President The Most Honourable Jeffrey Bostic is warning that health policies aimed at combating chronic diseases will remain ineffective unless health care workers and communities are actively engaged in understanding and addressing the issues affecting public health.
He was addressing yesterday’s opening of the Diabetes and Hypertension Association of Barbados, Republic Bank Barbados Ltd Live Stronger, Longer Blue Wellness Conference at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus’ Graduation Tent.
He stressed the need for stronger efforts to reach people at the community level, noting that health messages were often not effectively understood.
“We have to stop preaching to the converted. Not that that is not important, but we are not going to make headway if we do not get into the nooks and crannies of this country, in every village, in every parish,” he said.
Bostic, a former Minister of Health, shared his own personal experience with an NCD (noncommunicable disease), saying he was not fully aware of the factors contributing to the condition until receiving guidance from his doctor and health care team.
He said greater emphasis must be placed on early screening and improving public education surrounding chronic illnesses, particularly within villages and communities.
The President noted that Barbados’ health care system was built on the backs of polyclinic workers, nurses and medical officers who operate efficiently with people in communities.
He called for a broader national response to chronic diseases, including improved school nutrition standards, urban planning to support access to safe physical activity, expanded access to screening and affordable medication.
Bostic also urged a shift in approach among health care professionals, saying they should move from being “responders” to “coaches” who focus on patient education and ongoing lifestyle conversation.
While noting progress such as the food labelling measures and taxes on sugary drinks, he said culture remained one of the biggest barriers to change. He warned that policies must be better connected to people’s everyday realities, particularly their food tradition and lifestyles.
Bostic said Barbadians should not be asked to abandon their traditions but rather be supported to adapt them in healthier ways.
“Barbadians will never abandon their food, their celebrations or their way of life, and we should not ask them to. The job of all of us in positions of leadership and in positions of authority is to help people to adapt those traditions so that they sustain life and not shorten it.”
He also urged a collective national effort to confront chronic diseases, saying the country must approach it “as if we are fighting an enemy”. (AJ)
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