoring a large sporting event like the Olympics provides ‘Big Soda’ companies like Coca-Cola with unparalleled opportunities to market their products to enormous audiences, despite their negative impacts on viewers’ health and the environment. Additionally, sponsorship of sporting events allows companies to associate their products with historic moments and leading athletes. This practice, known as “sports washing,” gives unhealthy items like sugary drinks a misleading “health halo”, disguised as healthy while their overconsumption fuels the obesity and noncommunicable disease (NCD) crisis.

Many of these multinational soft drink companies make voluntary pledges not to market their products to children, but their actions tell a different story. They partner with elite sports that children watch, such as the Olympics and also sponsor local sporting activities.  They run sports-related campaigns geared toward young people and use the same “sports washing” practices to reach youth at fitness and health-focused activities. Evidence has shown that young people may be especially susceptible to this type of marketing, which can increase their consumption of sugary drinks and other ultra-processed products.

Caribbean Impact

Today the Caribbean has some of the highest rates of adult obesity in the world and alarmingly, one in three children in the region is living with overweight or obesity and rates are steadily increasing – contributing to NCDs like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of sport extends beyond the Olympic Games reaching deep into our local communities directly, and indirectly, through local subsidiaries. In resource-strained communities like the small developing states of the Caribbean, these players fill funding gaps in national sporting programs and events. The soda giant has sponsored local football clubs, national youth swimming, and athletics competitions in Barbados. Similarly, in The Bahamas, the local producer of Coca-Cola products, has a long history of sponsoring youth sport programs including swimming and football clubs.  Across the region every year during the school sports terms, budding young elementary and secondary school athletes compete in national stadiums against a stark and contrasting backdrop of colorful banners promoting a range of unhealthy products from sugary sports drinks to popular fast foods. All of these arrangements present clear opportunities to promote unhealthy products to young people who both participate in and watch these events – reaching young, impressionable athletes through their love of sport and building lifelong brand loyalty.

Other popular beverage and fast-food companies have also employed these sports-washing practices, sponsoring school and community-based youth sporting events. In Jamaica, a popular fast food restaurant, reaffirmed its support for the 2024 Jumpball Basketball Programme with a JA$4.5 million donation. A sugary drink company partnered with a local school to refurbish its gymnasium as part of a commitment to the school’s sporting program. What was called, “…an investment in shaping the lives of their students,” is a chance to directly market sugar-filled beverages to children inside school walls.

Support for Ending Big Soda Sponsorship

There is growing acknowledgement of the commercial determinants of health – the actions of the private sector that positively and negatively influence health – and the need for comprehensive regulation of industries such as tobacco, alcohol fossil fuels and ultra-processed foods. This includes marketing regulation, which prevents these actors from deploying various advertising, sponsorship and promotions tactics, including through sport, to expand brand loyalty and increase consumption of their products.

Globally, opposition to Big Soda’s involvement in sport is growing.  The “Kick Big Soda Out of Sport” highlighted sugary drinks’ impact on health and the environment. Through informing a global audience about Big Soda’s marketing tactics, the campaign aimed to end Big Soda’s sponsorship of sport. In addition to the quarter of a million signatories of support and almost 100 organisational supporters, The Lancet, one of the most powerful voices in global health, affirmed its support for the campaign stating, “…it [IOC] should drop its shortsighted and hypocritical partnerships with companies that enable great harm to health and wellbeing.” The HCC and many of our members joined the movement acknowledging that if action was not taken at the global level to manage the influence of conglomerates like Big Soda, it would further frustrate regional control and regulatory efforts.

Calling on the Governments to Regulate

The IOC’s rejection has only strengthened the resolve of the petition signatories, and follow up letters are being sent to the IOC underscoring that the Coca-Cola partnership ‘undermines [the IOCs] credibility and its mission to promote healthier lives through sport’ and reminding the IOC that ‘The Olympics should prioritize health, sustainability and integrity — not corporate interests.’

