Health Minister: Proper nutrition habits help prevent chronic diseases
Government Information Service - Friday, June 10th, 2011 at 11:18 AM
L-R: Dr. Ballayram of the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute with members of the BVI National Food and Nutrition Security Council after a 2-day capacity strengthening workshop May 17–19. Photo Credit: Ministry of Health and Social Development
Proper food and nutrition habits are vital components in the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases in the Virgin Islands.
These were the sentiments expressed by Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Social Development, Dancia Penn during Tuesday’s House of Assembly as she provided an update of the work of the BVI National Food and Nutrition Security Council, and the progress made on the draft strategy for the prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases in the Territory.
In delivering her statement Penn said, “The prevention and control of chronic diseases remains of highest priority to the Government as we seek to influence trends in diet and nutrition for efficient chronic non-communicable disease prevention in our Territory, and as we seek to build a healthier population.”
The BVI National Food and Nutrition Security Council, a multi-sectoral committee, is comprised of 14 representatives from various government departments, ministries and non-governmental organisations.
The council was established to ensure that the Ministry of Health and Social Development, its strategic partners in health and other stakeholders, are actively engaged in measures that will ensure food safety and food security throughout the Virgin Islands.
Penn called for support for the work of the BVI National Food and Nutrition Security Council stating, “And lest it appear that the Ministry of Health is usurping the role of the Ministry of Natural Resources and any other ministry, let us be very clear that these are joint efforts and that all of us have to work together, public sector, private sector, ministries across government on the matter of food safety and food security.”
Recent work of the BVI National Food and Nutrition Security Council includes a two day workshop held on May 17–19, where members benefitted from the expertise of Dr. Ballayram of the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute.
The purpose of the workshop was to strengthen local capacity in the area of nutrition and it focused on defining food security, coordinating a Territory-wide food and nutrition policy and plan of action; identifying the various indicators of food security in context of the Virgin Islands, and the development of terms of reference for the operation of the council.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development endeavors to provide leadership that promotes health, social well being and a safe environment.
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