Media professionals here have been reminded that cancer and diabetes are among the leading causes of death in Dominica, and that they have a role to play in helping combat Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs) in the country.
That point was emphasised at a workshop on Friday, with officials of the Ministry of Health telling the country’s media workers that they wanted to build strong alliances with the media as part of efforts to address an increase in health problems.
According to available statistics, 35-million people die annually from chronic non communicable diseases world-wide.
The Coordinator of Health Promotion Helen Royer told reporters that an increase in amputations “related to diabetes is of major concern for the ministry of health and it is against this background that the diabetics foot care program was initiated since experts remain convinced that the many amputations can be avoided”.
“Amputation doesn’t only result in physical disability but can have a considerable psychological impact on the entire family. In fact, many people who have had amputations report feeling emotions such as grief and bereavement similar to experiencing the death of a loved one,” Royer stated.
She added, “Today’s component is the first level of training and targets medical doctors both at hospital and the seven heath districts. It offers a concentrated programme and covers how to assess and treat advance lower extremity arterial disease with the goal of saving the limbs”.
Health Educator Anthelia James took the opportunity to stress why the Media must be included in efforts to combat CNCDs.
“The strategy underscores the significance of the mainstream as well as the informal media within the English speaking Caribbean”.
She quoted points made from a CARICOM meeting that “the media in all their diversity must be key players in this partnership bringing the considerable power and influence to bare on the information of policies and programmes that affect the health of the people”.
“It is imperative that there be a reciprocal relationship between the media and health related sectors to ensure free flow of information on matters vital to Caribbean health,” she stated.
She added that that was critical because at the moment in Dominica and the Caribbean, chronic non-communicable diseases “are affecting us in epidemic proportions”.
Yes, I agree that the media should play a greater role but what about STATE OWNED MEDIA? I stand corrected as I am not always at home, but I have never seen any of those health promoters on the govt channel speaking to the issue of CNCD with respect to actually showing people portion sizes,helping them to understand good fats and bad fats, helping them to calculate BMI etc.
I see many road projects, schools and YES, WE CARE. That is good, but a nations wealth is a nations health.
So, yes, privately owned media houses must come on board but state owned media houses should lead the way.
Our people are so ignorant with respect to principles of nutrition and its applications and I seriously wonder why these health promotion people are not disseminating Nutrition Education. I believe because its a Science and they are not equipped to deal with that science(THERE IS A TENDENCY TO SHY AWAY FROM SCIENTIFIC STUFF!!)
Follow St. Lucia, they have a nutritionist who goes on television and teaches her people about transfats, sodium nitrite in food etc, do we do that in Dominica, I dont think so.Remember, I stand corrected.
It is not enough to talk about CNCD, we have to teach people about nutrition as there is a irrefutable link between diet and CNCD. And, those of us who preach nutrition we must keep our BODY MASS INDEX in the required range – lead by example!!
I certainly agree, that the media need to play an essential role in social issues. In issues relating to the well being of persons. We need to create a National innovation strategy. In doing so the media’s role would be on a high demand, especially relating to information, socio-economic matters and communication.