Statement by Dr Lisa Indar, Ad Interim ExecutiveDirector – Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD) is one of the regional responses geared towards increasing awareness and promoting measures among CARICOM Member States and their populations to address the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which continue to severely impact the health, economy and development of the Caribbean region.
Caribbean Wellness Day (CWD) will be celebrated this year on Saturday, 14 September 2024. The theme is – Power Through Collective Action: Good Health is Our Right
“Your health is your wealth” has been repeated so often that it almost seems clichéd. However, the truth of this powerful message is undeniable across all geographic borders and cultures. The reality is… NO ONE can truly enjoy life without good health. It is, therefore, unfortunate when we see millions of people globally struggle to achieve good health.
At home in the Caribbean, we are facing a critical challenge-the highest burden from non-communicable diseases among developing nations in the Americas. Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are not just health problems. They are the leading cause of death, responsible for more than 70% of deaths in this Region. But I am confident that we CAN beat this threat! It is no coincidence that Caribbean people are known for their resilience. In 2007, the heads of the government of the Caribbean community declared the second Saturday in September as Caribbean Wellness Day, a powerful demonstration of our resolve – United to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-communicable Diseases. It is not just a day but a symbol of our united strength.
At CARPHA, we are grounded in the philosophy of regional cooperation. We recognise that a ‘whole of society’ approach is required to win this fight, one that includes all sectors: private, governments, manufacturers, academia, non-governmental organisations, professional associations, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, civil society, and individuals. Each sector has a unique role, from advocating for policy changes to promoting healthy lifestyles in their communities.
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that for the last five years, including 2024, the overarching theme for Caribbean Wellness Day has been Power through Collective Action. This theme, together with the subtheme for 2024, is “Good Health is Our Right.”
It is Our Right to:
- transparency in food labeling. Labels that alert all of us about high levels of ingredients like sugar, salt and fats, which can be harmful to our health
- healthier food options that are available, accessible and actively promoted
- accurate information about the benefits of preparing and eating healthy foods, limiting family screen time and increasing physical activity
- wellness programmes at our schools and workplaces that encourage us to strive for optimal health
- policies that promote universal health coverage that incorporate accessibility, affordability, patient-centered care, safety, timely diagnosis and treatment
For Caribbean Wellness Day 2024, I urge you to unite and join us in this fight against NCDs. Let us all do our part to raise awareness and advocate to positively influence health and strengthen community action because each and every one of us not only deserves Good Health…it is Our Wealth… it is Our Right.