The HCC will continue to support the campaign globally and locally. The premise of the campaign aligns with regional health advocates’ call on CARICOM Governments for evidence-informed regulations of commercial actors and their unhealthy products, such as: front of package octagonal warning labelling on all pre-packaged foods; national school nutrition policies which restrict the availability and marketing (including sponsorship) of unhealthy products; implementation of framework convention on tobacco control (FCTC) and the WHO SAFER Technical package for alcohol control; and for clear guidelines to manage conflicts of interest and foster transparency in health promotion efforts and policymaking spaces.

The “Kick Big Soda Out” movement was an important catalyst for change. It’s time for innovative, health-promoting companies without conflicts of interest to step in and support healthier communities – displacing Big Soda and other health-harming companies. Tobacco, alcohol, fossil fuels and ultra-processed products like Big Soda have no place in sport.

The post “Sports Washed” Away: The Power of Big Soda, from the Olympics to Caribbean appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

Feeding Communities in the Eye of the Storm: Food Systems, Nutrition and Natural Disasters

As climate-related events worsen, the relationship between climate, food, nutrition and health systems becomes increasingly apparent. There is an urgent need for multisectoral action to strengthen regional food systems to safeguard the health and resilience of communities.

On December 5th, the Healthy Caribbean Coalition hosted a webinar, “Feeding Communities in the Eye of the Storm: Food Systems, Nutrition and Natural Disasters”. The event brought together a diverse group of critical stakeholders to:

• launch the HCC’s newest resource – Safeguarding Public Health Nutrition in the Caribbean During Emergencies: Guidelines for Managing Donations from the Commercial Sector.
• unpack the impact of Natural Disasters on Food Systems in the Caribbean.
• discuss strategies to safeguard public health nutrition and strengthen regional food systems before, during and after times of disaster.

Speakers shared numerous strategies to safeguard nutrition, including strengthening relationships with the agricultural sector, ensuring that a nutritionist is included in local and regional disaster response teams, investing in school nutrition and feeding programs, meaningfully engaging grassroots organizations before, during, and after crises, and prioritizing research—particularly research that highlights the unique perspectives of those directly impacted by the crisis. Finally, it was highlighted throughout the webinar that the commercial determinants of health continue to impede non-communicable disease (NCD) progress in the region. The newly launched guidelines are a valuable tool within a toolkit to help governments and other key stakeholders manage conflicts of interest and safeguard public health nutrition.

Panelists

Dr. James Hospedales
Executive Director and Founder, EarthMedic and EarthNurse Foundation for Planetary Health

Mr. Fransen Jean
Food Security Officer, FAO

Mr. Shaun Baugh
Programme Manager
Agriculture and Agro-Industrial Development
CARICOM Secretariat

Ms. Gabrielle Mollineau
PhD Student,
Healthy Caribbean Youth

Ms. Danielle Toppin
Director General, Barbados Red Cross

Mr. Otto Mc. Dowell
Operations Supervisor, Helen’s Daughters Inc.

Panelist Quotes

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On the 29 November 2024, HCC held it’s ninth annual Caribbean Alcohol Reduction Day (CARD 2024) under the theme, Unmasking Influence: Regulating Alcohol Marketing in the Caribbean. The webinar was attended by over one hundred people. This being the ninth year of implementation of CARD, a day first celebrated in 2016 as an initiative led by the HCC and regional partners with the aim of building public awareness about the dangers of alcohol consumption and building public and policymaker support for the implementation of evidence-informed alcohol policies recommended by PAHO/WHO outlined in the WHO Safer Technical Package and the Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030.

Caribbean Alcohol Reduction Day has been held annually for the past nine years, under the themes and titles: The Misuse of Alcohol (2016); Drink less, Reduce Cancer (2017); Youth: Let’s talk about alcohol (2018); Women and Alcohol (2019); Alcohol and COVID-19 (2020); Live Better, Drink Less, alcohol gets in the way (2021 *in support of PAHO’s regional alcohol awareness campaign under the same banner); The WHO Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030 – Priorities for the Caribbean (2022); and Alcohol Research- Evidence for Action (2023).

The goal of CARD 2024 was to: Promote CARICOM-wide implementation of bans or comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion.

