Productivity down $140m due to NCDs

Barbados is losing $140 million each year in productivity due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

That staggering fact and figure was revealed yesterday by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Davidson Ishmael, who said there was a sustained effort to reduce the number of deaths due to NCDs in the country.

His comments came during the press conference to launch the Live Stronger Longer Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados and Republic Bank Blue Wellness Conference.

It was held at the Ministry’s headquarters, Frank Walcott Building, Culloden Road, St Michael.

“When it comes to the workplace, they’re not able to do as much as they used to do, produce as much as they used to because of a debilitating disease. There’s a larger impact. The deaths are what we’re seeking to prevent. We love our people but we also want our people to live healthier,” Ishmael said.

He said NCDs accounted for 80 per cent of adult deaths in Barbados, adding that the ministry invested heavily in both prevention and treatment of such diseases, with annual expenditure ranging from about $375 million to $825 million.

Ishmael said that the ministry had developed its NCD unit to drive public education, advocacy and the development of programmes and initiatives aimed at encouraging individuals to take these diseases and their health seriously.

He encouraged increased physical activity and said the Ministry would continue to implement initiatives to support healthier lifestyles with strong emphasis on improved nutrition.

President of the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados Tyrone Lowe said it had expanded its focus over the years beyond awareness to include screenings, counselling, diabetes management, distribution of supplies and education programmes. He noted that the association operated under the acronym SEAS – Support, Education, Awareness and Screening.

Lowe said the association reached much of the population through self-management workshops, workplace screenings and camps for children on an annual basis. Additionally, for the past two years, the association was focused on the number of people living with NCDs and encouraged them to be informed about their health.

“If your numbers are not okay, then do something about it. Take action. We believe knowledge is power and action saves lives,” Lowe suggested.

The association, he added, was embarking on its 51st anniversary this year and was renewing its efforts to combat the growing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. Lowe stressed that success would not just require medical interventions but a shared commitment to healthier living.

He underscored the need to make healthy living more accessible and appealing for all, pointing to better food choices, embracing active lifestyles, managing stress and ensuring that everyone had access to the support they needed to live well.

As part of its outreach, the association plans to visit shops, schools, churches and other organisations and institutions to deepen the awareness and implementation of healthy living across the island.

The Live Stronger Longer conference will take place over two days in May at Carifesta House. It will bring together more than 300 attendees and exhibitors along with 15 international speakers. The focus will be on practical strategies for living longer and healthier lives.

(AJ)

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