On World Hypertension Day (WHD), the Ministry of Health and Wellness takes the opportunity to formally introduce the newly appointed members of the National Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCNCD). A very important and necessary Commission to help tackle the escalating health crisis brought on by NCDs in Barbados.
Under this year’s WHD theme, Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer, the launch of the NCNCD underscores the pressing need for preventive measures and effective management strategies to enhance longevity and improve the quality of life.
According to the Barbados National Registry for Chronic Non-Communicable Disease (BNR), there are roughly 600 stroke events in Barbados every year, with a little more than half (54 per cent) occurring in women.
Stroke is a major complication of hypertension, which affects about one in four adults in Barbados. Hypertension can also lead to other serious health problems, such as heart attack, kidney failure and vision loss.
Hypertension, often referred to as the “silent killer” due to its lack of discernible symptoms, poses significant threats to critical organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys when left undetected. Barbados, like many other nations, has witnessed the adverse impacts of the global pandemic, with scientific research revealing a distressing surge in morbidity and mortality rates associated with hypertension. These unsettling trends have eroded the progress made prior to 2020 and necessitate urgent action.
Of utmost concern are the constraints placed on community-based and national screening programmes, as well as the substantial decline in blood pressure control rates—direct consequences of the pandemic’s upheaval. While public health officials diligently evaluate these issues for targeted intervention, it is crucial to recognize the immense burden faced by individuals, families, and communities.
These realities serve as a stark reminder of the challenges in meeting national and global targets, including the attainment of the 2030 sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, amidst this unsustainable situation lies an opportunity for resolution. A collective effort from all sectors of society is required to realign our commitment to the non-communicable disease (NCD) agenda.
In response, we are delighted to announce the new members of the National Commission on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCNCD) on this significant occasion of World Hypertension Day. The NCNCD is an inclusive, multi-sectoral body that will provide strategic guidance and oversight for the prevention and control of NCDs in Barbados.
Leading the NCNCD as Chairperson is former Chair of the Barbados Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, Suleiman Bulbulia. Deputy Chairperson is Dr. Kenneth Connell, Vice President of the Healthy Caribbean Coalition. The commission comprises distinguished representatives from various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, finance, civil society, media, and academia, ensuring a holistic approach to address this pressing challenge.
The Commission has started its work and commends the tremendous efforts of its predecessor Commission so ably led by Professor Sir Trevor Hassell, who continues to give yeoman service to the cause of fighting NCDs in our country and region.
The Commission also fully supports the recently implemented National Schools Nutrition Policy and the much-needed work in stemming the increasing incidences of childhood obesity among our nation’s children which ultimately leads to the early onset of NCDs.
The NCNCD will collaborate closely with the Barbados National Registry for Chronic Non-Communicable Disease (BNR), an institution dedicated to collecting timely and accurate national data on strokes, heart attacks, and cancer. Furthermore, the NCNCD will forge alliances with regional and international partners such as CARPHA, PAHO/WHO, and UNICEF to advance the NCD agenda through mutual cooperation and shared expertise.
The primary objectives of the NCNCD are as follows:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive national NCD policy and action plan.
- Monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of NCD interventions.
- Mobilize resources and foster partnerships for NCD prevention and control.
- Advocate for a supportive environment that enables healthy behaviours and choices.
- Promote research and innovation on NCDs.
- The renewed NCNCD marks a momentous milestone in our relentless pursuit of reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in Barbados.
We extend an invitation to all stakeholders and citizens to unite in this noble endeavour and lend their support to the work of the NCNCD.
The NCNCD recognises that hypertension is a silent killer that can be prevented and controlled with simple lifestyle changes and regular medical check-ups. Therefore, the NCNCD invites all Barbadians to join the global campaign to “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer” by taking the following steps:
- If you have already been diagnosed with hypertension, you are advised to engage in these healthy lifestyle practices to get your blood pressure under control along with adhering to prescribed treatments including medications. Keep doctor’s appointments and share any concerns you have about your health.
- If you have not been diagnosed with hypertension, you are encouraged to get your blood pressure measured at least once a year. This is a non-invasive procedure that a ten-minute investment of time can literally save your life. Current protocols recommend all persons over the age of 18 be screened as 90 per cent of hypertension cases have no specific cause.
- Everyone is urged to adopt a healthy diet that is low in salt, fat and sugar, and high in fruits and vegetables. You should also limit your alcohol intake, avoid tobacco use and stay physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.
The NCNCD believes that prevention and management of hypertension are within reach for all Barbadians. Collaborations fostered between and among civil society organisations, government and communities are executed with the singular goal to achieve a healthier population.
Barbados, it is time to Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer. For more information on the NCNCD’s initiative and activities for World Hypertension Day, please follow the Facebook page @ncdbarbados.