The objectives of CARD 2024 were to:

• Reinforce the dangers of alcohol consumption especially among young people and women and the link between alcohol marketing (advertising, sponsorship and promotion) and consumption.
• Build public and policymaker awareness of the scope and extent of alcohol advertising, sponsorship and promotion to young people and women.
• Highlight regional gaps in alcohol advertising, sponsorship and promotions regulations.
• Build public support for bans or comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion especially those targeting young people and women.
• Call for multistakeholder action including CARICOM Governments to implement bans or comprehensive restrictions on alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion; and the regional alcohol industry to cease alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion.

Read the HCC CARD 2024 Press Release.

Panelists

Dr. Kenneth Connell
HCC President

Dr. Gloria Giraldo
NCDs and Mental Health Caribbean SubRegional Advisor
PAHO

Maisha Hutton
Executive Director
Healthy Caribbean Coalition

Professor Rohan Maharaj
HCC Alcohol Policy Advisor, Professor of Family Medicine of University of the West Indies
Read/download presentation

Juan Tello
Unit Head, Less Alcohol WHO

Elisabet Ruiz Cairó
Legal Consultant
WHO

Angélica María Claro
Civil Society Coordinator
Movendi International
Read/download presentation

Dr. Asante Le Blanc
Director on the Board of Directors for the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society

Dr. Tamara Remy
President – Saint Lucia Cancer Society, Consultant General Surgeon, HCC Board Member

Simone Bishop-Matthews
HCC CARD 2024 Consultant

Karissa Moss
HCC CARD 2024 Consultant

View/download the CARD 2024 flyer.

The HCC and partners have held an annual Caribbean Alcohol Reduction Days (CARD) since 2016 you can find details of the other CARD days here.

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HCC will be spotlighting Caribbean NCD leaders leading up to the 4th UN High Level Meeting on NCDs (HLM4) to be held during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.

The HLM4 is a global milestone and stocktaking moment for the international NCD Community to pause and reflect on where we are and what needs to be done to accelerate action as we move towards achieving the 2030 SDGs.

Under the umbrella of the NCD Alliance, the global NCD civil society community will be galvanising over the next 12 months under the banner – Time to Lead. The NCDA Global Week of Action, 15-22 October 2024, will kick off this global campaign which calls on leaders worldwide to step forward and champion efforts to reduce the impact of NCDs on communities.

Despite uneven NCD progress regionally and globally, CARICOM has and continues to show tremendous leadership. Individuals and organisations have stepped up and shown bold unwavering leadership in their communities and countries.

As we look towards the HLM4, uniting around the theme – TIME TO LEAD, the HCC is seeking to recognise and showcase NCD champions – individuals and organisations who have shown exemplary leadership in NCD prevention and control in the Caribbean.

We are inviting our constituents to submit nominations of Caribbean NCD Leaders – individuals and organisations who you believe should be celebrated for their acts – small or large – which have changed the trajectory of the NCD response in your communities or countries.

Who is eligible to be an HCC Caribbean NCD Leader? Individuals (representing civil society, academia and the public sector) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) working in the Caribbean.

How do you nominate Caribbean NCD Leaders? Use the google form to nominate the names of Individuals (representing civil society, academia and the public sector) or Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

The google form includes a series of prompts including describing the reason you are nominating this person/organisation, 2-3 key contributions/achievements which merit recognition as a NCD Leader and submitting a quote from the nominee in response to this question: What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

The HCC looks forward to your submissions.

Submit Your Nomination Here

Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization

Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization is a non profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and communities through mentorship, youth development, and conflict resolution. Adults also receive individual motivational interviewing session where they gain self esteem and career goals to become more self sufficient. Many people can not afford therapy and they should not be deprived of that service. We all need someone who we can trust and be non judgemental to talk to.Read more
Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization Achievements

Debisette Consulting Empowerment Organization (DCEO) stands at the forefront of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention, driving transformative change through innovative programs and personalized interventions. The organization’s targeted youth mentorship programs equip participants with critical life skills and knowledge, empowering them to embrace healthier lifestyles and reduce their risk of developing NCDs. Through comprehensive substance abuse counselling, DCEO addresses a leading risk factor for chronic illnesses, fostering recovery and overall wellness.

