NCDs Burden A Public Health Crisis

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Barbados has become a public health crisis that will take a collaborative effort between Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to tackle it.

This was the assertion of Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, as he addressed the inaugural National Forum for NGOs on Non-communicable Diseases at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael, this morning.

It was held under the theme “Building Blocks for a Healthier Barbados”.

Furthermore, Mr. Ishmael said that according to a Barbados Investment Case study, the direct costs of treating NCDs was substantial, representing a large portion of the national health budget.

He added the broader economic cost of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity was even more profound.

The Minister also noted that the 2015 Health of the Nation Survey, revealed that unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol use and obesity, were key risk factors to the NCD burden.  Additionally, it found that over 65 per cent of adult Barbadians were obese, while 40 per cent were living with hypertension and 20 per cent with diabetes.

“Productivity losses resulting from illness, disability, and premature death, further exacerbate the financial strain on the economy.  The Barbados Investment Case estimates that these indirect costs, driven by decreased workforce participation and premature mortality, contribute millions of dollars more to the national economic burden. Estimates indicate that Barbados spends approximately BBD $64 million annually on cardiovascular diseases and diabetes….,” the Minister stated.

He added: “Furthermore, the economy incurs a loss of BBD $145 million each year due to missed workdays, decreased productivity, reduced workforce participation, and the costs of replacing workers affected by these conditions.”

Mr. Ishmael noted that NGOs were pivotal in fostering positive changes in public awareness, health behaviours, health education and promotion, to direct patient support. He pointed out they also collectively helped to shape policies and mobilise resources for NCD management.

However, he noted that addressing the NCD crisis required more than the efforts of NGOs alone but necessitates a multi-sectoral approach that includes government, healthcare professionals, the private sector, and international partners.

The Minister of State cited the World Health Organization’s “Best Buys” initiative which outlines cost-effective interventions that can reduce the burden of NCD risk factors, as being invaluable in this effort.

“Barbados has started integrating some of these strategies into our national health policies, but there is still much work to be done. By collaborating with NGOs and other stakeholders, we can build on these foundations and accelerate progress,” he explained.

Author: Melissa Rollock

Publish: September 11, 2024