The Ministry of Health has embraced an opportunity to partner with Dominica’s newly formed spa, health and wellness association, in bringing about a more health conscious society.
At the formal launch of the association earlier this week, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Helen Royer, said Government continues to examine ways to help reduce the incidence of Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on the island.
Royer suggested that working with this association could assist the Ministry in combating this major health concern.
“By staying healthy we can help prevent chronic diseases, which are major causes of both morbidity and mortality in Dominica. Today, many factors affect the health of Dominicans and we can very well understand that preventing, reversing or managing chronic disease is a mammoth task, that cannot be solely left to the Ministry of Health, hence the reason why my ministry embraces such an opportunity to partner with you in such a remarkable health initiative,” remarked Royer.
She noted that unhealthy living is not only an individual or family concern but a national one.
“Notwithstanding the considerable impact of these diseases on individuals and families they also have implications for the health delivery of services in Dominica,” she stated.
She reported that a recent survey done among Dominicans between the ages of 15 to 54 revealed that almost 1 in 2 people are overweight or obese, 3 in 10 men and 6 in 10 women.
The Ministry official also revealed some other concerning statistics as it relates to unhealthy lifestyles of the population.
“About nine in ten people are not eating the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables and a large proportion of both adults and children do not take the recommended amount of exercise,” she stressed.
“Our job therefore,” she cautioned. “Is to empower individuals and families to take control of their health and reduce the risk of developing these diseases. Not trying to make choices for them, but assisting them in making these choices,” she emphasized.
The Permanent secretary has applauded the efforts of the newly formed Dominica Spa Health and Wellness Association (D-SHWA) and has invited other independent and voluntary sectors to come on board with the Ministry of Health in making the public sector the commissioner of services.
Royer is convinced “that by doing so collectively, the health awareness among the population, to live healthier lives will be raised”.
This is a great move forward in that sector. Well done to all the organisers.
I wish both partners a long and healthy partnership. Continuity is a key.More of this type of collaboration is needed as one cannot do it effectively alone. We are all Dominicans and need each other no matter what. Let us share with each other. That is the only way we can empower one another in the fight against these threatening NCDs.