Additionally, DCEO integrates conflict resolution training to promote effective stress management, a cornerstone in preventing hypertension and related conditions. A cornerstone of its approach is Motivational Interviewing (MI), which supports individuals facing socioeconomic barriers in making sustainable lifestyle changes. By empowering participants to take ownership of their health decisions, MI significantly increases the likelihood of sustained improvements.

These initiatives underscore DCEO’s unwavering dedication to building healthier, more resilient communities while bridging the gap in health equity.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

Addressing socioeconomic inequalities: Lower income populations often face higher NCD risk due to limited access to healthy food, health care, and safe space for exercise. Policies that address these inequalities such as subsidies for healthy food, health education in schools .

Data collection and monitoring is also needed, there is a need for accurate and up to date health data.

Priscilla Prevost

Mrs. Priscilla Prevost, a Family Nurse Practitioner, has been a champion for NCD prevention and management since 1990.
Her prominence as a health professional in Dominica is evidenced by her passion for the wellbeing of people as she advocates for and provides services across the Public, Private and Civil Society sectors. She has worked tirelessly from 1990 when she coordinated the first health expo in Dominica in collaboration with ADRA to present as she conducts screening, self-management training and food demonstrations within communities and schools on the island.

Read moreNurse Prevost connects with the wider population with a weekly radio Healthy Living Broadcast and Morning Breakfast Show along with health tips five days per alternate week.

She is a strong supporter of Dominica Diabetes Association and the Dominica Cancer Society and serves as Health Director for the East Caribbean Conference of Seventh Day Adventists for Barbados and Dominica.

Priscilla Prevost Achievements

In 1995, Mrs Prevost conducted a six-week programme titled “Lifestyle Intervention for Chronic Disease” in all the communities within the St. Joseph Health District. For this she received a nutrition award from CFNI (Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute)

In 2001 she launched the Healthy Lifestyle and corporate Wellness Services, a private business aimed to identify and reduce risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

1n 2003 she began an employee wellness programme with utility companies and banks in Dominica. Where 75-80% of staff were screened annually until 2017. The companies concerned attributed a decrease in absenteeism and increased staff morale as positive outcomes of the programme.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

At the 75th World Assembly in 2022 member states adopted new recommendations for prevention and management of obesity and endorsed the WHO accelerated plan to stop obesity (WHO,2022).

Obesity, a disease as well as a risk factor, is one of the major contributing factors to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is noticeable that enough is not being done from a policy maker and also from a service delivery standpoint. I am therefore strongly recommending that accelerated action be taken to develop policies prohibiting the promotion and sale of unhealthy foods on and around school compounds and at school sponsored events.

Additionally, policies regarding the creation or allocation of safe spaces for physical activity in every community should be prioritized.

Abi Begho

Abi Begho is an inspirational leader in public health and the founder and director of Lake Health and Wellbeing, a public health NGO in St. Kitts and Nevis. Abi is a fearless advocate who has amplified the voices of vulnerable groups, ensuring they are heard and supported. Among her many accomplishments, she: spearheaded the SKN Disability Working Group, advocating for greater inclusivity across all sectors, launched the EmpowHer program to empower women living with chronic diseases, and developed the Menstrual Health Education program to equip young girls with essential knowledge about their periods and how to identify signs of reproductive conditions such as fibroids.

Read more

Some of Abi’s Achievements

• Created the opportunity for the youth perspective to be integrated into the public health space through the Youth Health Advocates program.
• Created the You’re Sweet Enough Campaign which has garnered local, regional, and international attention and awareness of the need for sugar-sweetened beverage policies, school nutrition policies, and front of package warning labels.
• Spearheaded the creation of the St. Kitts and Nevis NCD Alliance and its recent full membership with the global NCD Alliance.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritising to accelerate action on NCDs?

