Non-communicable diseases among BVI’s top 5 killers
National Epidemiologist, Harmonie Brewley Massiah, has warned that persons may face dire consequences as a result of some non-communicable diseases facing the territory.
“It is something that needs to be highlighted. It is something that needs to be addressed because we know that having a chronic or non-communicable disease can lead to premature death, disability, and suffering,” Brewley Massiah said recently.
She said one of the reasons that the message about non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was being driven home at this time, was that COVID-19 has highlighted the impact that NCDs can have on people’s lives.
According to the National Epidemiologist, approximately 80 percent of the Americas suffer from non-communicable diseases. She said this was no different for the BVI.
“At least for the last decade, NCDs such as diabetes, and hypertension and cancer have ranked in the top five of our killers,” Brewley Massiah stated.
She said the BVI needs to start creating a community and environment where children can have a healthier life and a healthier sustainable future.
“Unfortunately, we have created a system that has perpetuated ill health and that’s something we need to start correcting now,” she warned.
Meanwhile, Public Health Nutritionist, Patrice Maduro, said officials have been trying to arrive at the root cause or the driving force behind NCDs in the territory.
She said health officials have also been seeking areas of prevention to help minimise risks among the population.
“By the time you’re diagnosed, and receive treatment, you have done passed so many phases where you can have done something to lower your risk and to prevent NCDs. So, that’s also what we are looking at as well. [We’re] looking at the areas of prevention – where exactly can we tap into to actually lower the risk of NCDs as well,” she said.
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A great place to start is with the young people and teaching swimming to the primary school kids .That can encourage healthy exercise and also prepare the population for future careers in and around the ocean and possibly save lives.
Some diseases also include metee-ness, moomooness, monkey-behaviourness. Please address those asap.
Humbug you spot on.
The root cause or the driving force behind NCDs in the territory is insulin resistance.
it actually is liqorishness
You need to lobby with the the Government to create more ways that will be inviting to the public when it comes to physical fitness.
You have to walk on the streets where the motorist wants to run you over. There are no proper side walks or protective barriers.
How many lives have been snuffed out and cancers continue compliments of the overwhelming toxicity of the air we must breathe daily and nightly due to the open Municipal garbage burning compounded by the lack of recycling.
Water is nonexistent most often and the quality questionable,when it’s available,.
Basic human necessity ,clean air and water ….they are normally unavailable in the VI.
Makes even the dog sick,for chrissakes!
Hmmm …I think we all know why this is the case…and we’re not saying nothing about it. ITS THE FOOD SUPPLY !
If there is going to be any serious attempt towards a healthy population we need to MASSIVELY increase the supply of LOCAL GROWN ORGANIC FOOD.
If any body wants to talk about how when,why,how we can do this my number is above. Particularly interested to hear from people in Government. I’m a dedicated Farmer – with a few ideas.
And all want them same sick people to take that vaccine??? Oj, please! I beg ahyo to please leave the young children alone!!