A private sector business has been commended for staging an initiative to promote a healthier Barbados, even as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness touted an all-of-society approach to tackle the non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis facing the country.
At the prize-giving ceremony for the 10,000-Step Challenge, facilitated by Dr Emma Dash of the Livewell Clinics, Minister Davidson Ishmael said the NCD challenge must be faced head-on.
“It is not just government that has a responsibility for tackling this issue. Non-governmental organisations, charities, clinics, and individuals at a very personal level, at the household level, all need to take responsibility for us being able to tackle the problem in our country,” he said.
The challenge, which encouraged participants to walk 10,000 steps daily for 90 days, came against a backdrop of startling statistics, with the Barbados government spending around $64 million annually to fight hypertension and diabetes.
Minister Ishmael said this meant $64 million less for investment in education and other areas, while an estimated $145 million was lost annually in productivity due to NCDs. Eight out of 10 deaths in Barbados are attributed to these conditions.
“It is a simple investment in your future, in your health, in your well-being and, of course, a very massive investment in our well-being as a country, because the health of a nation is indeed the wealth of a nation.”
Meanwhile, Dr Dash said the ceremony on Saturday was about more than awarding prizes – it was about celebrating movement, commitment, and a shared vision for a healthier Barbados.
She explained that the mission for the challenge was to provide large incentives for Barbadians to move.
“In a world where convenience keeps us sitting, we wanted to remind our community that every step matters, every movement counts, and every choice to be active is a step towards a longer, stronger, and healthier life.”
Underscoring the impact of NCDs, Dr Dash said, “They claim too many of our loved ones, reduce our quality of life, and place an enormous burden on our healthcare system. We believe that through collective action, education, and consistent movement, Barbados can set an example for the world.”
Prizes for the challenge included discounted services at Bayview Hospital, a range of electronic devices, and a portable air-conditioning unit by Coast to Coast Cooling. (STT)
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