NCDs are the leading cause of death in the Caribbean, and urgent action is needed from CARICOM leaders. We urge our leaders to unite to accelerate the development and implementation of policies that focus on preventing, detecting, and managing NCDs. Prevention offers the greatest potential for impact, so we call on all CARICOM leaders to focus on healthy food policies, (such as SSB taxes, trans fat elimination, salt reduction and front-of-package labelling), promoting physical activity, tackling pollution and expanding NCD screening. Our leaders must make health a priority to avoid the premature loss of our loved ones from preventable NCDs.

Breast Friends

A very long time ago Carolyn Aziz had a dream. Long before the word Cancer was actually mentioned in polite conversation, she was afflicted with breast cancer. She advocated single handedly and brought others on board.  She wanted to share her story so that others would understand that there was no shame in having Cancer and to let others know that fear could only kill.

At the time, it was a diagnosis associated with doom and gloom. She wanted to change that for Antiguans. She wanted to share a message of hope.

She continued as long as she could and laid the foundation. Then Ms. Bird joined the fight.

Read moreToday Breast Friends (Women in Touch ) has led the way. When no one was organizing talks about cancer, they were.  When no one cared to care, they did. When there was little money to be made by the pharmaceutical world in this part of the world, Breast Friends walked, Breast Friends talked.

Breast Friends also helped neighbouring Anguilla and Montserrat. When politicians were not talking about Cancer but were lobbying for NCDs thanks to the Nassau and P.O.S declarations, Breast Friends were advocating.

So you see, for Breast Friends it wasn’t a fad, it wasn’t a fate, it wasn’t just an October month fashion. T’was a group of women along with their families helping to change the stereotype, one small step at a time.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

• Caricom leaders must prioritize the war on tobacco and Green spaces (safe and clean). Incentivize exercise in the workplace. Antigua has exercises in the 39ers Square at the Ministry of Health three times weekly for free. In Dominica, the public workday was made shorter to facilitate those who want to exercise.
• Advertisements are needed to promote less alcohol abuse and encourage  eating ground provisions and healthy foods as part of a healthy diet. 
• Stress and psychosocial determinants of Health must be taken more seriously. 

Together we can,  Together we will!

Professor Rohan Maharaj

Professor Maharaj is a beacon in research, medical education and scholarly research in the areas of NCDs, Alcohol reduction, Mental Health Issues and many others. He has contributed immensely during the last 20 years to the sensitisation and education of the population on the harmful effects of alcohol and has lobbied tirelessly for its regulation and control in order to reduce the burden on NCDs. He has provided yeoman clinical services in both the public and private sectors in relation to health promotion, NCD prevention and treatment of NCDs. He is currently an active member of the HCC and led the local efforts for the 2023 Caribbean Alcohol Reduction Day. He is on the cusp of publishing his latest book entitled Rum Songs and Other Alcohol Issues in the English Speaking Caribbean.

Read more
Dr Professor Maharaj’s Achievements

1. Prolific researcher on NCDs and other risk factors associated with NCDs
2. Principal Investigator of ECHORN- Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network
   with NCD publications on Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and T2D diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean, Risk factors for household food insecurity in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network cohort study and Egocentric Health Networks and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the ECHORN Cohort Study.
3. Key actor in the quest for alcohol regulation locally and regionally.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

Alcohol contributes to cardiovascular disease through its effect of elevating blood pressure, and pericardial disease among others; alcohol is a Class I carcinogen, alcohol contributes to breast, liver, and oropharyngeal cancers; alcohol contributes to mental health issues and is often a co-diagnosis to bipolar, personality and mood disorders. CARICOM and regional governments recognize the fact that alcohol contributes to NCDs. Yet there has been little effort to address this. The WHO recommends 3 ‘Best Buys’ (simple, acceptable, and cost-effective interventions) to tackle alcohol in under-resourced settings- 1. Ban the marketing and advertising of alcohol and its products; 2. Implement price measures, such as taxation, Minimum Unit Pricing, and linking alcohol prices to inflation; and 3. Addressing availability, such as hours of sale and outlet density.

CARICOM policymakers should be working in these areas to reduce the harmful impact of alcohol on our Caribbean communities.

Dr. Asante Le Blanc

Dr, LeBlanc is an exceptional and dedicated leader in public health. As the former Chairman and current Director of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, Dr. Le Blanc has led with vision and impact, steering initiatives focused on cancer prevention and education. Her commitment to public education has been pivotal in raising awareness about the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases, especially cancer. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to make a significant difference in empowering individuals and communities to make healthier choices for long-term well-being.

Read more

Dr Le Blanc’s Achievements

Dr. Asante Le Blanc merits recognition as an NCD Leader for her impactful work in two key areas. First, she spearheaded the implementation of an Anti-Smoking/Vaping Campaign in high schools nationwide, educating youth on the harmful effects of these habits. Her efforts aim to reduce the early adoption of smoking and vaping, fostering healthier future generations. Secondly, through the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, Dr. Le Blanc works closely with patients and survivors, empowering them to advocate for early detection. This initiative not only provides emotional support but also inspires others to undergo screening, promoting early diagnosis and better outcomes.

What should CARICOM policymakers be prioritizing to accelerate action on NCDs?

Dr. Asante Le Blanc merits recognition as an NCD Leader for her impactful work in two key areas. First, she spearheaded the implementation of an Anti-Smoking/Vaping Campaign in high schools nationwide, educating youth on the harmful effects of these habits. Her efforts aim to reduce the early adoption of smoking and vaping, fostering healthier future generations. Secondly, through the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network, Dr. Le Blanc works closely with patients and survivors, empowering them to advocate for early detection. This initiative not only provides emotional support but also inspires others to undergo screening, promoting early diagnosis and better outcomes.

CARICOM policymakers should prioritize three key areas to accelerate action on NCDs;

• Strengthening Public Education and Prevention Campaigns Greater emphasis is needed on awareness campaigns, particularly targeting youth, to promote healthy lifestyle choices and reduce risk factors such as smoking, vaping, poor nutrition, and inactivity.
• Expanding Access to Screening and Early Detection Services Policymakers must invest in accessible, affordable screening programs to enable early diagnosis and timely intervention, improving health outcomes for chronic diseases like cancer.
• Implementing Stronger Policy Frameworks and Regulations. This includes enacting stricter tobacco and sugary drink regulations, promoting healthy school environments, and ensuring that health policies are integrated across all sectors for a whole-of-society approach

The post Caribbean NCD Leaders Spotlight appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

The 2007 Port of Spain Declaration on non-communicable diseases, endorsed by Heads of Governments, expressed strong support for eliminating trans fats from citizens’ diet. In 2022, CARICOM Ministers of Trade and Health committed to enacting legislation by December 2024 and to eliminating trans fats from the Caribbean food supply by December 2025.

It’s time to follow through!

View/download the Fact sheet

AVOIDING CONSUMPTION GOES BEYOND INDIVIDUAL CHOICE!

On an individual level, we can all reduce our intake of trans fats by avoiding fried, baked and packaged goods that contain hydrogenated oils, partially hydrogenated oils or list trans fats on their labels.

However, in reality, trans fats aren’t always listed on nutrition labels and it’s difficult to tell whether they are being used in street or restaurant food as compared to other fats.

For example, because hard margarine and vegetable shortening contain trans fats, anything made with these products —like biscuits, pies and breads —will likely contain trans fats as well.

That’s why it’s the responsibility of our government, to protect citizens from the harmful effects of trans fats.

Avoiding trans fats goes beyond individual responsibility! Governments need to protect their citizens.

Implementing regulations that limit industrially produced trans fats to no more than 2% of the total fat in all food products or banning partially hydrogenated oils altogether can help solve our trans fats problem. And this is a very achievable goal!

As of July 2024, 58 countries around the world (covering 3.7 billion people) – 9 of them in the Americas – have already enacted best practice policies to eliminate trans fats.

The Caribbean region is, unfortunately, falling behind in taking action despite its commitments.  But it’s not too late!

Eliminating trans fats from our food supply by December 2025 is a win that is still within reach once policymakers fulfill their commitments.

THE CARIBBEAN RELATIONSHIP WITH TRANS FATS!

So far, we only have commitments that have been made. The reality of our relationship with trans fats in the Caribbean is still quite dire despite so many other countries eliminating the harmful substance.

A Jamaican study conducted in 2023, revealed that almost 34% of very commonly consumed foods contained trans fats and about half of all products claiming to have not trans fats actually did. This proves that labels cannot be trusted as a means of detecting trans fats in our foods and further cements the need for policies that protect Caribbean people.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) conducted an assessment on the economic impact of eliminating industrially produced trans fats in Barbados. They found that implementing a national ban in 2019 could have prevented USD 546,246.13 in future productivity losses.

So not only is policy necessary to protect our health, it is likely to contribute positively to our economies as well!

TRANS FATS ARE A DANGER TO CARIBBEAN HEALTH!

There are no health benefits to trans fats but there a slew of harmful effects.

The consumption of trans fats is indeed associated with an increased risk of heart attacks and death from coronary heart disease. A comprehensive analysis in 2010 estimated that 537,000 global deaths from coronary heart disease were linked to trans fats intake, with 160,000 of these deaths occurring in the Americas and the Caribbean, 45% of which were premature.

But there are other risks to consuming trans fats:

Cardiovascular disease is another issue exacerbated by trans fats intake. Trans fats increase LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), which carries cholesterol through the blood vessels. It is commonly called “bad cholesterol”. Trans fats also decrease HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein), commonly called “good cholesterol”, which carries cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body.

Type 2 Diabetes is also a risk affected by trans fats consumption as they impair the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.

Chronic Inflammation has also been shown by research to be significantly influenced by the intake of trans fats, contributing to an adverse inflammatory profile.

Obesity has been proven to be exacerbated by the consumption of trans fats as it increases weight gain and the accumulation of visceral fat.

Diminished Mental Performance is another risk of trans fats consumption. Research has revealed adverse effects on the brain and nervous system, and potential implications for cognitive function and mental performance.  A study on dementia patients unearthed a correlation between trans fats levels, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and the severity of cognitive disorders, suggesting a link to cognitive decline.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND TRANS FATS

Trans fats are called by several names and are listed differently on various food labels and nutritional lists. They can be called:

• trans-fatty acids (TFAs)
• unsaturated fatty acids
• trans-unsaturated fatty acids
• hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils

But what exactly are they? How are they produced?

Well, there are two types:

Natural trans fats are produced naturally in very small amounts in the guts of some ruminant animals like cows, sheep, and goats through bacterial transformation of unsaturated fatty acids derived from feed.

On the other hand, industrially-produced trans fats are manufactured by partial hydrogenation of liquid vegetable oils containing unsaturated fatty acids. Hydrogenation is simply the addition of hydrogen to these liquid oils in order to make them solid at room temperature.

Most trans fats come from ultra-processed products —extensively modified versions of natural foods because they give a more desirable taste and texture, and extend the shelf life of these chemically altered food products.

THE HCC’S FIGHT TO HELP ELIMINATE TRANS FATS FROM THE CARIBBEAN

The Healthy Caribbean Coalition (HCC), in collaboration with Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is supporting civil society advocacy for the elimination of industrially-produced trans fatty-acids from the Caribbean food supply.

In January 2024, the HCC launched a project with the primary objective being to collaborate with key regional and national partners to spur policymakers to action and build public awareness and support for the enactment of regulations in CARICOM Member States that will eliminate partially hydrogenated oils from the food supply, and limit trans fatty acid content to no more than 2% of total fat in all food products.

PARTNER LOGOS

Other contributing partners: The CARICOM Secretariat, The Caribbean Public Health Law Forum (CPHLF), The Law and Health Research Unit (LHRU) of the University of the West Indies, Barbados, The O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, Georgetown University in Washington D.C, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Barbados (HSFB), The Ministry of Health And Wellness, Barbados, Healthy Bahamas Coalition (HBC), Heart Foundation of Jamaica (HFJ), Lake Health and Wellbeing of St, Kitts and Nevis, The St. Lucia Diabetes & Hypertension Association (SLDHA) and The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Saint Lucia.

The post Let’s Talk About Trans Fats and Why They Need To Go! appeared first on Healthy Caribbean Coalition.